Release Date: March 25, 2011
Office of District 3 Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos: 207-7064
Councilwoman Ramos to unveil and formally dedicate Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza USMC Park
During a public hearing in September 2010, Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos initiated the naming of newly-acquired park space in District 3 to be named in honor of fallen Marine and son U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza. On December 9, 2010, City Council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance naming the new park in honor of him. The park is located at 5206 Hillje Street.
Sgt. Mendoza was a lifelong resident of District 3 and was a Highlands High School graduate, class of 2003. He grew up a mere block down the street from the park. "It is only befitting that we honor our brave soldiers and in this case, Sgt. Mendoza," said Councilwoman Ramos. "He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties and freedom. This open space was where he spent his youth. It is now a new park that allows his own neighborhood the ability to create many memories in a special place that bears his name," Councilwoman Ramos added.
The official park dedication and unveiling of the sign is scheduled for Saturday March 26 at 10:30 a.m. The dedication ceremony will include speakers, military honors, three volleys of rounds, and the playing of Taps. Speakers include Councilwoman Ramos, Lt. Colonel Tiley Nunnink, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Lt. Col. David J. Barnes, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Emcee John Rodriguez, City of San Antonio Veterans Affairs Committee member, Patrick Miller, Gold Star Families, and the Mendoza Family. On hand to support the solemn dedication will be fellow Marines from Twenty-nine Palms, CA, where Matthew was stationed, and marines that are in San Antonio both active duty and retired.
Overwhelming support has come from around the globe. Paul Dughan, a former British soldier who served with Sgt. Mendoza in Gereshk, Afghanistan stated that "if you speak to any of Matthew's team, they would tell you how much we worked together and the strong bond we formed as brothers in arms."
A local soldier, Eddie Rodriguez, Veterans Resource and Referral Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission, also served with Sgt. Mendoza in Iraq and recently wrote in an e-mail to Councilwoman Ramos’ office "Thank you so much. I served with Mathew in Iraq (2007). Words can't even begin to express how happy this makes me feel…"
The City has already begun public meetings to gather ideas and comments to improve the park. Councilwoman Ramos is dedicated to collaborating with Forbes Elementary School, parents, and the community to make sure that the park enhances the local area. The park brings more than four acres of new open space to District 3.