Hector Gonzalez

Hector Gonzalez served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Specialist 4.

After six years of dedicated service to our Nation, Mr. Gonzalez was honorably discharged on January 29, 1971. He earned numerous recognitions, including the prestigious Presidential Merit Award, Certificate for Exemplary Services, and Dedication to the United States Armed Forces for his unwavering commitment from 1968 to 1974.

Despite facing the horrors of combat, being hospitalized three times, and battling diseases like malaria, Mr. Gonzalez continually returned to the field to support his fellow soldiers. His tour continued with a stint in Germany from 1969 to 1970, before completing his service at Fort Riley, Kansas as a member of the esteemed Big Red One Unit.

Transitioning to civilian life, Mr. Gonzalez pursued higher education, and embarked on a career as a special agent for investigations in Puerto Rico from 1974 to 1976. Shortly thereafter, he made a pivotal decision to join the Screen Actors Guild and pursue a career in acting. He starred in feature films, commercials, and television shows, marking the beginning of a flourishing acting career that would see him garner numerous accolades and recognition for his talents on screen.

Passionate about giving back to his community, Mr. Gonzalez, along with his daughter, co-founded Just 3 Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on arts education for children in Brooklyn. For over two decades, they were able to provide a platform for budding artists to develop their craft and share their talents with the community.

A devoted Sunset Park resident for 40 years, Mr. Gonzalez is actively involved in community affairs, serving as a board member of Community Board 7 and holding the position of Second VP of the International Sunset Park Lions Club. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including street festivals and charitable drives, for the betterment of his community.

His dedication to service knows no bounds, as evidenced by his involvement in relief efforts during Hurricanes Maria and Irma in Puerto Rico. He was awarded the Hero Award of the Month in 2017 by then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and received a proclamation in honor of his service and selfless contributions.

Mr. Gonzalez is among the esteemed veterans selected to participate in the 4th Annual Vietnam Veterans Honor Flight. As he continues to serve his community and Nation, Mr. Gonzalez exemplifies the true spirit of patriotism, service, and community.