User:Marine 69-71/Why do I write in Wikipedia
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Sometimes I've asked myself if it is worth it, the time and effort that I've put into Wikipedia. There have been many times that I have felt like quitting.
Then one day while I was looking for information about the Puerto Ricans who have been listed as missing in action during the different wars, I happened to come upon the name of PFC. Humberto Acosta-Rosario whose body was never recovered during the Vietnam War and was listed as an MIA. This young man was about my age and served about the same time that I did in the Armed Forces.
I went to my room and wept quietly and as many other times I wondered why was it that I survived the war and others didn't. As a father I could only imagine the pain and suffering that Acost-Rosario's parents must have suffered, not knowing if thier son was still alive.
I told myself that I had to write about him so that the world will know about the sacrifices that people like him have made. So many young men like Acosta-Rosario have been sent to war and have died only to have their names inscribed in some monument later to be forgotten.
Then I came to terms with myself. Maybe, I didn't die in Vietnam because it was my destiny to make sure that people like Acosta-Rosario are not forgotten. I mean what is the use of living your live if you have an opportunity to make a difference and you let it go by? In Wikipedia I found the perfect outlet to reach millions of people that I am able to educate about my little island.
Throughout the years, Puerto Ricans and Hispanics in general have been stereotyped by the negative American press as people who are lazy and drug users who only live off the welfare system. Little or almost nothing has ever been said of their positive contributions. I realized that I could make a difference through Wikipedia by writing about the positive contributions made by Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics by reaching millions of readers worldwide. This way I am able to change the image of Puerto Rico and honor the memory of those like Acosta-Rosario.
The statements below are from people who have let me know that I am doing something right and for that I have Wikipedia to thank for.
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Tony the Marine has been identified as an Awesome Wikipedian, Love, A record of your Day will always be kept here. |
"I am sending your web site to the cold war museum. I also will be letting my listeners know about you and your site. Listen in on sunday 12:30 to 2pm. www.wclm radio.com"
WCLM AM radio
"Dear Tony, Thank you for your terrific responses. It seems like you're really filling a niche in Wikipedia that's being shared with a large number of people. If you don't mind, I have another round of questions about writing versus editing articles, your sources, and other related topics. Feel free to answer at your leisure. Best,"
Joan Fragaszy - a historian working at the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University.
"Ha sido nun gran placer conocer un puertorriqueño tan"open minded" nacido allá. Hasta pronto, Olimpia"
(It is a great pleasure to have met an upen minded Puerto Rican born over there. Until next time, Olimpia"
Olimpia Colon-Aponte - author, niece of Jesus Colon
"Thank you for your interest in my art. I was looking at the bio that you used on your page. Thank You"
Obed Gomez- Renowned artist known as the Puerto Rican Picazzo
"Mr. Tony Santiago: President McClintock has referred your suggestion to me so that we can initiate the research process that precedes inclusion in the Memorial during our Memorial Day 2007 annual event honoring our heroes.
We'll keep you updated and, if included, could use your help in getting close family addresses so that President McClintock can invite them, as well as you, to the unveiling ceremony."
"Thanks for your assistance and everything you do to keep the world informed about Puerto Rico in Wikipedia."
Freddy Vélez-García - Secretrary of Administration of the Puerto Rican Senate
"Thank you for this information your site is a great site and has lots of useful infomation about the history and many of our famous Puerto Ricans. I haved linked your site to our Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture web page"
Liliana Nunez - ASPIRA Association
"ESTE PUERTORRIQUEÑO MERECE SER RECONOCIDO"
"En la enciclopedia mundial de la internet Wikipedia, la cual funciona a base de colaboraciones gratuitas, hay un marín boricua llamado Tony, segun explica hijo de emigrantes boricuas a New York, que ha escrito cientos de articulos sobre los puertorriqueños mas ilustres los cuales han dado la vuelta al mundo poniendo nuestra isla en alto, destacando lo mejor de ella, por puro amor a Puerto Rico.
