Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – On April 14, 2026, the DHR Health Cardiac Rehabilitation team hosted a milestone celebration to honor World War II Navy veteran Albino Bazan Jr., who turned 101 years old. The celebration took place during Bazan’s scheduled therapy session, where the team surprised him with festive decor and a birthday cake. Bazan was surrounded by family members, DHR Health physicians Dr. Hector Soto and Dr. Kip Owen, and local dignitaries who recognized him for his incredible longevity, resilient spirit, and distinguished service to his country.
Special guests at the 101st birthday celebration included Texas State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, City of Edinburg Councilmember Dan Diaz, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. Also in attendance were representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Hidalgo County Veterans Services Office.
“Our mission at DHR Health is to improve the well-being of the communities we serve, and there is no greater honor than caring for a hero like Mr. Bazan. His 101 years of life and his distinguished service to our country are a source of inspiration for all of us,” said Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health.
Born on April 14, 1925, in La Casita, Texas, Bazan was raised alongside eight siblings by his parents, Albino Bazan Sr. and Apolonia Montalvo Bazan. A student at Rio Grande City High School, Bazan’s final year was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Navy. There, he served as an aviation machinist aboard the legendary USS Kenneth Whiting, with active duty spanning from June 1943 to December 1945. During his service, Bazan was stationed at several key military locations, including Corpus Christi, Texas; San Diego, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Pearl Harbor; and Saipan.
Upon returning home, Bazan quickly began building a life rooted in stability and purpose. On June 8, 1946, he married Santos Villa, and together they had five children. Determined to complete his education, he returned to school and earned his high school diploma, demonstrating an enduring commitment to self-improvement. He worked alongside his father as a ranch hand in Starr County and later labored in the fields harvesting cotton in Robstown and sugar beets in Friona, Texas. He went on to serve with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he contributed to the eradication of the screwworm—a critical achievement for the agricultural industry. He later joined the Rio Grande City Independent School District maintenance department, where he worked diligently until his retirement.
Today, Mr. Bazan stands as a living testament to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the “Greatest Generation.” In addition to his five children, Bazan has 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
