Ruiz, Jennie. Interview transcript April 7, 2023
subject: California State University San Marcos. Cross-Cultural Center
subject: Education, Higher
subject: Human rights
subject: Student success
description: Oral history interview of Jennie Ruiz for the Cross-Cultural Center Oral History Project on April 7, 2023. Biographical information about Jennie, how she started working for California State University San Marcos, her leadership and networking skills. Jennie’s friendship with Sara Sheikh-Arvizu and its impact on her. Her experience running the Cross-Cultural Center, and her thoughts about its role at CSU San Marcos. This oral history interview was generously funded through the Instructionally Related Activities Fund at California State University San Marcos.
creator: Jennie Ruiz
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2023-04-07
contributor: Seth Stanley
rights: In copyright
language: English
type: text
coverage: San Marcos (Calif.)

Saldivar, Diana. Interview transcript April 14th 2023.
subject: California State University San Marcos. Associated Students Incorporated
subject: California State University San Marcos. Cross-Cultural Center
subject: California State University San Marcos. Kamalayan Alliance
subject: California State University. Multicultural Programs
subject: Filipino Americans
subject: Human rights
subject: San Diego State University
subject: Student success
description: Diana Saldivar is a California State University San Marcos alumna. She graduated with her degree in Communications, Sociology and Ethnic Studies. Saldivar worked at the Cross-Cultural Center from 2004-2007 and was also involved in the Asian Pacific Islander Student Society, Kamalayan Alliance, and with Associated Students Incorporated (student government). In her interview, Saldivar discusses how the Cross-Cultural Center provided her with a sense of belonging on campus and served as a second home. Saldivar explains how the center provided her with lifelong friendships, skills and connections that has helped her become the person she is today. Saldivar recounts how the CCC provided a safe space, allowing for conversations with others that are often deemed controversial, and how the center encouraged those to constantly seek knowledge. This oral history was created in collaboration with the Cross-Cultural Center and was generously funded through the Instructionally Related Activities Fund at California State University San Marcos.
creator: Diana Saldivar
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2023-04-14
contributor: Madeleine Meyer
contributor: Geneva Martinot
rights: https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
format: text
language: English
coverage: San Marcos (Calif.)

Serrano, Lilian. Interview transcript. April 6, 2022.
subject: California State University San Marcos
subject: Community organization
subject: Undocumented immigrants -- San Diego County (Calif.)
description: Lilian Serrano is a California State San Marcos alum. She graduated with a degree in Human Development. Lilian worked with the National Latino Research Center (NLRC) at Cal State San Marcos before moving on to work with Alianza Comunitaria and Universidad Popular. In this interview, Lilian discusses family life and growing up in Tijuana and Oxnard, her experiences as a student activist at CSUSM, and her work as an advocate for immigrant rights in North County.
creator: Lilian Serrano
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library Special Collections
date: 2022-04-06
contributor: Robert Sheehan
contributor: Kevin Vigil
rights: https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
format: text
language: English
coverage: Oxnard (Calif.)
coverage: San Diego County (Calif.)
coverage: Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico)

Sheikh-Arvizu, Sara. Interview transcript March 30, 2023.
subject: California State University San Marcos. Cross-Cultural Center
subject: Chapman University
subject: Civil rights
subject: Education, Higher
subject: LGBTQ+ activism
subject: LGBTQ+ life
subject: Orange County Human Relations Commission (Orange County, Calif.)
description: Sara Sheikh-Arvizu was Assistant Director of the Cross-Cultural Center at California State University San Marcos from 2008 to 2011. In this interview, Sara discusses her roles at CSUSM and the various programs she initiated or facilitated. Sara also briefly discusses her current work with Orange County Human Relations. This oral history was made possible in collaboration with the Cross-Cultural Center and with generous funding from the Instructionally Related Activities fund.
creator: Sara Sheikh-Arvizu
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2023-03-30
contributor: Michael De Maria
contributor: Aaron Williams
rights: https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
format: text
language: English
coverage: Orange County (Calif.)
coverage: San Marcos (Calif.)

