Jesse Valdez

Staff Sergeant Jesse Valdez E6, U.S. Army (Retired), 95, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Born on December 18, 1930, in Horton, Kansas, to Ben Valdez and Thomasa Contrarez, Jesse was one of five siblings. In May 1943, at the age of twelve, he moved with his family to Shelton, Nebraska. He grew up working the sugar beet and potato fields and later at the Rockwell Bowling Alley in Grand Island, lessons that instilled in him a lifelong commitment to honest labor, resilience, and perseverance.

Jesse proudly served his country for twenty years in the United States Army, earning an Honorable Discharge as a Dual-Theater veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. A Master Parachutist and Century Club member of the Airborne Association, he completed more than 100 jumps. He served with elite units including the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans), the 504th Infantry Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 8th Infantry Division. Among his many honors were the Army Occupation Medals for Germany and Japan, the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachute and Glider Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

His global service took him to Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, the Dominican Republic, and Panama, as well as stateside postings at Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Benning. He was also among one of the early test subjects for the Army’s High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) paratrooper program, making jumps from altitudes exceeding 30,000 feet.

Deeply committed to his fellow veterans, Jesse was a life member of VFW Post 1347 and American Legion Post 323 in Los Angeles. After his military career, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Los Angeles. He later worked as a Teamster in Los Angeles and as a seasonal employee for the City of Grand Island.

Jesse lived a principled life defined by unwavering service to his country, dedication to hard work, and devotion to family. A man of staunch convictions, he expressed his views with unabashed candor — so much so that The Independent eventually limited his frequent letters to the editor.

He was a devoted and loving father who joyfully made the long journey each year from Grand Island, Nebraska, to Los Angeles, California, to celebrate his son’s birthday. Through his steadfast guidance, quiet strength, and unconditional love, he profoundly shaped his son into the man he is today.

He is survived by his son, Carlos A. Saldivar of Los Angeles, California.

A Catholic Rite of Committal will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island, Nebraska. 

“To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” -Aristotle