Impact of War: Guererro Azteca Peace Project
Levi Martinez
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: News
April 24, 2008 -- Cal State San Marcos held guest speaker Fernando Suarez del Solar who was invited by the National Latino Research Center, MEChA, and the Women's Studies Club. The issue was the local impact of war on Latino youth. Various students crowded Academic Hall to listen to Fernando speak about his experiences with the armed forces, how recruitment affects Latino's throughout the San Diego area and the tragic loss of his son as a Marine.
The movement that Fernando started is known as the Guerrero Azteca Peace Project (Aztec Warrior), it is comprised of ten members and Fernando does not look to recruit members but rather distribute the message that brings awareness to how the Army and other branches recruit the Hispanic and African American communities in a substantial amount as opposed to schools which are primarily white. Fernando has been traveling for the past five years, preaching peace and spreading the message to young students who belong to minority groups. His message is simple: recruiters are deliberately going to low income high schools trying to recruit kids which may not be thinking of attending college while making false promises.
During one interview with a recruiter, Fernando asked whether the recruiter would recommend the armed forces to his or her children, the recruiter responded saying "no, my child doesn't need to, they have other opportunities".
Fernando's son, Jesus Suarez, was approached by a Marine recruiter at the age of 15. Fernando was convinced that the best route in joining the Police force (Narcotics Department) would be through enlisting in the Marines and doing his civic duty, and at the end of his four years, he would have a strong enough resume to apply to the academy. The recruiter painted a nice picture, saying that his son would only serve one year on tour. Jesus spent two years requesting his father's permission. Fernando finally gave in, and in his own words said "a father must support his sons decisions" when interviewed after his presentation. Jesus was told to transfer to a chartered high school in order to go directly to book camp after graduation. Although he was 17 and a half years old, he was still able to sign a four year commitment.
The movement that Fernando started is known as the Guerrero Azteca Peace Project (Aztec Warrior), it is comprised of ten members and Fernando does not look to recruit members but rather distribute the message that brings awareness to how the Army and other branches recruit the Hispanic and African American communities in a substantial amount as opposed to schools which are primarily white. Fernando has been traveling for the past five years, preaching peace and spreading the message to young students who belong to minority groups. His message is simple: recruiters are deliberately going to low income high schools trying to recruit kids which may not be thinking of attending college while making false promises.
During one interview with a recruiter, Fernando asked whether the recruiter would recommend the armed forces to his or her children, the recruiter responded saying "no, my child doesn't need to, they have other opportunities".
Fernando's son, Jesus Suarez, was approached by a Marine recruiter at the age of 15. Fernando was convinced that the best route in joining the Police force (Narcotics Department) would be through enlisting in the Marines and doing his civic duty, and at the end of his four years, he would have a strong enough resume to apply to the academy. The recruiter painted a nice picture, saying that his son would only serve one year on tour. Jesus spent two years requesting his father's permission. Fernando finally gave in, and in his own words said "a father must support his sons decisions" when interviewed after his presentation. Jesus was told to transfer to a chartered high school in order to go directly to book camp after graduation. Although he was 17 and a half years old, he was still able to sign a four year commitment.
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