Gonzalez, Oscar 2024-09-13
Oscar Gonzalez has deep roots in Fort Stockton. He attended Sul Ross and earned a purple heart for his service in Vietnam. In this interview, Gonzalez discusses his family history, growing up in the Bario, returning to Fort Stockton, his various businesses, public service, and volunteer organizations. He also touches upon race relations in the area, as well as home life, politics, and agriculture issues.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Oscar Gonzalez
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: September 13, 2024
Location: Fort Stockton, Texas
Interviewer: Elissa Stroman
Length: 02:17:31 (2 hours 17 minutes)
Abstract
Introduction and background information; Attending Sul Ross; being drafted and military training; Serving in Vietnam; Medical diagnosis; life after returning from Vietnam; Segregation and discrimination; businesses he had; Working different jobs and owning different businesses; Running for county commissioner; being on the school board; community service; Stories of his family’s history with Fort Stockton; Visiting Vietnam many years after the war; The family’s longstanding history and ties to the area; How his family acquired their ranch and farmland; Campaigning for city council; planning for the future while being on the city council; Supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization; the VA; Involvement with the Historical Commission; friends; Closing discussion
Access Information
Original Recording Format: born digital
Recording Format Notes: patrons may listen to audio in our reading room
Transcript: transcript available on dspace
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