About - Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial

About Us

We Continue His Vision

The Ohio Hispanic Veterans Board was formed by our loving and respected leader and former Police Chief of the City of Lorain, the late Celestino Rivera. His wife, Elba Armstrong and many other leaders strongly believe that it is our duty and responsibility to continue building on the existing small monument to respectfully honor and remember our Hispanic heroes.

More About Cel

Our Board Members

Elba Armstrong Rivera

Honorary Committee Member

Elba graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1973 and from Baldwin Wallace University with a master’s degree in school administration and supervision in 1977. She served in the capacity of teacher, as well as principal at the elementary and junior high school levels in the Lorain City School District. Later Elba served as Director of Personnel and Labor Relations and Director of The Quality Impact Team with the Lorain City Schools and the Ohio Department of Education. Elba ended her professional career as Director of New Schools and Staff Development.

Oral History

Victor L. Leandry, M.S.W.

Chair

Mr. Leandry received his social work bachelor’s degree in 1988 from The Catholic University in Puerto Rico and his master’s degree in social work in 1999 from Cleveland State University. He has been the Executive Director of El Centro de Servicios Sociales since May of 2004.

Oral History

Vic Ortiz

Co-Chair

Mr. Ortiz graduated in 1988 from Southview High School in South Lorain. In 1990 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1995. He joined the Oberlin Police Department in 1996 until his retirement in 2018. Mr. Ortiz then accepted a position at the Lorain County Drug Task Force where he currently works as a detective. He has also been a member of the Lorain County SWAT team since 2020, currently assigned as the Tactical Commander.

Oral History

Antonio L. Baez

Co-Chair

Mr. Baez graduated from Lorain Admiral King High School. In 2004 he enlisted as an MP in the U.S. Marine Corps on active duty and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was honorably discharged 2008. After returning home he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army Guard/Reserves and has deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support. Amongst his current 18 years of military service, he serves as the regional representative for a U.S. Member of Congress, assigned areas related to Military, Defense and Veterans Affairs. He is also a part-time Law Enforcement Officer at Sheffield Lake P.D. and Cuyahoga County Sheriff Office.

Oral History

Current Committee Members

Rick Soto
Rey Carrion
Fred Lozano
Joe Horvath
Lisette Gracia
Jose Torres
Albert Calo
AJ Torres

Original Committee Members

Celestino Rivera
Elba Armstrong
Rey Carrion
Rick Soto
Fred Lozano
Joe Horvath
Mary Santiago

About Us

We Continue His Vision

Our Board Members

Elba Armstrong Rivera

Victor L. Leandry, M.S.W.

Vic Ortiz

Antonio L. Baez

Current Committee Members

Original Committee Members

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Organization

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