The 100-year Legacy of An American Immigrant Family

By Roy Ortega 

When my grandparents immigrated to the United States from Mexico in May of 1925, they carried little more than hope in their hearts. Froilan and Dolores Ortega could never have dreamed that, a hundred years later, their footsteps would echo through generations, shaping a legacy that still blooms in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Immeasurable Contributions 

In the last century, descendants of Froilan and Dolores have participated in every aspect of American life. All have excelled in their respective endeavors. They have done more than their share in building and
defending America. Today, Ortega family members include health professionals, law experts, educators, entertainment, media and communications specialists and numerous other vocations and professions. Quite notable is the large number of family members who served with honor and distinction in our country's military services, from World War II through the most recent world conflicts.

A Lasting Legacy 

Immigration is the foundation on which this nation is built. It is my hope that the faulty notion of immigrants as criminals and an insufferable drain on America's soul can somehow be dispelled with facts and the realization that immigrants are truly an indispensable part of American life. The legacy they leave behind continues to shape the ideals and values of our community for generations to come.

 The number of direct descendants of Froilan and Dolores Ortega is currently estimated to be more than 400 (living) and growing. 

The list below is by no means conclusive. There are many other family members with equally impressive backgrounds and accomplishments who are not mentioned in this article. Included in this list are young members of the newest generation whose future contributions will undoubtedly keep the family legacy alive long after the immigration debate comes to an end.

The List

-Luis V. Ortega, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Army, World War II Combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient. (1925-1987)

John R. Ortega

-Salvador V. Ortega, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Army, World War II Veteran. (1927-2007)

-John R. Ortega, Compton, California. U.S. Marine. Korean War Veteran. Civil Rights Attorney. Clients include the United Farm Workers Union. (1935-2007)

Ramona Ortega 

-Ramona Ortega Liston, Ph.D., Phoenix, Arizona. College professor. Author. Harvard University graduate. Served in the President George H.W. Bush Administration.

Etna R. Ortega

-Etna R. Ortega, San Antonio, Texas. City of San Antonio Administrator, Real Estate professional.   

-Marisa Landsberger Oakes, Tampa, Florida. Physical Therapist. Clients include President George H.W. Bush.

Marisa Landsberger 
Oakes

-Troy Hunt, The Villages, Florida. Retired. U.S. Army Airborne.

-Ruben Ortega, San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Navy. Retired. Noted artist and muralist.

-Ray Ortega, Chicago, Illinois, Financial Planner.

-Victor Martinez, San Antonio, Texas, military veteran.

Ephraim Banda

-Ephraim Banda, Cleveland, Ohio. NFL Safeties Coach, Cleveland Browns.

-Guadalupe O. Mireles, Somerset, Texas. U.S. Army, Vietnam Veteran. Purple Heart recipient.

-Mark Ortega, Phoenix, Arizona. Musician, singer, entertainer. 

-David Ortega, Sr., Scottsdale, Arizona. Retired Administrator, State of Iowa.

-Nicholas Flores, San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Army, Combat Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom. High School Band Director.

Nicholas Flores

-Jason Mireles, San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

-James A. Ortega, El Paso, Texas. U.S. Army veteran. EMT. Crisis Intervention Specialist, El Paso Police Dept.

-Evan A. Ortega, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Board Administrator, Regulations and Licensing Dept., State of New Mexico.

-Debra Riedesel, Cumming, Iowa. Retired Registered Dietician.

-Benjamin Proscelle, San Antonio, Texas. Science Teacher and Coach, San Antonio ISD. 

-Edis Knoop, Colorado Springs, Colorado. U.S. Air Force. High School English Teacher, Librarian. 

-Eloy Martinez, San Antonio, Texas. Transportation Services.

Andrew Mauricio

-Andrew Mauricio, San Antonio, Texas. HEB Grocery Company. Diversity Champion.

-Carmen Lott, San Antonio, Texas. Registered Nurse. Community health professional.

-David Ortega, Des Moines, Iowa. Businessman, Ortega's Tacos, LLC. 

-Richard Ortega, Palmdale, California. Retired Engineer, Northrop Corp.

-Ryan Daniel Flagg, Austin, Texas. Aspiring actor. Incoming freshman at Texas State University. 

Ryan Daniel Flagg

-Alissa Ortega, Cedar Falls, Iowa. 5th and 6th Grade Band Director, Cedar Falls Community School District.

-Ty Ortega, Northfield, Illinois. Athlete. Champion hockey player. 

Maxx Manzano

-Adam Keller, San Antonio, Texas. IT Specialist.

-Maxx Manzano, San Antonio, Texas. Accomplished musician, talented guitarist.

Author's note: This narrative was written largely in support of, and in solidarity with, the millions of immigrants currently under siege in America. It is intended to show that the many positive contributions made by immigrants and their families cannot be discounted or dismissed. Sadly, the true value of an immigrant is often misunderstood or unappreciated until much later.  In reality, immigrants are overwhelmingly good, decent, hard-working people who wish to live in peace and harmony with their neighbors. In the last 100-years, members of the Ortega family have proven that immigrants truly deserve a rightful place in American society.

A complete history of the Ortega Family can be found at: The Ortega Blog: The Life of Mamá Grande

Roy Ortega may be reached at rortega54@elp.rr.com All comments are welcome.