Marine Veteran Dave Gonzales

Dave Gonzales of Seadrift just returned from a long-awaited, “trip of a lifetime” visiting memorials on the East coast. While in Washington, DC, he was presented a flag that had been flown over the Captiol on the 4th of July, courtesy of Senator Ted Cruz.

For Marine Veteran Gonzales, the highlight of the trip was The Marine Corps Heritage Center in Quantico, Virginia. The Center is dedicated to the proud service of Marines and includes the National Museum of the Marine Corps* and Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and Chapel. Marine Lance Corporal Dave Gonzales received a Purple Heart for wounds received in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. After the war, he served as a rifle range coach at the Basic School for Officers from 1947 to 1949 at Quantico Base, which he was able to tour again on his trip.

Following his service, Mr. Gonzales graduated from Culinary Arts of American and went on to become a corporate executive chef, traveling the country and world in that capacity for 25 years. About 20 years ago, he settled in Seadrift.

On this special trip, Dave was accompanied by his wife Alicia, her daughter, Maria and her husband, Luis Esquivel. On the drive back, they also visited the World War II Museum at New Orleans, Louisiana.

*The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines–past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.