As a veteran who worked in public safety, I shouldn’t be scared to go out

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, went through L.A. schools from first grade though high school graduation. I served my country for seven years in the Army. I became a police officer, but it did not appeal to me, always having to say “no.” Went on to the fire department and was proud not only to help people in need, but to be selected to join a national disaster medical team and be deployed to assist in New York after 9/11. Afterwards, I received a certificate recognizing me as a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security, signed by Tom Ridge.

I never thought the color of my skin could get me scrutinized, possibly incarcerated or maybe even deported. I now carry a photocopy of my certificate and my HHS, FEMA and Homeland Security ID cards! As that comedian with the Russian accent used to say, “What a country.”

— Ray Cardona, Ramona