Press Release

Rep. Cuellar Awards Purple Heart to Laredo Veteran

? Sgt. Valentin Moreno served three tours with the U.S. Army in Vietnam

Washington, August 28, 2015 | Rafael Benavides ((956) 725-0639)
Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) today awarded Sergeant Valentin Moreno, a veteran with the United States Army, with the Purple Heart Award.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It was established by General George Washington in 1782.

For injuries received on August 19, 1969 as a result of hostile actions in the Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Moreno was entitled to the Purple Heart. In recognition of Mr. Moreno’s service to the United States during the Cold War, he was also awarded a Cold War Recognition Certificate.


Congressman Cuellar pins the Purple Heart on Sergeant Valentin E. Moreno during a ceremony at Laredo City Hall on Friday.


Congressman Cuellar meets with the family of veteran Valentin E. Moreno during a Purple Heart ceremony at Laredo City Hall on Friday. L-R: Congressman Henry Cuellar, Derick Moreno, Sgt. Michelle Rodriguez, Sgt. Valentin E. Moreno, Juanita Moreno, Steven Moreno and Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz.


“My office was successful in obtaining Mr. Moreno’s Purple Heart and Cold War Recognition to be honorably presented to him in front of the community, as well as his family and friends,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I thank Mr. Moreno for his service to our country. He truly is a great example of an outstanding citizen and makes me proud to be a Laredoan.”

“I am honored to be able to be part of such a momentous presentation to a true Laredo hero,” said City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. “Mr. Moreno exemplifies what is great about Laredo, and America: selfless service to our country. Mr. Moreno’s actions in Vietnam represent valor, courage, love and defense of freedom.”

Born in Laredo in 1947, Valentin Moreno graduated from Martin High School in 1966 and received his Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems in 1998 from Texas A&M International University. He served in the United States Army for 12 years, including three tours from 1967 to 1970 in Vietnam. He is a former Army Ranger who has received various awards and citations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the Covet Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Wings and the Vietnamese Parachutist Wings. He currently resides in Laredo with his wife Juanita, and has three children: Derick, Steven and Michelle.

He is a member of the American Legion Post 59, where he serves as the public relations chairperson.