Luevano, Dora. Interview transcript, November 6, 2025.
subject: United States. Marine Corps
subject: Pacific Bell Telephone Company
subject: Camp Pendleton (Calif.)
subject: Camp Lejeune (N.C.)
subject: California State University, San Bernardino
subject: Palomar College
description: Dora Luevano served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Vietnam War. Luevano worked in a warehouse and office, processing deceased servicemembers, collecting their personal effects, and writing letters to their family and loved ones. Luevano described her strict upbringing, immigration to the U.S. as a child from El Salvador, and decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. Luevano was forced out of military service for getting married and having a child, and she reflected on the harsh expectations and regulations that affected women in military service. She spoke about her 60-year marriage to her husband, whom she met in the Marine Corps, and their life together after military service. Luevano described how her civilian life was shaped by her upbringing, religion, military service, education, professional career, business ownership, and husband’s recent passing.
creator: Dora Luevano
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2025-11-06
contributor: Jason Beyer
rights: In copyright
format: PDF
language: English
type: Text
coverage: Vietnam
coverage: San Salvador (El Salvador)
coverage: El Salvador
coverage: United States
coverage: San Francisco (Calif.)
coverage: South Carolina
coverage: New York
coverage: Fallbrook (Calif.)
coverage: Las Vegas (Nev.)
coverage: California
coverage: Palm Desert (Calif.)
coverage: Indio (Calif.)
coverage: Palm Springs (Calif.)
coverage: Philippines
coverage: Vista (Calif.)

Burke, Gina. Interview transcript, November 13, 2025.
subject: United States. Army Nurse Corps
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975
subject: Catholics
subject: Tagalog language
subject: Cebuano language
subject: Iloko language
subject: World War, 1939-1945
subject: MacArthur, Douglas, 1880-1964
subject: Leyte, Battle of, Philippines, 1944
subject: Nursing education
subject: Military nursing
subject: Fort Sam Houston (Tex.)
subject: Fort Bliss (Tex.)
subject: William Beaumont Army Medical Center (El Paso, Tex.)
subject: Travis Air Force Base (Calif.)
subject: Vietnam. Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Corps, 1st
subject: United States. Army. 95th Evacuation Hospital
subject: Quonset huts
subject: Scrub nurses
subject: Medical Civic Action Programs
subject: American National Red Cross
subject: Fort Hood (Tex.)
subject: San Marcos Vet Center (Calif.)
subject: San Diego VA Medical Center (San Diego, Calif.)
subject: Agent Orange
subject: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
subject: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
subject: American Legion
subject: Palomar College (San Marcos, Calif.)
subject: Cruisin’ Grand (Escondido, Calif.)
subject: Post-traumatic stress disorder
description: Gina Burke served during the Vietnam War as a First Lieutenant operating room nurse in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Burke spoke about her family background in the Philippines, immigration to the U.S., and father’s military service. She enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps so she could complete nursing school with financial aid. Burke deployed to Vietnam and served mostly as a scrub nurse at a time when operating room nurses were in high demand. Burke reflected on the difficult working conditions and traumatic experiences that characterized her wartime service. She spoke about her social life and experience as a woman in the military. In this oral history, Burke shared how the military shaped her life and worldview. She spoke about her transition to civilian life and struggles with PTSD. Burke reflected on how counseling, community service, and veteran associations helped her feel better about her military service.
creator: Gina Burke
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2025-11-13
contributor: Jason Beyer
rights: In copyright
format: PDF
language: English
type: Text
coverage: Vietnam
coverage: San Marcos (Calif.)
coverage: Philippines
coverage: California
coverage: United States
coverage: Leyte (Philippines)
coverage: Cebu (Philippines)
coverage: Luzon (Philippines)
coverage: Denver (Colo.)
coverage: Escondido (Calif.)
coverage: El Paso (Tex.)
coverage: Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
coverage: Da Nang (Vietnam)
coverage: San Diego County (Calif.)
coverage: Los Angeles (Calif.)
coverage: San Diego (Calif.)
coverage: Chula Vista (Calif.)

