UnidosUS Mourns Passing of Latino Icon Gil Coronado

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WASHINGTON, DC — UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía released the following statement on the passing of Latino Icon Gil Coronado:

“We are profoundly saddened to learn of the recent passing of our dear friend and colleague Gil Coronado in San Antonio, TX. Gil rose from hardship as a youngster in the barrios of West San Antonio to serving with bravery and distinction in the US military and becoming a presidential appointee in the Clinton Administration. He became a revered figure in the Latino community in San Antonio and Washington, DC.

“Escaping a troubled home life, Gil enlisted in the US Air Force at the age of 16. He became a high-ranking officer, was in the Air Force for nearly 30 years, serving in Vietnam and was awarded many honors and commendations, including the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star. A high school dropout, he earned a GED and a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University while in the military.

“When stationed in Washington DC, Colonel Coronado grew close to many Hispanic leaders in Congress and national Hispanic organizations. He was a leading advocate for the expansion of National Hispanic Heritage Week into a month. Working side by side with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the legislation designating National Hispanic Heritage Month was passed by Congress in 1988. At a signing ceremony, President Reagan called Gil the “padrino” of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“In 1992, Gil was a member of President Clinton’s Pentagon transition team and later served as a deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1994, President Clinton appointed him as the first Latino Director of the US Selective Service. In that role, he spearheaded a pioneering outreach campaign – a campaign that then NCLR participated in – that targeted diverse communities, opening up opportunities in the military for young people of color.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Gil was known for his decency, kindness, honesty and commitment to his family, community and country. His ability to work effectively with both Republicans and Democrats is notable at a time of deep polarization. His devotion to faith, family, patriotism, selfless service, and hard work has been, and should continue to be, a model for all of us. His rise from the barrio to the highest levels of government, his willingness to risk his life to defend our country, and his strong values made him the embodiment of what it means to be both Latino and American.

“I would also note UnidosUS’ very personal connection with Gil Coronado. His wife of 67 years, Helen, was a longtime member of the NCLR staff, serving as Chief of Staff to former NCLR President and CEO, Raul Yzaguirre. Our deepest condolences go out to her, to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and to Gil’s many friends in San Antonio and across the country.”

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