Trinity staff remember their veteran family members

Nelda Cortez , administrative support specialist in the office of Chapel and Spiritual life, sent in a blurb about her father, Jose S. Ramirez .

“God and Country best describes our Dad, who served in WWII, 1943-1945, as an infantryman. We’re thankful he returned to marry and start his family, making use of the GI Bill and going mechanic school, mechanics was his profession. Well known in Hondo as “Joe,” he was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion, serving over 60 years. His patriotism was always displayed by flying the US flag and wearing his award pins on his cowboy hats, caps, jackets, and vests. Joe always had a wave and a friendly smile, striking up a conversation with everyone he met. We honor him and many more today and every day.”

E’Randa Newsome , program operations manager in the center for international engagement, sent in a blurb about her father, Charles Wallace Newsome .

photo of Charles Wallace Newsome (photo courtesy of E’Randa Newsome) “Newsome served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Although the military had officially begun desegregating, he still faced racial discrimination within its ranks. Wounded while serving in Vietnam in 1971, he continued his distinguished military career until retiring in 1982.

Having experienced Jim Crow firsthand, my father was determined to give his children a different upbringing. He sought assignments abroad, limiting our family’s time in the South to protect my older siblings from the daily indignities of segregation, particularly in education. His choices taught us that dignity, opportunity, and freedom were worth protecting.

A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Mets, and NASCAR fan, he passed along his love of sports and country to me. Four of his five children followed him into military service, two in the Army and two in the Air Force. My sister became one of the youngest Chief Master Sergeants at Lackland Air Force Base before retiring in 2008.

His legacy is one of courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He taught me that protecting your family’s future is also an act of patriotism. He was a remarkable soldier, but more importantly, he was a GREAT dad. I will always be proud to be his daughter.”

Jason Hardin , staff librarian in Elizabeth Huth Coates Library, sent in a blurb about his grandfather, William Hoyt Hardin .

Photo of William Hoyt Hardin (photo courtesy of Jason Hardin) “My grandfather served with the 3374th Quartermaster Truck Company near Anzio, Italy, during World War II. I’m in possession of a number of his letters that he sent to his folks back home in Rienzi, Mississippi. A letter dated 16 Feb. 1944 includes a plea for a care package containing “a few boxes of candy.” Later in the letter, Hoyt also asks for camera film rolls but reiterates the most critical item: “don’t forget the candy!”, LOL. Grandpa Hoyt had his flaws, for sure. He was quite fond of partying. He ran afoul of the MPs [Military Police] more than once, and on one occasion wrote a letter home asking for a loan of $85.00 to pay a fine in lieu of a court martial! After the war, Hoyt returned to Mississippi where he began a long career as a carpenter. For some reason lost to family history, he nailed his wartime dog tag to the wall in his tool shed, where it remained for decades.”

Trinity staff remember their veteran family members

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