David Franco, a veteran and firefighter, is someone many Corpus Christi residents might recognize because his face is featured on a new bus wrap celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Unveiled by the American G.I. Forum's Beatrice T. Perez Robstown Womens Chapter, the wrap honors local veterans, leaders, and students making an impact in their communities. Click here for a Neighborhood News report from Robstown regarding the bus wrap.Franco is honored to stand alongside fellow patriots, including Vietnam and World War II veterans like Jose Noe Mendez.When we came back from service, we werent treated very well. We had to do something about it, Mendez said.Franco humbly adds, I feel small compared to them. You look at World War II veteranstheyre considered the greatest generation. They fought in something we could never fully understand.Although Franco never fought on the front lines in the military, his contributions to the country and community have been profound.Hes been a firefighter-paramedic with the Corpus Christi Fire Department since 2013. In addition, hes an EMT skills instructor at Del Mar College, shaping the next generation of first responders.More than likely, if youve called 911 or been transported, I had a hand in your care, Franco said, reflecting on his role. He attributes much of his success to his military background. Having served in the Texas Army National Guard and, before that, spending eight years in the United States Marine CorpsIt definitely changed my life and opened up a lot of doors for me," he said.He has earned the following awards: Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation medal Army Achievement medal Navy/Marine Corps achievement medal Army goods conduct medal Marine Corps Good Conduct medal Iraq campaign medal GWOT Service medal GWOT expeditionary medalA proud sergeant and operations chief during his time in the Marines, Franco comes from a family with deep military roots. My father fought in Vietnam, my grandfather fought in World War II, my uncles fought in Vietnam, and my brothers served as well. Im proud of my military family, and my wife is also a veteran, he added.Franco's family is equally proud of their Hispanic heritage. We celebrate in small wayslike cooking and listening to Spanish musicbut the important part is recognizing where we come from and using that to move forward. Its about remembering the struggles our ancestors overcame, he shared.As part of the 11 honorees featured in the bus wrap, Francos image will be visible across Corpus Christi for the next six months, symbolizing service, progress, and pride in both his military and Hispanic heritage. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on our nation's achievements, culture, and history.Franco isn't just celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month; he's also raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He is an ambassador for Men Wear Pink of South Texas and he's working on raising money for the American Cancer Society.Click here to learn more.More Veterans In Focus stories are available here, along with resources for local veterans.Contact Veterans In Focus reporter Michelle Hofmann at [email protected]