#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Raymond Emilio Torres

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Raymond Emilio Torres.

Raymond joined the Navy in 1966. After completing Field Medical Training in North Carolina, he was stationed at the Great Lakes Hospital in the general medicine and cancer wards. Raymond was sent to Phu Bai, Vietnam in 1967 with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment. In Phu Bai, he ran patrols, worked as a medic, and participated in ambushes, making occasional contact with the Viet Cong.

Raymond was in Khe Sanh during the Battle of Khe Sanh, one of the longest and deadliest battles of the war. He was stationed on Hill 861A at an aid station. While helping the wounded Marines, a grenade exploded within three feet of him, leaving him critically injured. Raymond was evacuated from the base and treated.

In 1970, Raymond was discharged three months early in order to care for his terminally ill father. After his service, he went on to work for the Red Cross.

Thank you for your service, Raymond!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.