Korean War Veteran finds passion while serving overseas

FRESNO, Calif.—During the Korean War, many who served were given jobs they had never thought of doing.

Ruben Alvarez, an Air Force veteran, was given a unique job while serving during the Korean War in French Morocco.

“They said ‘Alvarez, Sergeant so and so is going stateside. It’s an emergency,”’ Alvarez says. “Keep the records going.”

What started as a temporary job, soon led to a full-time job for Alvarez with the Armed Forces Radio Service.

Upon returning home, Alvarez received a letter from his general, wishing him luck with the rest of his broadcasting career. This temporary job he was given overseas led to a full career in broadcasting.

When Channel 47 in Fresno first opened its doors, they offered Alvarez a part-time position.

“I said I’ll take it,” Alvarez says. “Then the summer was over, he said ‘why don’t you stay on’ so I stayed on for nine years.”

Throughout successful careers in the military and in the broadcast industry, Alvarez has earned the title of “hero” within his family.

His son Joey Alvarez says that even though his dad didn’t face combat, simply signing up showed his courage and devotion to his country.

“I don’t care if you were on the back lines of Louisiana peeling potatoes,” Joey Alvarez says. “You signed that blank check on your life and that is a hero no matter what you did.”

In September, Joey Alvarez had an opportunity to honor his father for serving his country.

The two took part in the Central Valley Honor Flight and visited every memorial in Washington D.C.

The kindness of everyone on the trip and the recognition Alvarez received was something Joey Alvarez says was incredible.

For Ruben Alvarez, having the opportunity to go on this trip with his son was something he will never forget.

“So proud,” Alvarez says. “He’s my buddy, he’s my shadow. So glad he could be with us.”