Countywide : T-Shirt Sales Aid Gulf Casualties’ Kin

Before the Persian Gulf War began, photographer Ignacio Velazquez was more concerned about trying to become the next Ansel Adams than he was about promoting patriotism.

But the 25-year-old Santa Ana man’s consciousness was raised when he read a newspaper article about San Clemente resident Carol Bentzlin, whose husband, Stephen E. Bentzlin, was among the first Americans to die in the war.

“I was really touched by her story,” Velazquez said. “I read about how Carol wanted to continue her education, so I thought it would be nice to set up a scholarship fund for the widows and the kids (of U.S. war casualties) so they can go to school. I think they should go to the best schools that they can possibly go to.”

Velazquez said this week that he hopes to raise $1 million in scholarship money for the families of soldiers killed in the war through the sale of patriotic T-shirts that he has designed.

The $10 T-shirts feature a red, white and blue American flag and carry the slogan, “Might for Right.”

“The slogan on the shirts means that we need to use strength to make things right,” Velazquez said. “People can make a difference if they stick together.”

Bentzlin, who is a full-time student at Saddleback College, said she is grateful for Velazquez’s efforts.

“I think it’s fantastic,” she said. “Education has always been important to our family. If scholarship funds are raised, it would do something for us that we may not be able to do otherwise because our life has changed so completely.”

Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be deposited into the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in an account earmarked for the children of Desert Storm casualties, said Maj. Mark Thiffault, coordinator of Operation Homecoming at Camp Pendleton. Shirts can now be purchased by calling (800) 755-4906.