The Joseph G. Rose VFW Post 7635 is working to establish a memorial in Newman to honor area service members who lost their lives while in military service. The effort aims to recognize Pfc. Hector Martinez Jr., Army Cpl. Tony "TJ" Gonzales, and Sgt. Jose Rodriguez, all of whom had ties to Newman and Gustine.
These young men answered the call to serve their country, but their lives were tragically cut short. Martinez Jr., originally from Patterson, enlisted in the Army in 2008 and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he trained as a combat engineer. He died in a car accident on Feb. 8, 2009, just months before his scheduled deployment to Iraq.
Gonzales, a Newman resident, was killed in combat on Dec. 28, 2008, in Sadr City, Iraq. He had been serving in the U.S. Army since 2006 and was highly decorated, receiving the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Global War on Terrorism Medal, among other honors.
Rodriguez, a Gustine High School graduate, died on June 19, 2012, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. His military service earned him several commendations, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the NATO Medal.
The memorial being proposed would serve as a visible tribute to their sacrifice and remind residents that the cost of freedom is often paid with the lives of dedicated service members. The VFW post envisions a moving memorial that rotates throughout different locations in Newman during the summer months. The display would consist of white crosses with yellow roses or wreaths, accompanied by an American flag and solar lighting to ensure visibility at night. Volunteers from local organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts, service clubs, and other community groups, would help maintain and relocate the memorial over time.
Jorge Martinez, a local veteran advocating for the project, believes the tribute would help families find solace in knowing their loved ones' sacrifice is recognized. “The loss of a loved one is eternal; it never fades and is never forgotten,” Martinez said. “While life experiences may temporarily obscure their passing, it always returns.”
The VFW post is also considering a permanent plaque or statue to stand as a lasting reminder of their contributions. Martinez emphasized that such a tribute should not merely exist as another monument but something that actively engages the community. “I hope a live-moving memorial awakens citizens to the realization that freedom is not free,” he said.
Additionally, Martinez hopes the effort will help raise awareness about the continued needs of veterans. “This would remind politicians how much veterans and their families sacrifice,” he said. “It would remind them not to interfere with VA services and of the importance of continual mental health support in rural communities like Newman, Gustine, and Patterson.”
As plans develop, the VFW post encourages community members to get involved, whether by volunteering to help maintain the memorial, advocating for its approval, or simply taking time to reflect on the sacrifices these soldiers made.
