Decorated Vietnam Veteran 1 Lt. Infantry Officer Dionicio (Danny) Cruz
We honor decorated Vietnam Veteran Dionicio (Danny) Cruz, who served as 1 Lt. Infantry Officer, ’69. Dionicio was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal. Danny Cruz earned his Bachelor of Arts degree & Teaching Credential from San Francisco State. Mr. Cruz began his teaching career in Grayson, California. Mr. Cruz served as a teacher for four years, and two years as a Human Relations Coordinator. Continuing his career, Mr. Cruz worked as a Modesto City Schools Principal for twenty seven years before retiring. During this time, he served as principal at Shackelford, Everett, Orville Wright, Bret Harte and Beard Elementary Schools. Mr. Cruz pioneered the first breakfast program in Stanislaus County at Schackelford Elementary School, and was instrumental in the recruitment of teachers with bilingual/crosscultural credentials. He has served as a community volunteer; he is a past board member of the Hispanic Leadership Council (HLC), Latino Community Roundtable (LCR), Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) Headrest (now Center for Human Services), and Equal County Equal Rights Commission. He is a former Commander of VFW Post 3199 and GI Forum, Stanislaus County. Presently, Mr. Cruz serves on the Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Commission as a County Board appointed member. The Stanislaus County Diversity Award is named in his Honor. Mr. Cruz continues to be actively engaged in many of the general community and veteran organizations mentioned, and will be representing VFW 3199 in this year’s 4th of July Parade. Thank you, Mr. Cruz, for your service and continued contributions to our community!