Pueblo Latino veterans to receive 'Profiles in Courage' awards

Five local veterans will be recognized as recipients of Pueblo Latino Veterans Profiles in Courage awards during the Pueblo Latino Veterans Profiles in Courage Committee's seventh annual ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St.

Jose Isaac Gallegos, William Rodriguez, Carlos Hernandez, Ricardo "Alex" Arellano and Frank Ortega will be honored at the ceremony. Juan Espinosa, an honorably discharged Vietnam War veteran and retired journalist, will be the evening's guest speaker.

Since 2015, the Pueblo Latino Veterans Profiles in Courage Committee has recognized veterans of Hispanic descent with ties to Pueblo County at an annual ceremony during National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Awardees are nominated by friends, family and community members. Recipients must have served honorably, either in times of combat or non-combat, according to the ceremony's Eventbrite page.

Jose Isaac "Flash" Gallegos

Gallegos, a Korean War infantryman, served from September 1951 to June 1953. During one of 12 battles, he was wounded by opposing forces immediately after his best friend was killed. While having wounds treated by allies, Gallegos was reported missing in action. He was later returned to his unit and transported to a military hospital.

Originally from Amalia, New Mexico, Gallegos relocated to Pueblo following his time in the service. He worked with Colorado Fuel & Iron for 40 years, according to his April 4, 2010, obituary published in the Chieftain. He also was the recipient of a Purple Heart, two Bronze Service Stars, a Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

Gallegos was nominated for the award by his son, Rick.

William Rodriguez

Following a successful allied invasion on D-Day in 1944, the 20-year-old Rodriguez was responsible for transporting supplies and heavy equipment with the Red Ball Express convoy system. He marched with Allied forces through France and Germany in the Battle of the Bulge before being medically discharged in December 1945 at Camp Carson.

As a U.S. Army technician with the 3139th Signal Service Company, 8th Tank Battalion and 4th Armored Division, Rodriguez was the recipient of an American Campaign Medal, the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Ribbon and a WWII Victory Ribbon.

Rodriguez was posthumously nominated by his daughter, Nancy Mestas.

Carlos "Chuck" Hernandez

Born on Moffat Street in Pueblo's Grove neighborhood, Hernandez served in the U.S. Navy from February 1953 to January 1956. He was an active member of his community, visiting and administering the Eucharist to bedridden individuals in homes, hospitals and nursing homes in addition to serving with the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team.

With the ritual team, Hernandez was a participant in over 500 ceremonies and funeral services with full military honors. At ceremonies and services, he wore his Navy uniform and played taps on the bugle. While some of his military records were lost in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, his honorable discharge documents have been preserved.

Hernandez was posthumously nominated by his son, Chuck Hernandez.

Ricardo "Alex" Arellano

Born in Costilla, New Mexico, Arellano joined the Army at 17 and served over 30 years in the military. From September 1949 to January 1953, Arellano fought in Korea and Japan. He received an Army Occupation Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and Korea Service Medal before being honorably discharged from the Army in 1953.

In October 1953, Arellano reenlisted, this time with the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time as a marine, Arellano received three good conduct medals, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal and Unit Presidential Citation Medal. In total, his military service spans over 30 years.

Arellano's great nephew, Aaron Gutierrez, submitted his nomination.

Frank Ortega

Ortega served as a U.S. Marine Corps rifleman from 1988 to 1992. He received a Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Marine Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Mast and National Defense Service Medal. After his military service, Ortega became a police officer with the Pueblo Police Department.

In addition to being a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and police officer, Ortega trains community members through the Citizen's Academy Training Program, as well as police departments in other cities including Chihuahua, Mexico. He also volunteers with the Diocese of Pueblo and Community Circles in Pueblo's East Side neighborhood.

Ortega was nominated by Sol Sandoval.

Community members seeking to attend the awards ceremony can purchase tickets on Event Brite for $50, or by calling the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce at 719-334-1503. The Pueblo Latino Veterans Profiles in Courage Committee recommends attendees wear business attire. Military attire is optional, according to a news release from the committee.

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached by email at JBartolo@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Five vets to receive Pueblo Latino Veterans Profiles in Courage awards