Labrado, Ed. Interview transcript, November 17, 2025.
subject: United States. Army
subject: United States. Army—Officers
subject: United States. Army. Signal Corps
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975
subject: Cold War
subject: University of California, Santa Barbara
subject: Patton, George S. (George Smith), 1885-1945
subject: United States. Army. Army, 3rd
subject: United States. Army. Armored Division, 6th
subject: United States. Army. Reserve Officers' Training Corps
subject: Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (United States)
subject: Camp Roberts (Calif.)
subject: M1 rifle
subject: World War, 1914-1918
subject: Korean War, 1950-1953
subject: M14 rifle
subject: M16 rifle
subject: Fort Gordon (Ga.)
subject: Fort Monmouth (N.J.)
subject: Cryptography
subject: Missiles
subject: Fort Ord (Calif.)
subject: Funeral rites and ceremonies
subject: Noncommissioned officers
subject: Post-traumatic stress disorder
subject: Warsaw Pact (1955-1991)
subject: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
subject: Bank of America, National Association
subject: Nike Hercules missile
subject: Nuclear weapons
subject: Ramstein Air Base (Germany)
subject: Kennedy, John F., 1917-1963—Assassination
subject: Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962
subject: United States. Army—Deserters
subject: Nuclear warfare
subject: Deterrence (Strategy)
subject: Peace Corps (U.S.)
description: Edwin Joseph Labrado Jr. was a captain in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was deployed in Europe during the Vietnam War. Labrado was born and raised in Santa Barbara, where he graduated from UCSB and completed the Army's four-year ROTC program. After graduation, he was assigned to the Army Signal Corps and later deployed to Europe. In Europe, he served as a battalion signal officer for a Nike Hercules missile battalion that had nuclear warheads. Some of his other responsibilities included communications training, military funeral honors, and the inspection of firing batteries. In this oral history interview, Labrado reflected on the Cold War, the US anti-Vietnam War movement, and how Americans treat veterans after military service.
creator: Ed Labrado
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2025-11-17
contributor: Jason Beyer
rights: In copyright
format: text
language: English
coverage: Europe
coverage: Santa Barbara (Calif.)
coverage: Port Hueneme (Calif.)
coverage: California
coverage: Ventura (Calif.)
coverage: Georgia
coverage: New Jersey
coverage: Monterey (Calif.)
coverage: Oakland (Calif.)
coverage: Russia (Federation)
coverage: Soviet Union
coverage: Germany (East)
coverage: Germany (West)
coverage: Korea
coverage: Vietnam
coverage: Isla Vista (Calif.)
coverage: France
coverage: Germany
coverage: United States
coverage: Ukraine
coverage: Nagasaki (Japan)

Shaffer, David. Interview transcript, November 20, 2025.
subject: United States. Air Force
subject: Cold War
subject: Consolidated Aircraft Corporation
subject: Convair
subject: Victory over Japan Day
subject: Fort Bliss (Tex.)
subject: San Diego State University
subject: Keesler Air Force Base (Miss.)
subject: United States. Army Corps of Engineers
subject: Six-Day War
subject: Sinai Peninsula
subject: Lajes Field (Azores)
subject: Strategic Air Command (U.S.)
subject: Hahn Air Base (Germany)
subject: Lackland Air Force Base (Tex.)
subject: United States. Federal Aviation Administration
subject: Tinker Air Force Base (Okla.)
subject: Bundesanstalt für Flugsicherung (Germany)
subject: World War, 1939–1945
subject: United States. Air Force—Occupational specialties
subject: Davis–Monthan Air Force Base (Ariz.)
subject: McGuire Air Force Base (N.J.)
subject: Ramstein Air Base (Germany)
subject: Hitler-Jugend
subject: European Recovery Program (1948–1952)
subject: Andrews Air Force Base (Md.)
subject: Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944
subject: United States. Department of Veterans Affairs
subject: McClellan–Palomar Airport (Calif.)
subject: Germany. Luftwaffe
subject: Mikoyan (Firm)
subject: Sukhoi (Firm)
subject: Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908–1973
subject: Fulda Gap (Germany)
subject: Freemasons
subject: Agent Orange
description: Captain David Shaffer served in Europe as an air traffic controller during the 1960s. Shaffer was raised in San Diego County where his father was an engineer for Convair. From a young age, Shaffer aspired to become a military pilot, a goal which his tall height prevented. As an air traffic controller, Shaffer spent most of his deployment in Portugal and West Germany during the Cold War. He designed forward airfields during the 1967 Arab–Israeli war, although the conflict was over before they could be used. After leaving military service, Shaffer taught high school industrial arts in North San Diego County. He used the G.I. Bill to gain his master’s degree from San Diego State College and his private pilot license. In this oral history interview, Shaffer tells stories from his military service and reflects on the importance of patriotism.
creator: David Shaffer
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2025-11-20
contributor: Jason Beyer
rights: In copyright
format: Text
language: English
coverage: Europe
coverage: Colorado Springs (Colo.)
coverage: Colorado
coverage: San Diego (Calif.)
coverage: California
coverage: Texas
coverage: Philippines
coverage: Pennsylvania
coverage: Cortez (Colo.)
coverage: Shelter Island (San Diego, Calif.)
coverage: Azores (Portugal)
coverage: Portugal
coverage: Germany
coverage: San Diego County (Calif.)
coverage: San Antonio (Tex.)
coverage: Oklahoma City (Okla.)
coverage: Tucson (Ariz.)
coverage: Arizona
coverage: Mississippi
coverage: New Jersey
coverage: Israel
coverage: Middle East
coverage: Austria
coverage: Bavaria
coverage: Kastellaun (Germany)
coverage: Koblenz (Germany)
coverage: Libya
coverage: Africa, North
coverage: United States
coverage: Winston-Salem (N.C.)
coverage: North Carolina
coverage: Iowa
coverage: Vietnam
coverage: Berlin (Germany)
coverage: Frankfurt (Germany)

