Blas Mojica, Jr.

In loving memory of Blas "Sonny" Mojica Jr., affectionately known as "Moe", who passed away on June 19, 2024 in Amarillo, Texas at the age of 85. Blas was born on October 16, 1938 to Blas and Nasaria Mojica in Lockhart, Texas.  

Blas Mojica is preceded in death by his wife Maria de la Luz "Mary Lou" Mojica, Leti Wei and daughter, as well as his parents, Blas Mojica Sr. and Nasaria Salazar Mojica, and his siblings: Ricardo Mojica, Mary Alice Espinoza, Leonardo Mojica, Jose Guadalupe Mojica, and Cresencio Mojica. Left to cherish his memory are his son Vicente G. Mojica; his daughter Velma G. Mojica and her spouse, Heber; his son Xavier R. Mojica and his spouse – · along with his 2 grandchildren, Xochitl and Rudy, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings, Natalia Salazar, Basilio Mojica, Antonio Mojica, and Edward Mojica.  

Blas began his distinguished military career by enlisting in the Marines at the young age of 17. He later served in the Army and the Navy, ultimately retiring in 1977. Throughout his service, he endured significant challenges, including attending the University of Saigon, exposure to U.S. Atomic aboveground nuclear testing, and the impacts of Agent Orange, in addition to participating in various combat operations. He was also involved in NATO and was proficient in several languages, including Vietnamese, German, Cantonese, Cambodian, and Laotian. He served alongside his comrades William "Bill" Moreo Sr., Rick Shepherd, and John R. Rapp and was a member of MST-Three Det.  

Following his retirement, Blas dedicated his time to improving the lives of the Hispanic community. He made history by becoming the first Hispanic board member of SPAG. In 1989, he joined the Adelante Con Bush initiative, and from 1990 to 1995, he served as the first Hispanic member of the Water Board District at Buffalo Lakes.  

In his leisure time, he crafted rosaries for the community, assisted numerous veterans in obtaining their entitled benefits, engaged in home renovation projects, cooked, and shared his remarkable life experiences. He was a hero, an activist, and will forever be dearly loved by all.