World War II Veteran Roque Riojas

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World War II Veteran Roque Riojas

Series: KC Currents
From: KCUR
Length: 00:15:48

World War II veteran talks about his experiences as a midwest Latino in the Army. Read the full description.

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Piece Description

INTRO FOR SHORT VERSION: World War II veteran Roque Riojas was part of the Red Bull Division, which saw the most total days of combat of any Army Division during the war. Riojas served at the end of the North Africa campaign, and was in Italy until October of 1945. Two years ago, he represented midwest and Latino veterans at a White House breakfast for the dedication of the World War II memorial. Roque Riojas is now almost 85 years old. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross spoke with him at his house near the railroad tracks in Kansas City Kansas. It's not far from where he grew up. [or for the long version . . . "Over the years, as a Mexican American growing up in Kansas, he's gotten pretty used to introducing himself." IN: RIOJAS: People will ask me, especially people from out of town or whatever . . . OUT: RIOJAS: People recognize me a lot and when I go down the street I wear my cap that says WWII veteran on it and they say thank you for your service and that does make me feel good. TAG: World War II veteran Roque Riojas spoke to KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross.

Broadcast History

KCUR, 89.3 FM
KC Currents - 5/27/2008

Transcript

INTRO FOR SHORT VERSION: World War II veteran Roque Riojas was part of the Red Bull Division, which saw the most total days of combat of any Army Division during the war. Riojas served at the end of the North Africa campaign, and was in Italy until October of 1945. Two years ago, he represented Midwest and Latino veterans at a White House breakfast for the dedication of the World War II memorial. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross spoke with Roque Riojas at his house near the railroad tracks in Kansas City Kansas. It?s not far from where he grew up.

IN: RIOJAS: People will ask me, especially people from out of town or whatever . . .

OUT: RIOJAS: People recognize me a lot and when I go down the street I wear my cap that says WWII veteran on it and they say thank you for your service and that does make me feel good.

TAG: World War II veteran Roque Riojas spoke to KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross....
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