Lazaro “Airborne” Camarillo III

Lazaro “Airborne” Camarillo III was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1968 and served through February 1970.

In July 1969, then-Corporal Camarillo was serving as part of the 101st Airborne Division in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam when he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The blast struck Camarillo under his throat, on the right side of his chest, and damaged both his ears and eyes.

Along with his Purple Heart, SGT Camarillo was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars and more.

After returning home, Camarillo started volunteering at the VA in 1979 and started helping other veterans get their claims processed in 1983 as a Volunteer Service Officer. He also continues to support programs that assist homeless veterans and works to ensure veterans are able to get to the local VA Clinic and Hospital to receive care and needed services. Camarillo is involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2397 John N. Timon Post, and the United Vietnam Veterans of Texas where he is a past President. Camarillo was recently elected the 2021-22 Texas Department Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

Camarillo represented Texas during the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.