Beacham, Dora. Interview Transcript, November 1, 2024.
subject: United States. Marine Corps
subject: United States. Marine Corps—Non-commissioned officers
subject: Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001-2014
subject: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
subject: United States. Marine Corps—Military occupational specialties
subject: Victim advocates
subject: United States. Marine Corps. Advanced Infantry Training Battalion
subject: Educational benefits—United States
subject: Women soldiers
subject: United States. Department of Veterans Affairs
subject: Molly Marine (Symbolic figure)
subject: Hispanic Americans
subject: Camp Pendleton (Calif.)
description: Master Sergeant Dora Beacham served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Enduring Freedom. Beacham was part of Combat Service Support Group 1 and the 11th Marine Regiment. She was deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq from January to August of 2004. As a Hispanic woman from a small town, Beacham reflected on how military service shaped her life and provided important opportunities. In this oral history interview, she described her family, education, and life lessons from military service.
creator: Dora Beacham
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2024-11-01
contributor: Jason Beyer
contributor: Adel Bautista
contributor: Marilyn Huerta
rights: In copyright
format: text
language: English
coverage: Hondo (Tex.)
coverage: South Carolina
coverage: Norfolk (Va.)
coverage: Twentynine Palms (Calif.)
coverage: Iraq
coverage: California
coverage: Texas
coverage: Idaho
coverage: New York
coverage: San Marcos (Calif.)
coverage: Fallujah (Iraq)

Aguilar, John. Interview transcript, May 21, 2013
subject: Afghan War, 2001-2021
subject: Iraq War, 2003-2011
subject: Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (U.S.)
subject: United States. Marine Corps
subject: United States. Marine Corps -- Recruiting and enlistment
subject: Veterans -- Health aspects -- United States
subject: Veterans -- United States
subject: Veterans' spouses
description: John Aguilar, Jr. is a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2001-2005. In his interview, Aguilar recounts his motivations for enlisting with the Marine Corps and his experiences at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, California. Aguilar also offers his thoughts and experiences regarding the trauma and changes wrought by combat deployments on veterans and their families, his work in information technology in the Marine Corps, and his perspective on the Iraq and Afghan wars, media manipulation, anti-Arab racism and societal glorification of and prejudice towards veterans. This interview was conducted as part of the CSUSM Veterans Voices project, a collaboration of the California State University San Marcos History Department and CSUSM Student Veterans Center (now the Epstein Family Veterans Center), from 2012-2013. Veterans Voices (originally called War at Home and Abroad) documents, preserves, and makes accessible the experiences of CSUSM's student veterans. This interview was conducted with a "self-interviewing" protocol, a process drawn from a technique known as Digital Storytelling, which invites the narrator to self-author the interview, telling their story from their perspective, in their own words, and in their own manner. Narrators were provided a list of topics and interview guidelines emphasizing that they could use all, some, or none of the topics as they fashioned their stories about military service and related experiences, thus allowing each narrator to decide what they deemed to be historically important.
creator: John Aguilar, Jr.
publisher: California State University San Marcos University Library
date: 2013-05-21
rights: In copyright
format: text
language: English
coverage: Twentynine Palms (Calif.)