Risen from Beyond

This story is a fantastic tale about an individual who rose from beyond (the other side of the railroad tracks). The story is of realized dreams, perseverance, and hard work. His beginnings were humble. He grew up during the Great Depression. Despite their poverty, his family was able to overcome obstacles that could have prevented them from reaching their goals. During World War II, Ortiz wanted to do his part and volunteered to enlist in the US Navy at age seventeen. He rose from seaman apprentice in the US Navy to colonel in the US Air Force. In 2012, Ortiz received a commission as an admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry.