KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A veteran from Puerto Rico has made the U.S. his home ever since Hurricane Maria, and on Veteran’s Day, this Korean War vet felt extra American.
- Puerto Rican veteran of Korean War now in Kissimmee
- He was part of the 65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers)
- 65th Infantry Regiment awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Ninety-one-year-old Ismael Martinez is a Korean War Veteran from Puerto Rico. Remaking his life here in Kissimmee after Hurricane Maria left him with absolute devastation.
In this new Kissimmee home, Martinez’s daughter and son in law are his caregivers. They say this veteran has done his time, and it’s now his turn for someone to take care of him.
Puerto Ricans have been part of many military conflicts the United States has been involved in, including the Korean War. Martinez is part of the 65th Infantry Regiment nicknamed “The Borinqueneers.”
“People here congratulate him, shake his hand and thank him for his service,” said his wife Milagros Ruvira in Spanish. “That wouldn’t happen in Puerto Rico… We feel so loved here in the United States.”
Martinez lost his left leg during combat. It’s a memory he says will forever be ingrained in his brain.
“A mortar went off near me, and I ran as fast as I could to try and escape from harm’s way but I still got hit,” Martinez explained.
Despite being born on the island, Martinez said he is proud to have served this country and is glad he survived to tell the tale.
The 65th Infantry was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal two years ago. .