On July 9, the film “American Sons” was honored by the Bexar County, Texas, Board of Commissioners. IWC Communication Director Laura Varela (Producer) and her colleague Andrew J. Gonzales (Producer/Director) produced the film.

Corporal Jorge “JV” Villarreal Jr. was a U.S. Marine from the West Side of San Antonio. Villareal enlisted in 2008, and his story is the focus of the “American Sons” film. Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores presented a proclamation during Tuesday’s commissioners court meeting declaring July 9, 2024, as “American Sons” Day. Family members and the team who made the film possible attended and were recognized for their work on the film.

“American Sons” examines mental health issues and generational effects of war. The team has received recognition and awards nationally, including through a Latino Public Broadcasting public media grant, a California Humanities public media grant, City of San Antonio individual artists grant, Black Public Media’s Jackie Jones Memorial Fund grant in New York City and Bexar County funding. The film is slated for a PBS premier in 2025.