One Coachella Valley family, 50 American Heroes

This Veterans Day, we honor the Ortiz family. They came to the Coachella Valley a hundred years ago and answered the call to service time and time again.

More than 50 family members have served in the U.S. military; 11 are currently active. An Ortiz has fought in every conflict since World War II.

For the Ortiz family, it’s a tradition of pride and service — not because they have to, but because as Americans they feel compelled to.

“If our country says fight, we will fight. I am proud to be an American,” said Vietnam veteran Johnny Ortiz.

From World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom, an Ortiz fought for our freedom.

“I served from 1964 to 1968,” said Johnny Ortiz.

“I’m an E5 sargent in the Marine Corps,” said Phillip Ortiz.

“I served four years in the National Guard,” said Pete Ortiz.

More than 50 members of this Coachella Valley family answered the call of service time and time again. Eleven members are still on active duty, including a woman who fought in Afghanistan as a sniper.

“Every time there is a conflict, we are all ready to go. We are ready to serve and do whatever our country asks us to do,” said Johnny Ortiz.

Each one of their faces is on a banner honoring their service.

“Our banner speaks for itself. We look at it with pride,” said Johnny Ortiz.

It’s a pride that began in 1915, when Maria and Isabel Ortiz moved to the Coachella Valley.

“My grandfather was a Spaniard and my grandmother was Indian, Hispanic from Zacatecas. Everybody here is from them two,” said Pete Ortiz.

The two raised 16 children. Some of them became the first of the Ortizes to serve in the U.S. military.

“The war started, it was kind of like, we got to go. That’s the story I got from all my aunts and uncles. They were all ready to go into the military to help to serve this great county,” said Pete Ortiz.

That sense of duty continued generation after generation.

“I’ve got two sons in the military right now and a grandson. Very proud of that, always proud to see our sons go in the military.” said Johnny Ortiz.

Hispanics make up about 13 percent of military personnel serving today, according to the Department of Defense.

“You could be Latino, you could be white, you could be African American, Mexican American, Indian American. It doesn’t really matter,” said Phillip Ortiz.

Marine Sgt. Phillip Ortiz didn’t grow up feeling the pressure to serve, he just wanted to.

“It’s amazing to see that, to see my brother go on there, my nephew go on there. I would hopefully, I’m not going to force my kids to go into the military, but hopefully they would want to follow in our family’s generation of military men,” said Ortiz.

Pete Ortiz served in the National Guard in the 1950s.

“My mother lied about my age, so I could get into the military at 16,” said Ortiz.

He didn’t know until he applied for medical benefits that he had earned commendations. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz gave Ortiz the Marksman Badge and Pistol Bar at a special ceremony last month.

“We aren’t after the recognition really, we are just happy to serve,” said Johnny Ortiz.

After a century in the Coachella Valley, the family is getting recognition. Three weeks ago, Ruiz spoke about them on the House floor.

“A remarkable family of American heroes,” said Ruiz. “For their selfless and honorable service, I am proud to recognize the valor and sacrifices of the Ortiz family.”

“Just proud, in tears, because those are my sons that he was talking about,” said Ramona Torres, an Ortiz family member.

The family was so proud, the video of Ruiz’s speech was viewed 6,700 times on Facebook.

The official Extensions of Remarks was presented to the 250 Ortizes gathered for their 11th family reunion in October.

“I think it was something great. Something that I’ve never seen before. It was a surprise to me,” said Phillip H. Ortiz.

“To say that one family alone can have all of that contribution for our country, it’s definitely amazing,” said Anthony Hernandez, an Ortiz family member.

It’s a contribution the Ortizes plan to continue.

“I hope that my grandchildren carry on with that so do the family proud,” said Torres.

“We have spaces on the banner for more. In fact, we might have to make a bigger one eventually,” said Pete Ortiz.

On this Veterans Day, we say thank you for your service.