Discussion Questions

1. What attributes helped Roy Benavidez overcome immense odds? Why did it take so long for Benavidez to receive the Medal of Honor?
2. Who were Euripedes Rubio and Antonio Maldonado? How did they contribute to the Vietnam War?
3. What did Vietnam Veterans encounter when they returned home to the United States? How were Hispanic soldiers' experiences different than other soldiers?
4. What are the accomplishments of Admiral Horacio Rivero? What were some of the failures of the United States at the Bay of Pigs?
5. In what ways has Richard Rocco been a hero outside of war? What is PTSD?
6. How did the military change people's lives in a positive manner?
7. Who is Jesse Treviso? In what ways does he contribute to his community? Why is Charley Trujillo an important Hispanic hero?
8. What were different Hispanic heroes fighting for throughout the history of the United States?
9. What is the significance of Memorial Day? Does Memorial Day have meaning for those people not directly involved in the celebration?

Research Projects

1. Choose one Latino who is a hero outside of war and give an oral presentation. Include pictures, charts, storyboards and other materials in your presentation. Explain why you think this person is a hero. Does it take a war to make a hero? What are the qualities which have made this person a hero or a leader? How has this hero contributed to his/her community?
2. Interview a U.S. War Veteran, preferably an Hispanic Veteran. Make a list of 10-15 questions to use in your interview. The following are some suggestions: Why did this person go to war? Was it voluntary or involuntary? What kind of loyalty did this person feel towards the United States? What are some of the war experiences s/he will never forget?
3. Study immigration patterns of Hispanic and Latin-Americans over the centuries. What are the trends and reasons for immigrations? Show your findings in graphs, maps and charts.
4. During The History Channel's "Heroes Hispanoes," one veteran said the following statement: "We never look at the color of skin. The only color that we should look at is the red, white and blue. We're all Americans." Write an essay agreeing or disagreeing with this quote. Explain your opinion and use examples.