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I really dont know much about what happened but watching this documentary has helped me understand a little of what my grandfather had to go through. My Grandfather Johnny Figueroa served in this war and lost a leg. I am thankful for my grandfather and even though he isnt here i can honestly say i am proud of him. I am proud of my puerto rican heritage and of the Boriqueneers. I’m a little shocked of what happened to my people. I never thought they would actually try to massacre them after they tried to help a country which they didnt belong to. They were treated the way they should of and this document changed my opinion of the Army. I am not a soldier but i am a daughter of one. I thank God my father hasnt had to go through something like this. I thank those that fought in this war and my Puerto Rican pride stands STRONG…….R.I.P Abuelo Johnny Figueroa
God Bless!!

Before I say anything else I must say that this was a beautiful and well put together documentary. As a member of the military for the past 16 years and recently returning from Afghanistan I must say, I can relate. Discrimination will always be there, I’m just glad we have better ways to fight those issues straight on now days. What moved me the most was how true it was back in there days and still is today,the pride with which we serve. No one can never take that away from us. We will excell at what we do, no one has to like us as a people but they sure will respect us from our actions, and our actions speak loud. The way they looked out for each other, is the same way it’s done amongst us today, while I was in Afghanistan the Puerto Rico National Guard came around and it was like being at home, that bond was formed immediately. This film is just inspiring and filled with patriotism, it tells more than just of the 65th, it tells you who we are. I hope I had never given my people a bad name or in any way disgrace such amazing individuals such as “the borinqueneers”. I had to purchase this dvd just so I can sit down and watch it with my sons. I wish more films like this and “hereos de otra patria” were made, just beautiful, GREAT JOB!

Como decimos en Puerto Rico, esto es lamentoso. Every man in my family, served in the military, from my grandfather Geronimo Colon, served during the 1st world war 1914, my father Antonio Rivera served during the Korean War with the 1st infantry division 1951 to 1955, my uncle Claudio Rivera served in Korea 1959 to 1962, my uncle Rosendo Rivera served as an infantry man during Vietnam 1963 to 1968 and retired after 27 years of service, my youngest brother Luis Rivera retired with 23 years from the Coast Guard, my self Marcos Rivera retired 22 years Air Force and I am still working in the aviation field as an Aviation Safety Inspector. Realistically speaking, discrimination is never going to disappear. In my opinion, just the fact that we were born and raised in Puerto Rico, that excluded us from a lot of the oportunities that are granted to others in North America and no matter how much we try to excel we are always going to be in second place without the proper recognition from the American Government. That is why, based on these issues I always tell my kids to never settle for less and always strive for that first place, even though our chances are a second place. I’d like to thank the people that put together this documentary film, and it’s about time the world can see that Puerto Rico does exist, and that we deserve the recognition as Americans that we are.

I am so proud of my Puerto Rican people. Watching the DVD made me burst with pride and at the same time experienced sadness at how some were treated unjustly. Thank you so much for this gift of presenting to the world another insight into the Puerto Rican soul that so many do not experience.

HI
My father served in the 65th Regiment. He used to tell me stories but I was too young to understand their significance. Thank you for making this wonderful film to honor these courageous men. My only regret is that my dad did not live long enough to see it. He passed away in Nov. 2000 at 72 in NYC.

His name was Pfc. Jeronimo Roman-Cuevas (52-55??). He was from San Sebastian(Barrio Aibonito), PR. If anyone served with him or has any info on who served with him, please contact me at roman_magaly@hotmail.com.

thank you so much.

I saw the Borinqueneers on September 15th on PBS in Chicago, where they also interviewed Noemi. this production moved me to tears. My father was one of those court martialed and he remained resentful of the US government until the day he died. I cannot thank you enough for finally telling us the true story. My father refused to talk about it so we did not realize exactly what had happened and why. Keep up the good work.

Erasmo Rivera Pagan,SFC,65th Regiment,3rd Infantry,7/4/30-3/20/07. My eulogy:

1st understand his roots in the culture of Puerto Rico:a synthesis of 3 separate cultures:the indigenous people,the Spaniards & the Africans on a Caribbean Island 100×40 miles,but witha much larger impact on Latin America than its size.From my 2-week experience at age 26 this culture has the most color blind society I have ever seen.It was a fully-functioning economy for centuries: they lived off the land.

