MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County War Memorial is honoring dozens of Hispanic and Latino service members with a special exhibit during Hispanic Heritage Month.
According to the Department of Defense, more than 17% of active-duty military personnel from all service branches identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Many of those Wisconsin veterans are featured in the Latino Veteran’s Exhibit.
Local Marine veteran Carlos Figueroa visited the exhibit to see some familiar faces. He says service is a part of his family.
“I think it was just our thing to do,” he said. “I joined because of my uncle Butch, who was like a dad to me. He spent three tours in Vietnam in the Marine Corps, and I looked up to him.”
Figueroa’s son, Michael, also followed in his footsteps. A photo of Michael is part of the exhibit. Michael enlisted in the Army and served overseas.
“I am just so proud of him,” Figueroa said. “This is where he is based in Afghanistan.”
But the person in the family with the most incredible story of service is Figueroa’s stepdad, Marcos “Jesse” Martinez.
Martinez was the son of immigrant workers in Waukesha. He enlisted in the army so he could help his family pay the bills, and was sent to help fight in the Korean War.
While in Korea, Martinez was injured in battle, captured, and held in brutal conditions as a prisoner of war for two years. Years after being released, he was awarded a Purple Heart.
“It’s just amazing what these people went through, and still held their head high.” Figueroa said.
Figueroa said despite the pain his stepfather endured overseas, he returned to Wisconsin and lived out the rest of his life as a positive and loving role model for his family.
“You look at these two, and I’m proud of them that they did what they did,” Figueroa said, looking at the photos of his son and stepfather.
A family that is proud of their Hispanic heritage, and proud to have served the country they are thankful to call home.