Joe Martinez
Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a San Benito native.
As I observed Veterans Day on November 11, 2025, I noticed that not many people fully understand how much Veterans Day affects not only those who served but also those who haven’t served directly, yet support our veterans emotionally and figuratively—whether through family, social support, or encouraging them to succeed via government programs.
As of 2025, there are approximately 1,008 veterans residing in San Benito.
Nevertheless, we all figuratively and spiritually have a little veteran in us, in the form of courage, resilience, and perseverance, which enables us to overcome challenging obstacles that, at times, make us feel like giving up.
The resiliency in the American Spirit encourages us never to give up and always find solutions to problems we face in our everyday lives.
Veterans have faced these obstacles, confronted danger, and have overcome many challenges in war and peacetime to give the American people their liberties, securities, and freedoms they enjoy daily.
Still, for some of these warriors, the fight continues through PTSD, anxiety, health issues, and other ailments as a result of their service to their nation.
So thank a veteran for their sacrifice the next time you see one around our community.
I looked into what businesses were doing to show appreciation for our brave warriors, and restaurants like Golden Corral, Applebee’s, IHOP, and other eateries offered free lunches if customers dined in.
These businesses in Harlingen mainly offered free food to veterans on Veterans Day, and I noticed Whataburger in San Benito provided coffee and a taquito — a great deal.
I encourage more businesses in San Benito to recognize and appreciate our veterans locally.
When a business shows gratitude to veterans on Veterans Day, it fosters goodwill toward these brave warriors and their families, which also benefits the business by increasing public awareness.
This action can attract families and help build stronger community bonds. It is a win-win situation for all involved and should be encouraged more often.
As I mentioned at the start, we all carry a little veteran within us when we support our local warriors, thank a veteran, and show appreciation to them on Veterans Day.