Profile of a Museum Volunteer: Juan Trevino

Juan was born to Julian and Martina Trevino in Wesloco, Texas September 25, 1948.  The family moved to Fresno in 1950 where Juan attended local schools. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1968.  Twelve days after graduation, Juan joined the U.S. Army.  His basic training was at Fort Ord, California where he also attended A.I.T. training. 

Upon completion of his training Juan was ordered to Frankfurt, Germany to Co A, 317 Engineers Battalion, where he built bridges over the Main and Rhine Rivers.  After a year in Germany, he was ordered to Vietnam, but was delayed as his younger brother was already serving there.  Juan was returned to Fort Ord, California to await further orders.  In June 1970 orders again came through for Vietnam and he became part of Company A, 5th Transportation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.  While there, his unit picked up infantrymen and flew them to the fields.  Juan was honorably discharged in June 1971 as a Specialist 5.

As a civilian, Juan attended Fresno City College and became a mechanic. He worked as such until 1993 when he lost his eyesight as a result of diabetes developed from exposure to Agent Orange.

Juan met his future wife Bernice at the Baptist Church in Fresno.  They were wed August 25, 1979 in Fowler, California.  Juan and Bernice have one daughter, Anna Marie and two grandchildren, Desiree and Gabriel.

In September of 1993 Juan and his younger brother visited the Legion of Valor Museum and were amazed at the displays that represented the various wars.  They both became volunteers shortly thereafter.  Juan enjoys helping create displays and serves as a docent.