It is with a heavy heart that I write this message. Today we learned that Mr. Carlos Martinez CEO of the American GI Forum-National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP) has passed away. More details will follow but for now please keep Carlos' family, friends, and staff at the NVOP in your hearts and prayers.
After the good Dr. Garcia, very few have done more to help veterans and their families as well as promote the good name of the American GI Forum than Carlos.
He will be dearly missed. GOD Bless you Carlos!! Thank you for everything.
Condolences to his family and may he rest in eternal peace.
Additional Commentary
From:
Yolanda Suarez
Senior Vice President
AGIF/NVOP
To All:
If you received the news yesterday of the loss of an American GI Forum NVOP icon, I know that the news of was shocking to all. The passing of Carlos Martinez, President/CEO is devastating and incredible. He was in communication with me all throughout his battle with COVID-19. He lost his wife almost four weeks ago. As of Monday, August 3rd he communicated that he had a good night’s rest and was feeling much better. Yesterday, he could no longer fight the virus that takes a healthy body and ravishes it with its venom. Carlos passed at approximately 1:30 pm of a heart attack, which he had no underlying conditions for.
He was emailing and responding to emails and texts as late as Monday, Aug.3rd. He loved this organization, he made it what it is today. He is known and respected locally and nationally as a very distinguished and intellectual Leader. His mentoring, guidance, and meticulous manner in which he lead will be greatly missed. He has been a great, kind, funny leader and was always thinking of what was the best for the organization, its employees and the clients served.
I have worked for Carlos for 42 years come August 14th. I know in my heart that he wants us to continue his love of service to veterans. It will be a bumpy road ahead for us all but with his continued support from paradise, we will prevail.
His two daughters have lost both parents within a month of each other. If you want to express your condolences to the family you can send sympathy cards to:
The Martinez Family
c/o American GI Forum NVOP
611 N. Flores, Suite 200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
The cards will be collected and given to his family. He will be buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery as he is an Air Force veteran. At this time I have no further information on his services. Please feel free to send to others that knew Carlos.
