Flags of Service

Branch: U.S. Air Force (2000–2020)
My father proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Joining straight out of high school at just 17 years old, he left behind everything he knew in pursuit of a better future. Throughout his military career, he served his country with dedication and honor, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beyond his service, he was a member of the Air Force boxing team and later became a coach, mentoring and training fellow airmen while sharing his passion for the sport. His commitment, discipline, and perseverance helped shape not only his military career but also the life he built afterward. Through hard work and sacrifice, my father created a stable and successful life for his family. Having grown up without many of the opportunities he wanted, he spent the next twenty years ensuring his children had every chance to succeed. He worked tirelessly to provide support, encouragement, and experiences that would help us reach our goals and dream bigger than he was able to as a child. My father’s dedication to his country, his family and his personal passions has made him a role model whose example continues to inspire me everyday.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Navy (2001–2023)
CO: 2030 (B.S., Psychology)
Issica Sewell is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and joined the U.S. Navy in 2001. She began her career as a Torpedoman’s Mate, a rating that later merged into the Gunner’s Mate rating. After 22 years of faithful service, she retired as a Chief Gunner’s Mate.

Issica and her husband, Maurice, have five amazing children, one energetic grandchild, and two playful French Bulldogs. They both retired from the U.S. Navy in April 2023, celebrating their service in a beautiful dual retirement ceremony.

Branch: U.S. Navy (1998–2018)
Chief Petty Officer Albert Ramirez, USN (Ret.), served honorably in the United States Navy as an E-7 veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (1979–1986)
CO: 1980 (Economics)
Chuck Wright was a member of Student Goverment at UTSA, graduating in 1980 and was the 1st Marine officer commissioned from the school.
He became a CH-46 pilot, completing 2 WESTPAC deployments before returning to Texas to found Lone Star Wealth Strategies.
In Feb of 2024, he was appointed by Gov. Abbott as one of the Texas Veterans Commissioners, culminating a long list of veteran-based organizations he had served.
A graduate of Randolph High and an Air Force brat, he and his wife Michelle live in Frisco Texas.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (1999–2009)
My Dad was in the Marine Corps Reserves for six years and then active duty for four. He deployed to Iraq from August 2008 to February 2009. He was a Military Police First Lieutenant. Now he is a Law Enforcement Officer here in San Antonio.

Branch: U.S. Navy (1987–2007)
Michael Garza is a retired U.S. Navy veteran who served 20 years as an Aviation Electrician. His time in the Navy took him around the world, including Japan, and he also served during Operation Desert Storm. After retiring, Michael earned his bachelor’s degree and went on to work for Union Pacific.

When he’s not working, Michael enjoys watching the Houston Astros and cheering for the Texas A&M Aggies, especially since his son is an Aggie. He’s also a big golf fan and enjoys getting out on the course whenever he can.

Branch: U.S. Army
LT Colgan was a special forces operator who became a CAG member and went to OCS. He was branched Chemical Corps and deployed to OIF I and easily managed to gained the trust, faith and confidence of his BN CDR and was ultimately allowed to run missions with an adhoc platoon. One of these missions cost him his life. A great warrior, a great patriot, an amazing man. Respect always brother.

Branch: U.S. Navy (1998–2023)
Maurice B. Sewell is a native of Abbeville, Alabama. He began his U.S. Navy career as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling), or ABH. After eight years, he cross-rated to Navy Counselor (Recruiter), NC(R). Following 26 years of faithful service, he retired as a Senior Chief Navy Counselor.

Maurice and his lovely wife, Issica, both retired from the U.S. Navy in April 2023, celebrating their service in a beautiful dual retirement ceremony. Together, they have five amazing children, one energetic grandchild, and two playful French Bulldogs.

Branch: U.S. Navy (2002–2022)
Senior Chief Petty Officer Dave Wysk, USN Corpsman (Ret.), served honorably in the United States Navy as an E-8 veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (2004–2013)
Sergeant Frank Lopez proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0311 Infantry rifleman. A veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, he continues his lifelong dedication to protecting and serving in the San Antonio community.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (1996–2006)
A dedicated infantry squad leader with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, Sgt. Sean H. Miles gave his life in service during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Al Karmah, Iraq. Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for Valor, Sgt. Miles laid down his life to save a fellow Marine. A true Marine’s Marine, beloved leader, husband, and father whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Branch: U.S. Army
Christopher Padilla proudly served his country as an Army combat veteran in Iraq, enlisting immediately after high school. His selfless dedication during Operation Iraqi Freedom remains a source of pride for his loved ones. Christopher passed away in 2020, and his legacy of service and patriotism lives on.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (1991–2004)
Deployments: Okinawa | Somalia (Operation Restore Hope) | Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Staff Sergeant Eric Alva served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps. On March 21, 2003, he became the first American service member wounded in the Iraq War and the first Purple Heart recipient of the conflict. Following his military service, he earned his Master’s in Social Work and became a prominent national advocate for veteran rights and civil equality, testifying before Congress to help repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Today, SSgt Alva serves as an adjunct professor at UTSA, educating future social workers.

Awards: Purple Heart Medal | La Raza Heroes & Heritage Award | People Magazine Heroes Among Us Award

Branch: U.S. Army (1995–2004)
Staff Sergeant Jerry Cortinas served in the United States Army for nine years, including six years as a Green Beret with the U.S. Army Special Forces and three years with the 25th Infantry Division. In December 2002, while deployed to Afghanistan with his Special Forces Group, Staff Sergeant Cortinas was injured in the line of duty. In recognition of his bravery and service, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visited Staff Sergeant Cortinas and his family, where President Bush personally presented him with the Bronze Star.

Branch: U.S. Air Force (1994–2013)
CO: 2011 (M.S., Criminal Justice)

Branch: Not provided (1999–2016)
In memory of Wiley R. Davis Technical Sergeant 1999-2016. My father was one of the most kind-hearted and caring person who led with compassion and always put his family first. A proud Georgia bulldogs fan.He walked in faith and was loved and cherished by all who knew him.

Branch: U.S. Army (2009–2014)
CO: 2018, 2025 (Executive MBA)
Victor Gonzalez is a U.S. Army veteran, business professional, and community leader with a passion for service, leadership, and supporting military-affiliated students. He served five years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Victor is a proud three-time graduate of UT San Antonio, most recently earning his Executive MBA in 2025. His connection to the university extends beyond the classroom. As a student, he served as President of the Student Veterans of America chapter and later continued his service to the university as a member of the Veteran and Military Affairs Advisory Board, where he currently serves as Chair.