Tony tambien es el editor gratuito de "Puerto Rican Military History Channel of "El Boricua" a monthly cultural magazine".
Creo que este tipo de orgullosos puertorriqueños en el exterior, deben ser destacados en nuestras noticias, porque en vez de concentrarse en hacer famosos a lo vulgar, lo grosero, lo criminal, se debe destacar lo mejor de los ciudadanos de nuestra isla, lo mejor de aquellos que trabajan arduamente por hacer de lo nuestro LO MEJOR.
Solo así podremos modelar mejores ciudadanos."
In the world encyclopedia of the internet Wikipedia, which counts with free calaborations. there is a Puerto Rican Marine maned Tony, son of Puerto Rican migrants to New York, who has writen hundreds of articles about notable Puerto Ricans and whose work has been read around the world putting the name of our island on a pedestal, telling about the best things of our island out of pure love.
Tony is also the editor of the "Puerto Rican Military History Channel of "El Boricua" a monthly cultural magazine".
I believe that these proud Puerto Ricans should be in our news, because instead of dedicating our newspapers to the vulgar, gross, criminal we should dedicate it to people who work hard to make our island the best.
That is the only way we can make better citizens.
Astrid - mother of Puerto Rican Top Model Astrid Munoz wrote to the newspaper "El Nuevo Dia"
"Dear Tony aka Tony the Marine . . . . WOW . . . WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!! Congratulations . . ."
"Somos Primos is getting better . . . because of the quality of submitters . like you and ERcheck."
Mimi Lozano - editor of Somos Primos magazine
"Tony, I congratulate you for all the contributions that you have made to the Wikipedia."
Col. Hector Andres Negroni - Puerto Rican military historian
Claridad Newspaper
Page2David E. Miró Feliciano - Claridad Sept. 14-20, 2006 - Newspaper article which stating that I'm the Puerto Rican who has made the most contributions to Wikipedia.
"Saludos Tony: Gracias por poner mi informacion en Wikipedia y por el trabajo tan importante que en este website te has dedicado al dar a conocer las figuras famosas de Puerto Rico."
Lunna - Puerto Rican singer
"Thanks for the nice article, ps. I have a picture that is sharper than the one you used please let me know if you would like to use it."
Dr. Sixto Gonzalez - The first Puerto Rican to be named Director of the Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest single dish radio telescope.
"Thank you Tony - Dear Tony, I don't know you, and you don't know me, but I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for the balanced and interesting article you wrote about me."
Vanesa Littlecrow - Is a multifaceted Puerto Rican who is a cartoonist, dancer, writer and a model.
"Dear Tony, David Van Pelt (author who also interviewed me for his book)gave me your contact info , and said you would be willing to be interviewed about your time in gangs in the 60s. Where do you live? I'd love to interview you in person if you're in the NYC area. Thank you very much for your help."
Ben White - Vice-Magazine.
"Dear Tony, I appreciate it tremendously. What is your address in the States I would like to send you some Post cards of my work..."
Antonio Broccoli Porto - reknown Puerto Rican artist.
"Tony, Saludos, I am currently working with the congressmans office and need to let you know that Congressman Serrano is a big supporter of all things and contributions Puerto Rican, particularly military. Please drop me an e-mail when you get a chance or call me. Also, the medal of honor pages are fantastic and provide a much needed sense of comfort with regards to contributions by our Puerto Rican brethren. Great Work!
You know I have thought about writing a book and the fact that your always writing is interesting and inspiring Juan Varela"
Juan Varela From the office of United States Congressman Jose Serrano
"Dear Tony, My name is Antonio Ramos, I write for El Boricua and my web page is titled: In My Opinion. I read your article about Puerto Ricans in NASA. I must tell you that after reading your article and seeing how many intelligent Puerto Ricans have reached new heights in the scientific world, I got goosebumps. I was filled with so much pride that I almost cried..., just wanted to commend you on your page and tell you to keep up the good work. Now that I know you are a history nut like me, I wonder if you wouldn't mind it if I could tap into your brains one day for historical information on Puerto Rico.
