2020 Hall of Fame Inductee
Florida A&M University (1964)
After earning a commission into the Army as a Field Artillery Officer from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Army ROTC program in 1964, Colonel Washington Sanchez served two tours in Vietnam. In November 1965 he was wounded while serving as a Forward Observer with 1st Cavalry Division’s Airmobile Company, and was awarded a Purple Heart medal, as well as a Bronze Star medal with Valor. Colonel Sanchez was stationed in Germany on numerous tours during his career, two of which included commands of an Artillery Battalion, as well as the Grafenwoehr Training Area, which, at the time, was the largest training center in Western Europe.
Upon leaving the Army following 27 years of active duty service, Colonel Sanchez dedicated his time to serving veterans throughout the state of Florida and surrounding areas. He has served in numerous positions within the Military Order of the Purple Heart, to include State Commander and Judge Advocate, and has served as the Chairman of the Florida Veteran’s Foundation. Because if his work with veterans, Colonel Sanchez he was inducted into the Florida Veteran’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
His awards other include the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star (V), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Service Medal, Dept. of Florida Military Order of the Purple Heart 2020 Patriot of the Year and being named a Florida 2020 Silver Star Awardee.
Colonel Sanchez continuously lends his support to the FAMU Army ROTC Rattler Battalion, and by doing so has had a profound impact on the Cadets he interacts with. He involves himself in alumni events, leadership symposiums, and helps lead annual efforts to recognize the most talented and hardworking Cadets through a Joint Service Award ceremony that honors Army and Naval ROTC students for exceptional performance. His dedication to the nation and its veterans is unwavering, and the example he provides for future commissioned officers is invaluable.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Read more about all 16 of the 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees.
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