MEET THE FILMMAKER: Noemi Figueroa Soulet / The Borinqueneers

The “Borinqueneers”, a documentary film narrated by the acclaimed actor Hector Elizondo, chronicles the history of the all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Hispanic-segregated unit in Army history and its significant participation during the Korean War. This award-winning film has been presented nationally on PBS in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; on the Armed Forces Network to more than 850,000 U.S. troops overseas; and is currently being shown on the Pentagon Channel. Screenings have taken place nationally and internationally at film festivals, community organizations, universities, and in military installations.

SPECIAL GUEST: Juan E. O’Neill

Juan E. O’Neill was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, in 1930 and came to New York in 1945. He served in the New York National Guard Reserve from 1947-50. In 1951 during the Korean War, he was drafted and sent to Korea as a replacement in the all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment. He served in Communications in Company “C” from 1951-52. Also serving in the 65th were his father, who served during World War I, and a younger brother, Carlos, who served with him in Korea. After the war, Juan worked at General Motors as an assembly line worker. He lives in Croton-on-Hudson with his wife of 61 years, Heloise.

A 60-minute question period with the filmmakerwill follow the screening.

www.borinqueneers.com.

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