Mario Valencia
*Our story about Mario Valencia gets media coverage
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12 News saw our story about Mario Valencia and contacted us about doing a story with him. You can see their story here.
Our goal is to shine a light on all the great people and events in the West Valley. Happy we could help get Mario's story shared, too! |
12 News with Mario Valencia
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February 14, 2015
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Editing Note: Roughly a week ago, I joined a neighbor in starting up a community Facebook page in Estrella. As things go, we've tried hard to keep the comments positive and productive. You could say we were blown away when a photo of a torn American flag was posted to the page along with this message...
"I'm a Desert Storm Veteran, and this is the flag that is representing our country behind the Shell Gas station? To top things off, it's at half staff! I'm willing to replace it if you all approve?" Mario Valencia posted the photo at 6:23pm on February 14, 2015. Within two hours, more than 30 followers responded with notes of gratitude and offers to help cover any expense.
I couldn't let this kind deed go unnoticed. "Thank you", Mario, for your service to our country and your continued dedication to ensuring our American flags are respected and displayed properly. |
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Q. Please tell me a little about your background. Where are you from? How did you make a move to Estrella?
A. I’m originally from Chino Hills California. High school football player, Air Force Law Enforcement officer, and rugby player here in Phoenix (although I can’t play currently due to school). Just got back from Sydney Australia where I played in an International amateur rugby competition representing Arizona and the U.S. I moved to Estrella four years ago to be with my current partner Randy. |
Valencia in Saudi - Building 131
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Building 131 two days after the picture above was taken.
Q. Please tell me about your service in the military and Desert Storm.
A. I was in the Air Force as a Law enforcement officer stationed at McClellan AFB Sacramento. I went on three overseas tours. The first being Guantanamo Bay Cuba, the second being Dhahran Saudi Arabia which was in support of Operation Desert Storm. While there I survived a bombing on June 25, 1996 that killed 19 Americans and my brothers. After that, I volunteered again to go back to the desert in Incirlik, Turkey. There is nothing worse than leaving your brothers and sisters in combat behind.
Survivor’s guilt is not dealt with easily, and I still feel it to this day.
A. I was in the Air Force as a Law enforcement officer stationed at McClellan AFB Sacramento. I went on three overseas tours. The first being Guantanamo Bay Cuba, the second being Dhahran Saudi Arabia which was in support of Operation Desert Storm. While there I survived a bombing on June 25, 1996 that killed 19 Americans and my brothers. After that, I volunteered again to go back to the desert in Incirlik, Turkey. There is nothing worse than leaving your brothers and sisters in combat behind.
Survivor’s guilt is not dealt with easily, and I still feel it to this day.
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Q. Tell me about your life today. Family, job, interests.
A. Life today is much different but better than the one I had in California. I Love it out here in Estrella where I have been with my partner for four years. We have two dogs, Mila and Brooklyn. My sister in-law lives in Estrella, and my mother in law just moved into Canta Mia. I left the restaurant business and am going to school full time. With the approval of the Vocational Rehabilitation for veterans, I am currently working on my Bachelors in Nursing where I will be transferring to Grand Canyon University this summer. My goal is to work with disabled veterans at the Phoenix VA. Nothing feels better than giving back. As for work, I’m in a work study program where I’m at the VA hospital working different departments. As for interest, I enjoy taking my dogs to the dog Park, dinner and movies with my family, and Rugby. I just wish I had more time to play. |
Valencia playing Rugby in London, "I felt bad for him. He’ll never forget this American!"
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The Moving Wall in Estrella, October 2014, and Valencia's boots and medals
Q. When did you first notice the torn flag and where was it?
A. Last night while at the Shell gas station I noticed the flag. Mind you, I didn’t intend on walking up there, but something told me to, and it was right before sunset. When I got to the top I noticed the flag had holes in it. It was disheartening for me to see that considering my families military history and American pride. While in the Army Air Corps, my grandfather served our country in WWII. My father was in the Marine Corps during the Cuban missile crisis where the government used his Spanish speaking for intel. My uncle on the other hand served during Vietnam where he passed away. When the traveling wall was in town I left my boots and metals under my uncle’s name to let him know he will never be forgotten, and I was always with him.
Q. How did you decided to approach neighbors about replacing it?
A. I figured out of respect for my neighbors it would be appropriate to ask instead of doing it on my own. The Estrella Facebook page helped me reach out. I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and cause a commotion if someone was responsible for the area.
A. Last night while at the Shell gas station I noticed the flag. Mind you, I didn’t intend on walking up there, but something told me to, and it was right before sunset. When I got to the top I noticed the flag had holes in it. It was disheartening for me to see that considering my families military history and American pride. While in the Army Air Corps, my grandfather served our country in WWII. My father was in the Marine Corps during the Cuban missile crisis where the government used his Spanish speaking for intel. My uncle on the other hand served during Vietnam where he passed away. When the traveling wall was in town I left my boots and metals under my uncle’s name to let him know he will never be forgotten, and I was always with him.
Q. How did you decided to approach neighbors about replacing it?
A. I figured out of respect for my neighbors it would be appropriate to ask instead of doing it on my own. The Estrella Facebook page helped me reach out. I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and cause a commotion if someone was responsible for the area.
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Q. What did you think about the response you received?
A. To be honest, very surprised!!! I didn’t mention it for any recognition, I just figured it’s what any other red blooded Proud American would do for his community. Q. What actions did you take and why? A. I took the flag I raise at my home for holidays and replaced the damaged flag. I did it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s a reflection of the pride we have not only for our country, but for our community. |
Mario Valencia next to the flag he replaced, February 2015
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Top Responses when Valencia asked his neighbors to replace the flag:
And I think we as military vets (I served in the USMC OIF/OEF) do have authority since we served and fought for that flag!
Absolutely! Thank u Sir
Yes it should be replaced and lit. We'll help contribute to both the flag and the lights.
First of all Thank You for your service to our Country!!! Our community would be honored to have you replace the flag.
This teacher happily thanks you for your service and definitely approves a new one! Thank you again for another service of replacing it!
Make it happen Captain!
Mario Valencia and all others who served, thank you for your services in keeping us all safe and this country a great place to live. I would also like to help fund a new flag, maybe bigger and a nice very bright light so that it can be seen from a far!!!!
Mario Valencia, thank you for your service! And appreciate all the military does for our country!! God bless you! And thanks for switching the flag!!
Mario Valencia's boots and medals at The Moving Wall in October 2014. Photo courtesy Jen Barber.