Antonio Ramos - Has a column "In My Opinon" - El Boricua Magazine
"Do keep up your good work, Tony "The Marine'!"
"You are a great man Tony "The Marine'!" it was most enjoyable, and educational talking to you this evening."
Daniel Lopez - Staff Writer, "The House of Puerto Rico-San Diego
"Dear Tony, My name is Daniel Colon Ramos, and I am a founding member, and director, of CienciaPR. Thanks for all the sections you have written regarding Puerto Rico in wikipedia. I echo your words on the importance of letting the world, and articularly fellow Puerto Ricans, know of the great work some of our people are doing worldwide. It was in part for that reason we formed the website of CienciaPR.
Please feel free to use any of our resources to find and write about fellow Puerto Ricans doing great work in the sciences. I think you will find our extensive dictory of ovr 800 active members and our news archive of particular interest in finding valuable information for your sections in wikipedia. Coincidentally, I was mentioning to some of our CienciaPR volunteers what a great job somebody had done in wikipedia with he PR sections (I did not know it was you at the time), and how important it would be to continue to write science information in those forums. So please let us know how we can help or collaborate with you.
So welcome to our community and thanks for all you have done for Puerto Rico," Daniel
Daniel Colon Ramos- founding member, and director, of CienciaPR.
"I so very much appreciated the recognition you've afforded me and the privilege to edit it like this. Let me know if you can use any other photographs of my work."
"Many thanks for the thoughtful sentiment, Tony. If you send me a mailing address, I'll send you a present from the PR Cuatro Project: Our two new DVD video documentaries: La Decima Borinqueña and Nuestro Cuatro Vol. 2, Un Concierto Historico" Best wishes, William Cumpiano
William R. Cumpiano- is a world renown author, master builder of Cuatros and teacher of the art of luthiery. Cumpiano was instrumental in the development of the first feature-length documentary about the cuatro and it's music, "OUR CUATRO Vol.1".
"Tony - thank you so much for your quick response. Our family lives a little north of the city of Atlanta, Ga. My email address is mbkouts@bellsouth.net. I have a brother and a sister and we have often said that we owe David Gonzales, Sr. our very lives. Dad vividly remembers the series of events that unfolded that day. Their Company Commander was killed that day and the next day, Dad received his battlefield commission to Company Commander status." Maribeth
"Tony - you are my hero. I will keep you posted and let's keep in touch. Thank you so very much!Maribeth
Maribeth - is the daughter of William Walter Kouts, the soldier saved by Medal of Honor recipient David M. Gonzales
"Saludos, Le escribo desde Michigan. He visto sus páginas y escritos sobre historia militar y lo felicito. Lo invito a ver nuestra página del Michigan Company of Military Historians and Collectors: MCMHC Web Page o http://thecannonreport.googlepages.com/" Cordialmente,
"Salutations, I am writing from Michigan. I have seen your pages and written work about military history and I congradulate you. I invite you to visit our page Michigan Company of Military Historians and Collectors: MCMHC Web Page o http://thecannonreport.googlepages.com/"
" If you live in Michigan we would be honored to invite you to one of our meetings."
José A. Amorós Alicea- is President & Founder of the Washington & Marshall Institute Project, Editor-at-Large of La Voz/The Community Voice and Commandant of the Michigan Company of Military Historians.
"Tony the Marine, The honor is mine to speak to such a dedicated patriot, educator, and writer. I marvel at your ability to collect, research, and synthesize vast of amount of material into great stories and articles about our cultural heritage. You are truly performing a great service for the future generations of our Country..."
"I head to the Naval Academy on Thursday to have lunch with the Latin America Studies Club...they have tapped your Wikipedia articles to build their Hispanic Heritage display."
Rear Admiral Jay A. DeLoach - Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments in the Pentagon
"Hey Tony: Great job! What a suprise my dad is going to receive. Again, thanks for all your work and may God Bless you. We need more people like you who gives of himself to people he barely knows. From now on we are friends united by your great pieces of work. If I can ever of service to you please let me know. I will continue to follow your writings on behalf of Puerto Ricans and Hispanics alike. Thank you again fir a job well done!"
