In this class, you will be tasked with doing an Oral History Project. Your assignment will be to transcribe an interview that covers the educational experiences of Mexican Americans in Texas. The ta
Martin Sanchez Bio:
Veteran Martin Sanchez was a veteran of the military for twelve years serving during the Vietnam war. He was born to his parents; father Feliciano Sanchez, and mother Marceliana Sanchez, on October 21, 1943. Martin Sanchez was born into a big family, a family that involved of four brothers and three sisters, Martin was the fourth one to be born. His birth place was in Raymondville, Texas. Where he attended school throughout high school. His neighborhood where he grew up that was prominently Hispanic was in a good area, his lifestyle was believed to be lived comfortably. His home in which he was raised was a medium sized house that his father had bought for his family.
He first worked in a pharmacy as his very first job when he lived in Raymondville. Right after High school there began to be a shortage of jobs which is when he was advised by his two brothers to join the military motivating him to want to join. His brothers told him it would be a good choice and that his experiences and teachings in the military would be beneficial since two of them had been in the army and one in the navy. His father then enrolled him into the military at the age of seventeen. Veteran Martin Sanchez served for twelve years and then had to leave the military after being wounded three times. He then moved back to Texas re- accommodating his life in Houston in 1971, since his family had moved there by the time he was back. Later on, in his life he married and had one boy and girl; his son then later joined the army for some time.
Martin Sanchez’s outlook on his time in the military is that he wanted to protect and fight for his country. Martin may still wake up from nights of not being able to sleep because of thoughts related to his time in the war but, he is proud and thankful that he was able to defend his country and as stated by him, he would do it all over again.
Statistical Information:
Date of Birth: October 21, 1943
Date of Entry: November 1962
Enlistment Location: Okinawa
Volunteered or Drafted: Volunteered
Occupational Specialty: Mechanic, Infantry
Company of Divisions: N/A
Military Rank: N/A
Campaign of Battles: Vietnam
Branch of Military: U.S. Military
Citations or Recommendations: Congressional Medal
Discharge Status: Honorable, 1971
Quotes:
“You know your adrenaline gets up there, you can do anything.” 27:33-27:37
“I learned a lot of taking care of my fellow Americans, young kids, teaches them what I have learned through experience and I would always do it again if I had to.” 34:53- 35:08
“Well combat I had to do it and for America, my country. I will always serve my country but when we got back to like Fort Lewis, Washington. All the hippies were throwing stuff at us and spitting at us.” 35:21- 35:49
