Eduardo Sanchez y Juan Sánchez en Quienes Fuimos y Quienes Somos en la Sucursal del Cielo

Who We Are and Our Connection to Malvinas

The Significance of Malvinas

• The term "Malvinas" holds profound meaning, evoking strong emotions as time passes. Eduardo reflects on how the significance seems to deepen with age.

Personal Experience During the War

• Eduardo recounts his experience on April 2nd, when he was stationed at Regimiento de Infantería 4 in Montecaseros. He vividly remembers the surprise and excitement upon hearing the news about Malvinas.

• On that day, there was a collective gathering in Buenos Aires, particularly at Plaza de Mayo, where people celebrated the reclaiming of Malvinas.

Initial Reactions and Preparations

• Following the initial joy, preparations began for deployment. Many young soldiers felt an overwhelming desire to go to Malvinas despite uncertainties.

• At just 21 years old, Eduardo reflects on his training and readiness for combat after three years of military schooling.

Voluntary Participation

• Soldiers from various classes voluntarily presented themselves at barracks without needing formal orders; it was a deep-seated sense of duty driving them.

• The mission's objective was initially unclear but involved protecting against potential threats while heading south towards the islands.

Journey to Malvinas

• Eduardo describes arriving in harsh weather conditions after traveling by Hercules aircraft with three Unimog trucks.

• He recalls feeling sympathy for fellow soldiers who had to march through difficult terrain under extreme cold conditions upon arrival at Puerto Argentino.

Life in Combat Conditions

• The living conditions were challenging; soldiers shared cramped spaces in tents during freezing nights while facing constant bombardment.

Experiences in the Trenches

Life in the Trench

• The speaker describes their living conditions, mentioning a trench that was approximately 24 meters long and 2 meters wide, accommodating eight soldiers with their equipment.

• Cooking was done within the trench using makeshift arrangements, as they were positioned too close to enemy lines for regular supply runs.

• The kitchen was located five kilometers behind the front line, making it difficult to receive food supplies without risking exposure to enemy fire.

Coping Mechanisms

• Soldiers relied on prayer and camaraderie to cope with the stress of constant danger; silence often filled the trench during tense moments.

• A superior officer named Mario Ponce played a crucial role in maintaining morale by providing support and encouragement during challenging times.

Leadership Challenges

• The speaker reflects on the difficulties of leadership, emphasizing that showing weakness could negatively impact troop morale.

• There were instances when soldiers felt overwhelmed but had to push through due to their responsibilities towards each other.

Personal Connections

• A poignant moment occurred when the speaker encountered his brother Juan while searching for supplies; this encounter highlighted personal stakes amidst war's chaos.

• The speaker prayed for strength and expressed feelings of guilt about surviving while others did not.

Communication Barriers

• Lack of communication made it hard to know if loved ones were safe; uncertainty loomed over relationships as they navigated wartime logistics.

• Upon returning home, there was a sense of disconnect from those who had not experienced combat firsthand, leading to feelings of isolation among veterans.

Importance of Letters

• Letters from family members provided emotional support during tough times; these communications became treasured possessions amid hardship.

• The significance of receiving letters is emphasized, showcasing how they served as reminders of home and normalcy amidst conflict.

Post-War Reflections

• After returning from combat, veterans faced challenges reintegrating into civilian life due to lack of recognition compared to those who did not serve in Malvinas.

Reflections on the Malvinas War

The Burden of Responsibility

• The speaker reflects on the loss in the Malvinas War, questioning why only a few participated while many stayed behind, suggesting collective responsibility among those who did not fight.

• There is criticism regarding the preparation of soldiers, highlighting that many were inexperienced and ill-prepared for combat, particularly referencing recruits from class '63 with only three months of training.

Solidarity and Support for Veterans

• Emphasizes the importance of solidarity and family support for veterans, arguing that they should never feel alone due to societal ignorance about their experiences.

• The speaker shares personal struggles post-war, including psychological challenges stemming from his military service during a time when he felt disconnected from civilian life.

Coping Mechanisms and Recovery

• Describes coping mechanisms used during difficult times in service, such as sitting outside in bad weather to confront feelings of isolation and despair.

