Hello. First, thank you for having me up here, and letting me talk about my grandpa. Thank you.
I am Gael Garza. I am the grandson of Arturo Treto Garza.
You wouldn't know this, but I was born on 9/11. So, you might think I would be the most patriotic person in the room. But I humbly say that goes to my wonderful grandpa, my wonderful abuelo. He fought for the freedom and wellness of so many people, not just here in the city, but also in Viet Nam, where he served.
My abuelo was a family man. Whatever he did, he always put his family first, no matter how tiring it was. He always put his family before everything, and made sure to spend time with everyone, each and every one of them.
In 1965 my abuelo joined the US Marine Corps, which marked the start of not only his service to his nation, but to his community. During his service, he did two tours of Viet Nam, earning the rank of sergeant and the nickname Sergeant Ese.
After his tour, he then started fighting for the working rights of his fellow farm workers. After securing the rights of the farm workers, he started to lay the groundwork of Su Clinica Familia. After all that fighting, fighting a war, fighting for farm workers' rights, and building a clinic, you’d think he would slow down a little.
But no, he continued fighting for others and helping the residents of Cameron Park gain access to water utilities. Still continuing on his path of helping others, he helped bring in medical facilities to the (Rio Grande) Valley for veterans of the same war he fought in.
Even though my abuelo passed before I could really get to know him and his contribution to the Valley, I would always hear stories of how he helped others and prioritized his family. Hearing these stories led me to the conclusion that my abuelo was a man that would always put others in front of himself and help those in need of a helping hand. And to me, I think that's how he would like to be remembered.
Thank you for your time. And have a great night.
Editor’s Note: The above remarks were delivered by Gael Alejandro Garza, grandson of the late Arturo Treto Garza. He delivered the remarks at a Harlingen City Commission on July 1, 2026. At the conclusion of his remarks, Mayor Norma Sepulveda said: "Your abuelo sounds like an incredible man, and I'm sure he'd be very, very proud of you." Soon afterwards, commissioners voted unanimously to name a new park after Gael’s grandfather.
The late Arturo Treto Garza is pictured (left) with Rey Molano, then president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 856. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of the Harlingen City Commission discussion on whether to name a new park in honor of Sgt. Arturo Treto Garza:
