I am the ex-wife of Miguel Acosta. Our two children are Andrea
and Natalie. I feel I must write this letter and let you know of
the misinformation your story reported.
Miguel and I both graduated from San Benito High School. Miguel
in 1973 and I in 1974. We both joined the Army together in 1975. We
both served four years in Germany. While in Germany he was an
infantryman. When we transferred to Alabama, he then worked as an
aviation mechanic on helicopters.
I am the ex-wife of Miguel Acosta. Our two children are Andrea and Natalie. I feel I must write this letter and let you know of the misinformation your story reported.
Miguel and I both graduated from San Benito High School. Miguel in 1973 and I in 1974. We both joined the Army together in 1975. We both served four years in Germany. While in Germany he was an infantryman. When we transferred to Alabama, he then worked as an aviation mechanic on helicopters.
I left the service in 1981, where I stayed in Alabama with him until he left the service in 1982. He has been a reservist since that time. To my knowledge, Miguel never physically served in Panama or Nicaragua. He was in a reserve unit that supported these operations. You are correct in reporting that he served during Desert Storm. He was activated and served in Colorado.
I know Miguel would like you to have the correct information. Isabel and I are very proud of what Miguel is doing. He invited both of us to come over with our children and be a part of the family day his unit organized before they were to be deployed. We all saw him Sunday, Dec 8. It was very emotional for all of us.
Miguel and I have said goodbyes many times while in the service. He was always having to go away for six weeks at a time for training purposes. As we both said goodbye Sunday, it brought back those sad times.
I told him, “Mike, we have done this too many times.” He replied, “I know.”
We both just hugged each other and cried. It was very emotional for both of us. I pray that he is safe and returns home to all of us. Our daughters Andrea and Natalie are very upset that he has been activated. They never imagined this would happen to their father. Andrea also has a pair of his dog tags, which he just gave to her a few months ago. We will be flying an American flag at our home in his honor until he returns home to all members of his family.
Thank you for correcting these facts about Miguel. I would hate for him to come home and have his family and friends ridicule him.
I just wanted to set the facts straight. This is his first time he will actually be involved in war and it is very frightening to say the least.
I am a veteran and I assist veterans in getting employed. I have seen several young soldiers who have returned from Iraq and they have stated it was very stressful over there. They were very happy to make it home safe. I will be praying that Miguel makes it home as well.
Nora Avendano,
Salinas