Edwin Muniz Jr. - son of Captain Edwin Muñiz, the first person of Hispanic heritage to be named Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force and NASA.
"Tony The Marine:Thank you for all youv'e done for Ed (Senior & Junior). It was time that he was recognized for his achievements. We are forever in yor debt."
Maria Muniz - wife of Captain Edwin Muñiz.
"Dear Tony: That's a great article on an extraordinary deed. I'll make sure El Nuevo Día or Primera Hora get this. Primera Hora has an occasional ongoing series called "Puertorriquennos en la Luna" about prominent Puerto Ricans around the world.
I'm travelling today and don't actually have direct access to my speech in which, indeed, I compared you to Puerto Rico's Official Historian, Dr. Luis González Vale, who is a retired General and one of our best-known historian, specializing in military history. I will get you a copy.
While Wikipedia got a bum rap with the John Seigenthaler incident, it is filling a knowledge void that in my times The World Book Encyclopedia never filled and I hear that you continuously look out to provide the best information possible on all things Puerto Rican.
After the Memorial Day ceremony, for the first time we had a concert-picnic on the lawn with the huge Mita Congregation Band, featuring pop PR and US music with some emphasis on Rafael Hernández' music (the historic 1965 Banco Popular TV special dedicated to him weeks before his death is now out on CD, courtesy of BPPR; you can get it at my sister's e-business, musicaboricua.com!). We're planning to do it again next year and I hope you can then make it so we can honor you properly and that, hopefully, there are fewer names to unveil then.
Kenneth D. McClintock"
Portion of Senator K. McClintock's speech
on Memorial Day 2007Senator Kenneth D. McClintock is the President of the Puerto Rican Senate. He honored me and my work in Wikipedia in his May 2007 Memorial Day speech in Puerto Rico.
"HI, TONY WE THE PUERTORICAN COMMUNITY OF BETHLEHEM, PA. SALUD YOU FOR YOU GREAT WORK IN PUERTORICAN AND OTHER HISPANICS SERVING IN THE MILITARY. I AM SURPRICED OF ALL THE GREAT WORK OUR PUERTORICANS, MEXICANS, AND ALL OTHER LATIN AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE DONE FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY OF THIS COUNTRY. I LIVE HERE IN BETHLEHEM,PA. I KNEW LITTLE ABOUT OUR HISTORY IN THE MILITARY. MOST AMERICAN HERE DONT KNOW OUR MILITARY HISTORY. NOW WITH THE INTERNET AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU, WE CAN ENJOY READING ABOUT OUR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY. THEY WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW ABOUT US. I AM VERY PROUD OF MY 2 NEWPHEWS NOW ON THE MILITARY. JUST GOT TWO NEWPHEWS THAT ALSO SERVED 6 YEARS A YEAR AGO. HAD A BROTHER IN COREA, ONE BROTHER THAT WAS TWO YEARS FIGHTING IN VIETNAM, ANOTHER ONE THAT WAS IN THE SERVICE WHEN THE VIETNAM WAR, AND MY FATHER THAT ALSO WAS IN THE SERVICE. I HAD UNCLES IN THE MILITARY, COUSINS, 2ND COUSINS, NEWPHEWS, MANY OF MY FAMILY WERE IN THE MILITARY AND VERY PROUD OF SERVING. I REALLY ENJOY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIVE TO READ ABOUT OUR PUERTORICANS IN THE MILITARY. I HOPE MANY OTHER IN MY FAMILY WILL JOIN LIKE THE REST AND DO THEY SERVICE IN THE MILITARY TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY, FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY.WE THE PUERTORICAN COMMUNITY DE BETHLEHEM, PA, LIKE TO THANK YOU AND ALL THE PEOLE THAT THAT WORK HARD TO DO THIS WEBSITES OF OUR HEROES. PUERTORICAN POPULATION HERE ABOUT 20,OOO, ALLENTOWN, PA ABOUT 30,OOO, READING PA, ABOUT 10,OOO, EASTON, PA. ABOUT 5,OOO AND GROWING. ALL THE TOWNS AROUND HERE TOGETHER FORM ....THE LEHIGH VALLEY, PA. WE ARE ABOUT 40 MIMUTES FROM PHILADELPHIA. GRACIAS"
GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA AND PUERTO RICO, SINCERELY YOURS, ERNESTO J. MARRERO
"Wow- I can't thank you enough. That is one heck of a bio. You have a great talent with your writing. I think it is perfect because you spend most of the time talking about WWII and his time with the 442- which is exactly why he earned this. I think it's good to go. I am still waiting to hear back from Sen. Daniel Inoyee, as I sent him a note to ask him for a quote on Virgil Miller. If/when I hear back from him- I will forward a copy of this note on to you."
