The Clemente JROTC Department recently had the distinct honor of hosting the Borinqueneer Congressional Gold Metal Alliance team. The team is seeking Congressional approval to bestow the Congressional Gold Metal upon the Latino veterans who served in segregated units.
The ”Borinqueneers” were a group of highly trained Latino soldiers that served in the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico. This was the only Hispanic-segregated Active Duty unit that played a prominent role in our American military history by participating in three US wars.
Our students were given the opportunity to view a presentation that outlined the numerous successes that the Borinqueneer unit recorded during its period of activation. Our students also had the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with one of the sixty-five living Borinqueneer veterans. Cadet Commander Ashley Roman reflected on the visit and stated, “This was an awesome experience! I never knew that there were so many Latino heroes that helped to ensure the freedom that I have today.”