2 patterns emerged:a 500-year time frame vs.200 of the mainland US.A color blind society & a longer evolution than the USA,was important;also a functional excellence going on here.Caribbean baseball stars(Alou Brothers,Rod Carew,Orlando Cepeda & Juan Marischal)stood out.

I married Gloria & went to San Juan for our honeymoon;on return to California at Mexican restaurants,many songs played live were Puerto Rican!La Ultima Copa,Amistad,
Pa’Todo El Ano,En Mi Viejo San Juan.The white Rum of choice is Bacardi of San Juan.The world’s largest radio telescope is at Arecibo,operated by Cornell University.

200 years vs 500.Cultural hi standards.Quality.Cultural excellence.Teamwork & Color Blindness,vs. a young country, where only 140 years ago Civil War ended slavery.Puerto Rican society:300 years ahead of America -a more advanced state of development.

The culture said a person’s worth is based more on merit and ability to contribute to society; less upon privilege and what one could take from it.Many parallels there,with some of my country’s highest ideals.

So who was this soldier? 1st:A survivor, shot by the enemy in Korea,blown out of a Jeep in Vietnam,but with sand bags on the seat and floor,he escaped death while his driver,who didn’t,didn’t. If your soldiers don’t survive,you lose your army,the battle and the war.

2nd,he lived a code of honor every day of his life, and happy to help those of peers who needed to understand The Code.

3rd,an aggressive scrappy fighter.Maybe not so important in peacetime,but of incalculable worth on the battlefield.

4th,an indomitable will to live.In his 70s the VA medical staff saw this,as he cheated death,for 3 years.What about being a supply sergeant? Some downplay its importance.History says otherwise.The Lend-lease program, late 1942,re-supplied the Russians,while VonPaulus was bogged down with dysfunctional supply lines.In the Battle of Stalingrad that followed(1/1/1943) Konev&Zukhov turned the tide of the European war. Better supply, better results. Another example:the Liberty Ships. Supply is a critical function:the force with the superior supply wins the war.

As a provider & father,others already reported on his working 2 or 3 jobs to make extra money.He fed the homeless veterans from holiday left-overs, decades before it became fashionable.

He was for me a source of inspiration,& an example of a more advanced society,deeply rooted to the land,than what I see around me today.

In the photo gallery there is a picture of an Andres Figueroa Rosado. He served in the Korean War around 1951 or so with the Medical Company with the 65th Inf. He was a proud veteran and then the warehouse that held his records burned down. Is there any info anyone can help with like where did you attain the photo or any other roster that his name was on, did you serve with him? I am his son in law and served for 34 years active and reserve. I am a retired CW4 Aviator and flew Medevac in Iraq in 2004. I respect his service and only wish for him to receive his just dues. Your attention will be greatly appreciated.

If anybody has information to assist Andres Figueroa Rosado, please contact me at:

Carlos.Roberto.Hernandez@us.army.mil

Thank you,

CW4 (Ret) Carlos R. Hernandez

This is OUR Tuskegee story. This is a brilliant film by Ms Naomi Figueroa Soulet; it is about a forgotten unit of a “forgotten” war. However, the unit’s actions against its “domestic enemies” are what haunts the memory of what should otherwise be the most celebrated and decorated unit in our Armed Forces – bar none, bar none of our conflicts.

See the film and spread the word! This is a gold mine for Puerto Rican pride and we need to cash it in.

Boricuas – Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen – this is about our “Band of Brothers.

My Father Jesus Roman Sanchez, the one I’m very proud off, serve in the Korean war from 1951-53. My father right now he is legally blind, and could not see the documentary, but if anyone remember him, and it’s in Puerto Rico, contact him and talk to him. He’s spent must on his time at the VA in Hato Rey. The borinqueneers will be showing here in Dallas tomorrow, and I will sponsor this film and also with some memorablia. Please support this heroes and be proud of our country. The way I’am.