Andrew Macaulay is the grand-nephew of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, whose bio I wrote.
Resolution of the Senate of Puerto Rico #3603The President of the Puerto Rican Senate, the Honorable Kenneth McClintock presented me this resolution honoring my Puerto Rican related work in Wikipedia on behalf of the government. This may very well be the first time in history that a government recognizes someone for his work in Wikipedia.
"Wow that's really amazing and wonderful! Congrats!"
Jimbo Wales - founder of Wikipedia.
"Tony, This is great; I hope this can be a building block to get more recognition for what Guy Gabaldon accomplished in persuading all those Japanese soldiers to surrender. Guy’s weapon was the fluency he had with the Japanese language and his ability to convince the commanders to give up. In doing so he saved many lives both Japanese and American. This recognition by the USMC can be very helpful in fulfilling Guy’s dream of the nation’s highest recognition, though we don’t have Guy anymore his family would feel gratitude that only the family could feel. Congratulations on getting the USMC recognition, I’m Air Force but for you, Semper Fi, Jorge"
Jorge Haynes - Senior Director, External Relations California State University, in relation to my having Guy Gabaldon recognized by the "Who, Who's" of the United States Marine Corps.
"Tony, Great job!!!, Today I mailed you the packet, you will be receiving by Friday. There will be other information. I will go over and let you know if changes need to be made. thanks. Cheo"
"Tony, And you are also an Angel. God Bless you."
Ismael and Aida Mendez- Brother and sister-in-law of Sgt. Angel Mendez, a United States Marine Navy Cross recipient whose article I wrote.
"Tony, You should be proud of yourself....here is answer from Chief Justice of Pa, his new position. Ismael"
"Aida and Iszzy: thank you for sending the article on Angel. The article is beautifully written and worthy of the beautiful spirit of Angel. Please keep us advised with regard to the quest for the Medal of Honor. If it helps any, the Postscript could indicate that Ronald D. Castille will become the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania on January 7, 2008. He would never have gotten to this high position without the bravery and sacrifice of his Right Guide (and I believe that Angel is Ron's personal angel)."
Reaction of the Honorable Ronald D. Castille, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania on my article about Angel Mendez.
"Tony, It is understandable for my family to honor his memory, but the pride and joy that I feel in knowing what you have done to keep his memory alive for such noble purposes is indescribable. I still remember the pride and excitement I felt when I first came across your bio in Wikipedia, and you can multiply that several times for most of my relatives. After I read it the first time, I edited it to fill some of the blanks I considered relevant. I have a lot of information about him if you need it)."
"Can I ever thank you enough? Before I continue I thought you may want to know that my grandfather's obituary was featured in the New York Times on 11/09/1939. Also the shell from the bullet he used to stop the Odenwald is at my sister's house."
Margarita Marxuach Dross, granddaughter of Lt. Col. Teofilo Marxuach, credited with firing the first shot in World War l on behalf of the United States.
"Tony, how does an unmet acquaintance express pride in the acts of the other without sounding hollow? I dont know, but I did read in a college ad something that best expresses my sentiments."
