Men Making a Difference

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA

For Latino Lubbock Magazine

Photos by LILLIE ZAPATA LUNA

As we embark on Father's Day

June 18, 2023, Latino Lubbock Magazine is proud to showcase recipients of the 7th Annual “Adelante Awards" recognition program, is an initiative of Los Hermanos Familia, which was established in 2008 to showcase Hispanic men and youth in the Lubbock community. The 2023 recipients include:

ART & CULTURE Calistro “Junior”

Vasquez is a wellrecognized performer in and around the Lubbock area. He produces jingles for local businesses, encouraging Lubbock business owners to “keep it local” by using Lubbock jingle writers, musicians, and studios. He also works with local radio, tv, and newspaper to help promote the Lubbock music scene. He’s been a worship Music leader for over 30 years at various Lubbock churches, employing musicians for the worship teams. And performs at various events in the community.

BUSINESS/ ENTREPRENEUR

Steven Aguirre, opened his business, Creative Touch Remolding in 2013. More than ever, his business has grown and his services have been in demand. He has paid it forward in many ways. While raising a son with multiple disabilities, Steven is heavily involved in the disabled community of Lubbock. He has sponsored events including the Special Olympics Lubbock's sporting events, Toys for Children, Youth Disability Softball, and held Trunk or treats and Easter egg events for the children in the His- panic community, especially for children with Autism.

CIVIC/ VOLUNTEER

Adam Hernandez volunteers weekly with the students at O.L. Slaton, mentoring at-risk young men and women. Growing up without an adult role model. Losing his eldest daughter to suicide makes those visits important as he can provide an ear to listen and advise those students. He is also involved with Lubbock Compact that addresses issues in the community.

Church

Thomas Lara has been involved in church activities since he was 21 years old. Even active after the aftermath of the 1970 tornado. He has provided religious classes to all ages and is active in various churches and their initiatives. Including being named the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Representative for Council #8097 and was also named as 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Representative for Council #1101. Since 1990, he has also served as an usher.

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTOR Pete Cantu the Manager of 84 Lumber has done many charitable events that have impacted the community. His passion to help others has been a priority for him as he always puts others first. In his role he has made it a priority to ensure that 84 Lumber is active in the community and has been involved with local events including the Vamos a Pescar, Let’s Go Fishing Event. And hundreds of organizations, families, and the West Texas Home Builder’s Association.

EDUCATION Robert Nuñez the Dual Language Teacher for Frenship ISD. He was selected by the Texas Education Agency to participate in the Dual Language Instruction Guidance Committee. His contributions have impacted the Hispanic community mentoring college students and connecting individuals in need to attorneys and services in immigration. Hehas supported high school seniors by providing counseling, and connecting students to resources and other volunteering opportunities.

FIRST RESPONDER

Steven Diaz is is a Lubbock Firefighter for the City of Lubbock. He has Honorably served in the Army for 15 years and has served in multiple overseas deployments and missions. He has volunteered to deploy on humanitarian missions to Multiple Central and South American countries.

MEDIA Michael Cantu is an Anchor/MMJ for KCBD NewsChannel 11 and has written and produced several news stories that have been nominated for GRAY TV awards. He has been able to advocate for programs and bring attention to areas of needs through his role in media. He also serves as a public speaking coach for New Deal High School.

LEGAL/ LAW ADVOCATE

Noe Valles, an attorney, and partner at Glasheen, Valles, & Inderman, LLP has helped clients who have gone through the worst tragedies get the compensation they deserve. He is an actively participating partner at Glasheen, Valles, & Inderman and is involved in catastrophic/ major cases. He has been practicing for over 20 years and continues to partner with local community events in town to ensure he gives back to the Hispanic community including Joel’s Easter Egg Hunt and Bike Giveaway.

MILITARY/ VETERAN

Jose Salinas III was medically retired from his military career when he came home, he could not get assistance or advice, or guidance to help him cope with what he was dealing with. Through that experience, he started a veteran nonprofit organization that helps vets acclimate. He has donated so much time and even travels all over to assist vets. His passion is "No Vet Left Behind". The organization’s motto is “I am my brothers/ sister’s keeper".

MEDICAL/ HEALTH

Michael Montañez , As the Vaccine Liaison Coordinator for the City of Lubbock Health Department, he was invited by the Immunization Partnership (TIP) to speak in Austin at the state capital, and was part of a panel discussion on the state of vaccination in Texas. He took on a roll with COVID vaccines that was necessary for marginalized communities and the community at large.

Professional

Roger Cardenas is the Deputy Executive Director of Health Services for the South Plains Community Action Association has dedicated over 20 years of his career to working for a nonprofit social service organization serving low-income individuals. Through his leadership and hard work, he has made outstanding contributions to the Health Service programs, Public Transportation, Public Housing, and Community Services in the South Plains region of Texas. In his role as the Community Services Director, Roger has provided much-needed utility assistance and weatherization services to residents of the South Plains. His leadership, dedication, and hard work have been instrumental in expanding the reach of the social service organization, improving access to critical services, and making a positive difference in the community.

UP & COMER

Richard Garcia Patient Service Manager at University MedicalCenter worked with patients, making sure they were comfortable and assisting their family members by letting them know how their loved one was doing during COVID. He has used his talent performing as a mariachi to get involved with various organizations and programs. He sings mariachi music to patients celebrating birthdays or very sick while in the hospital.

Silver Eagle Awards

Epifanio Aguirre is active in his church St Josephs, as well as the community. It is not unlike Mr. Aguirre’s to help those in need. From feeding families in need to transporting the nuns at his church. He serves actively in many of the church organizations, and he is involved in the neighborhood association. He truly never slows down. During COVID he delivered meals and helped families desperately needing services.

Athletics

J.R. Castilleja (Posthumously) He wore a few hats during his journey through life, not only was he a husband, father, and friend. He was active in sports and the community. His passion for music earned him national recognition. He loved Tejano music and showcased it as a disc jockey. This took him on to becoming the host of “Pure Tejano Music” where he interviewed Tejano music celebrities on TV - including Selena.

He served as the President of Lubbock Youth Football (LYFL) for 30 years. He worked tenaciously to ensure that every student had a chance to participate by setting up a scholarship program for low-income families. He was an advocate of the program and strived to make it a program beneficial to the community.

Annually, J.R. organized LYFL's super bowl event showcasing teams and coaches. He would encourage them to have good sportsmanship and strive for higher education.

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients of the 2023 Adelante Awards!

To learn more about becoming a member, events, projects, volunteer opportunities, visit www.loshermanosfamilia.org or please contact (806) 792-1212.

Copyright 2023 by Latino Lubbock