• Discusses seeking professional help after returning home, indicating a long journey towards recovery which included re-engaging with social activities like attending football matches.

Importance of Community Engagement

• Stresses the need for community involvement to support veterans, advocating for continuous outreach efforts despite facing obstacles.

• Highlights the role of associations in providing necessary support to veterans and ensuring they do not face their struggles alone.

Personal Experiences During Military Service

Early Life and Military Draft

• Introduces Juan Alberto Sánchez's background, noting he was born on a national holiday which led to misconceptions about military service obligations.

Call to Service Amidst Conflict

• Shares his experience being drafted into mandatory military service just before the outbreak of war in 1982 while serving in an infantry brigade.

Journey to Combat Zone

• Describes minimal preparation received by soldiers prior to deployment; emphasizes how basic training was insufficient for actual combat scenarios.

Travel Experience

• Recounts traveling by train and plane under limited information about their destination; initial excitement quickly turned into uncertainty as they approached conflict zones.

Arrival at Deployment Location

Experiences in the Malvinas Conflict

Personal Reflections on Cold and Hunger

• The speaker reflects on the harsh conditions faced during the conflict, mentioning significant suffering from cold and hunger. They note their personal experience was less intense as they were not directly involved in frontline combat.

Logistical Responsibilities

• The speaker describes their logistical role at Puerto Argentino, emphasizing the urgency of unloading supplies from arriving aircraft or ships quickly to minimize downtime.

Family Reactions to Deployment

• Upon being informed about deployment to Malvinas, the speaker recalls how soldiers were given no time to notify family members before leaving. They had two brothers, one of whom was also expected to be deployed.

Communication with Family

• The speaker managed to inform their father about going south before leaving. After deployment began, letters sent from Malvinas kept family updated on their situation.

Emotional Highs and Lows

• The most painful moment for the speaker was surrendering on June 14th, contrasted with a joyful reunion with a brother who searched for them amidst chaos. This emotional duality highlights the complexities of wartime experiences.

Captivity Experience

• Following surrender, the speaker recounts being taken prisoner and having only a pistol as armament. They describe five days spent in captivity under uncertain conditions until boarding a transport ship.

Uncertainty During Transport

• While aboard a small vessel after capture, there was confusion regarding their destination. The lack of information created anxiety among prisoners about their fate.

Arrival Back in Argentina

• Upon arrival at Puerto Madryn, there was relief mixed with uncertainty as they realized they were back in Argentina but still felt like prisoners due to strict protocols during transport back home.

Post-War Transition

Return from Malvinas: Personal Reflections

Initial Feelings Post-Malvinas

• The speaker expresses a sense of well-being upon returning from the Malvinas, contrasting with others who felt more affected by the experience.

• He quickly found work at the municipality, indicating a proactive approach to reintegration into civilian life despite challenges faced by other veterans.

Establishing Support for Veterans

• The speaker highlights the establishment of a veterans' center and museum, emphasizing community support and remembrance initiatives.

• The initiative began in 1983/84 under veteran Ricardo Flores, focusing on providing assistance to soldiers facing employment difficulties.

Formation of the Veterans' Center

• A call was made to all soldiers for support, as many were struggling with joblessness after their service.

• A commission was formed to address these needs, with leadership roles established within the group.

Community Engagement and Growth

• The center aimed not only to assist veterans but also to contribute positively to the local community through various social programs.

• They collaborated with PAMI (National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners), focusing on welfare programs that included food distribution.

Expansion and Future Projects

• The center grew rapidly as more people joined efforts; they eventually secured a permanent location through municipal donation.

• Initially operating out of rented space, they transitioned to their current premises after significant community backing.

Vision for Continued Impact

• Current projects include plans for a cinema and larger meeting spaces within the center, aiming to educate youth about history through film screenings.

• The goal is to create an inviting environment where stories from veterans can be shared directly with interested audiences.

Gratitude and Legacy

• The speaker reflects on gratitude towards their community while acknowledging ongoing efforts inspired by past sacrifices made during the conflict in 1982.