Sgt. Francisco Barrientes was born on December 5, 1947 in Edinburg, Texas. He attended Edinburg schools and is a 1968 Edinburg graduate.

Sgt. Francisco Barrientes

1Sgt. Francisco Barrientes was born on December 5, 1947 in Edinburg, Texas. He attended Edinburg schools and is a 1968 Edinburg graduate.

2Mr. Barrientes served in the United States Army from August 5, 1968 June 1, 1971.

3He also served in the Republic of Vietnam from January 12, 1969 - July 13, 1969. He was 21 years old.Gun Squad All made it back alive.

4Mr. Barrientes washed potsand pans that needed to beready before dinner time.

KITCHEN DUTIES

5TRAGEDY

6On May 5, 1969, a hand grenade struck his leg leaving him injured. However, this did not discourage him from returning to the frontlines. In addition, he received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

7On June 20, 1969, tragedy struck again. Sgt. Barrientes received an AK47 gunshot to the face leaving him severely wounded.

8He is now left without an esophagus and with damaged vocal chords. Since 1969, he has lived a very different lifestyle.

9Since then he has been unable to eat or drink by mouth. He requires an alternate means of nutrition which is provided through a feeding tube attached to his abdomen.

10After seven and a half long and painful years of medical attention, he returned back home to Edinburg, Texas.

11FamilyOn September 2, 1972, he married Martha Galindo. They have three children: Leonel Eduardo, Jose Francisco, andLucy Marie.

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Jose Francisco, Lucy Marie, Mr. & Mrs. Barrientes, Leonel Edwardo13

Mr. Barrientes with his brothers and sisters.

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FAMILIABARRIENTES15His Faith and DevotionMr. Barrientes has volunteered at Holy Family Catholic Church since 1971.

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He actively participates in coordinating the altar services, CCD classes, and assists the priest in overseeing the church's organizations and events.

18Edinburg SchoolsMr. Barrientes has left his fingerprints on the hearts of so many children in the Edinburg School District.

19This is just a glimpse of what Mr. Barrientes does for the children of our district. His dedication and time given to the community is immeasurable. He has over 21,000 volunteer hours.

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Mr. Barrientes participates at Edinburg Schools on Veterans Day programs.

21Due to his commitment to students and the future generations of Edinburg, he was honored with numerous awards: Heroes for Children given by Texas Education Agency, and Certificate of Recognition given by The State of Texas House of Representatives.

22Mr. Barrientes is a respected individual who has won the hearts of our community. He fosters in everyone an appreciation for life. He passionately instills in children his motto, Stay in school and get a good education, appreciate what you have, and dont take it for granted. He is a committed and dependable individual who will continue to contribute to this All-American City of Edinburg.

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Its not really my life anymore. I believe that I was allowed to survive for a reason. -Sgt. Francisco Barrientes

24He truly stands alone and is worthy and deserving of having a new middle school named in his honor. It is with great pleasure and honor that we present .Francisco Barrientes Middle SchoolHome of the Bearcats!!