Comentarios

Noemí and the Crew of the “Borinqueneers”

When I was asked by my compadre, LTC (Ret) Bart Soto, who’s “Papá” was also a member of the 65th, to help with this project I thought it would be an honor. How wrong was I; it was instead a humbling experience. The honor in this experience was not my participation. It was, first, to have lent a small helping hand to such a group of dedicated professionals, who as a result of their efforts in documenting the history of the 65th, have received honors, awards and accolades from the Hispanic community as well as the entire Nation. The honor, secondly and most importantly, was the opportunity to learn the history of the Borinqueneers of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Like many others, I was aware of the 65th’s participation in the war only as a result of the naming of state highway 2 in Puerto Rico as the “Avenida 65 de Infantería. I was raised in our beloved Borinquen and not even in school did I hear of the history of our dedicated “Boricuas”. When I finally viewed the film, I came to realize the sacrifices made by and injustices that the Borinqueneers had been subjected to. I learned of their unselfish and valorous actions. The film is an emotional portrait of a great chapter in the history of Puerto Rico. Thanks to Noemí and the rest of the crew and most importantly, thanks to all the Borinqueneers of the 65th for giving me another reason to be proud of being a “Boricua”.

Note:  Mario played an instrumental role in helping us translate the military terms in the film into Spanish.  ¡Gracias a tí, Mario, por tu servicio en el Ejército y tu ayuda en el documental!

I did not get to watch The Borinqeneers documentary on my local PBS staion, so I purchased the film. I was blown away at how well it told the story about my brothers-at-arms – a story I had never known – until now.

I watched the firm with so much pride in my veins that I decided I could not keep it to myself. I tell everyone about it, especially, other Puerto Ricans I know or meet.

I sent the film as a gift to my brother (Army, Retired) in Colorado; he too shares the story.

Thank you so very much to everyone involved in putting together.

Sincerely,

Edwin Rodriguez
Senior Master Sergeant (Retired)
US Air Force

Thank you for bringing to light the sacrifices made by our Puertorican men way back from WW1. My uncle, Herminio Sepulveda, from Maguaguez, was a sergeant in WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. I have old pictures of him and some of his buddies back in the Philippines. I also have a cousin, Adolfo Quiles Perez, living in Mayaguez, that fought in the Korean war. He was wounded and has shrapnel in one of his legs. I have a picture of him in his army uniform. I would love to share these pictures and would like to know if there is a page where I can upload these pictures.

Needless to say, I’m very proud of my uncle and cousin and I’m more than glad that our history with the US is full of honor. Maybe as our history emerges from the dimness, we as a people will be given the respect we deserve. Respect that has been brought with the blood of our men that have fought and continue to fight for our rights as Puertorican Americans.

Yo Soy Boricua – pa que lo sepas!!

Thank you, my dear sister-Noemi, for immortalizing through this revealing documentary the courage, spirit and heritage of our Puerto Rican soldiers, especially during the Korean War. Their story was buried in time, forgotten, but you revived it to stir the memories and emotions of those who witnessed their contribution to freedom, and so that new generations may honor our heroes and feel proud to be Puerto Ricans!

Let the story live on…

My father Enrique Vega Lugo, CO. G, 65th Infantry Reg.received the Silver Star in 1952. Does anyone remember him and what were circomstances for him winning this medal?

Hola a Todos los Veteranos de Korea!!

My Papa, Luis Diaz Santos, was a member of the 65th. Inf. Reg. My Dad was born and raised in Old San Juan, San Sebastian Street, as I was.

He served in Korea in 1950-52. and was with the 65th. until 1958 out of the Guardia Nacional in Puerta de Tierra, San Juan. In Korea, he served with the Heavy Mortars, as he did in Germany. Then he served with the Tank Company. My Dad was station at the 38th Paralel for a while too. His nickname was, Luis “Tabaco”. I wonder if any one remember him? He died retired in the Phillippines on April 09, 2005.

I just discovered the site today, Memorial Day, I am a veteran of Vietnam, 1970-73. I served with the 101st. Airborne Division, B Company, 1st. of the 501st.

I am very thankful to all involved in remembering our galant soldiers in Korea. We must also remember all the others in WW I, WW II, and Vietnam. God Bless Them All!!

Luis “Tabaco” Jr.

You do not have any idea how grateful we are to see the photo of my father, Maj. Luis R. Rodriguez, and husband to Nereida, on the pages of the calendar. Our family had never seen this photo. It is indeed an outstanding and well deserved tribute to all the patriots and heroes of the 65th who risked their lives to defend the lives of so many others. This is yet another item of memorabilia to be truly cherished. We, again, want to say that your having brought this story to so many of us has truly changed our understanding and admiration for what our father and his comrades went through.