- "We were born to lead.
- Build a team
- Create a community
- Guide an enterprise.
- Inspire by example.
- Have big shoulders.
- Make those around you better.
- MATTER!
"You Tony, have made a world of difference and are an inspiration. It is absolutely wonderful, god bless the Puerto Rican treasure that you are! Wishing you and yours much health, happiness and continued success!"
Rafael Ojeda - Member of Defend the Honor.
"Dear Tony: Just a short note to wish you and your family had a very merry Christmas Day and wish you all the best for the new year."
"One of the highlights of this year was the opportunity to meet you personally in Phoenix after hearing so much about your work. I hope that a highlight of 2008 may be hosting you in San Juan and having you on the "templete" for my last Memorial Day celebration and concert as President of the Senate. Best wishes,"
Senator Kenneth D. McClintock - is the President of the Puerto Rican Senate.
"Tony, Congrats on your resolucion del senado.. I had no idea.. since I am in la Camara, those dont necessarily reach over to the other side. Weird how some information and even rumors and gossip doesnt cross over. In a sense, its a Gosend. I am sick and tired of the "lleva y trae" and all I want to do is do my job. I have no idea if Kenneth mentioned it, but my husband is the "Director de Asesores del Presidente de la Camara". Even though we are in the same place, we dont really work together but we do similar stuff, and we do bump into each other once in a while (specially at home-jejeje). Id rather keep a low profile and work from home. Politics is draining enough!"
Sigrid Riefkohl - from the Puerto Rican Legislature, grandaughter of Brigadier General Rudolph William Riefkohl and grandniece of Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl
"Tony, I visited your website and am impressed. Needless to say, I am honored that you are spending your time writing about me."
"Good job on the bio. You do great work. Keep up the good work, and perhaps sometime soon, we may cross paths somewhere. I do appreciate what you did on this bio.... I could not have done it better."
Colonel Raúl G. Villaronga, U.S. Army (Ret.) - the first Puerto Rican to be elected as Mayor of a Texas city (Killeen).
"Nadine, I’d like to introduce Tony Santiago (aka Tony the Marine) to you. He’s interested in developing a historical highlight of notable Hispanics from the Services for our newsletter. Please include Tony in your newsletter submission requests."
"Austin, from time to time, Tony may provide you with historical info to add to the web."
"We recently named Mr Tony Santiago as our historian and he will probably get in touch with Dr. Thiesen soon."
Capt. Kathlene Contres, USN - is the Navy’s highest ranking female Hispanic Line Officer on active duty, Commandant of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) and the president of the Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO).
"I enjoyed your article (Hispanics in the United States Navy) and I think it could be useful to explain some of the Hispanic history/contributions in the U.S. Navy. I have also asked the Navy's personnel folks who also maintain some data wrt history and current contributions to take a look at the article. Ideally, I'd like to link them up with you to get you more access to information to allow you to have more examples to choose from/build on...."
Rear Admiral Patrick H. Brady, USN - The first person of Hispanic descent to be named Commander of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
"THANK YOU SO MUCH, TONY!!!! Thanks so much for your work on Marquita's page. I do have the photograph that you are talking about in our files. Again Tony - thank you SO much for your help to this Wikipedia virgin....it is much appreciated, and this page will certainly be sent off to the Smithsonian as part of the Living Memorial project. I have a "tribute video" on Marquita Rivera that is being finished."
Cynthia - whom I helped with the Marquita Rivera article.
"Tony: Thanks a lot. It was great meeting you and chatting with you. I am honored that you did all this for me."
Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan - the first Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent to become Deputy Commanding General of the U.S.Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
"Tony, Thanks a million for updating the info on Uncle Hector. Unfortunately, we have the same photo. The photos he sent me at the time were lost. If I ever get one I'll send you a copy."
LTC Nelson Guadalupe US Army (Ret) - Nephew of Medal of Honor recipient Spc4 Hector Santiago-Colon.
