The idea of creating a cookbook to support the Semper Fi Fund was the brain child of Gladys Rodriguez. She immigrated to theUnited States in 1970 from her birth place, Cuba. She lived in Cubawith her family for eight years under the Castro regime. She and her family then moved to Chile. Chile proved to be her `bridge' to America. While in Santiago, both Gladys and her husband, Bob, worked at the NASA Station. It was here that their dreams of coming to the United States would come true. With the help of their Americansupervisor, they were able to immigrate to the U.S. Shortly after their departure from Chile, Salvador Allende, an ally of Fidel Castro,became the President.

This cookbook is a symbol of Gladys' appreciation and a means of giving back to those who protect thefreedoms that we now enjoy.

 

Gladys and Bob exemplify what America stands for. After arriving in the United States with very little money, they settled in Maryland.Both had hopes of finding work at Goddard Space Flight Center. Their dream soon came true with both of them working at Goddardfor many years. Bob retired two years ago after 45 years in the space program. He left behind many friends and supporters that appreciated his work ethics and love for the space program. His passion for the program is still intact today. Gladys worked as a secretary, taking advantage of every opportunity to work weekends and on holidays to earn overtime money. Bob worked the midnight shift and also pursued an education through both Community Collegeand later attending the University of Maryland. He not only received an Undergraduate Degree in Engineering but also a Masters in Management Technology several years later.

 

After only four years in America, they were able to purchase their first home. Their love for our country is unconditional, and they frequently express how grateful they are for the opportunities givento them and the wonderful life they live. They received their US citizenship on July 4th, 1976 as part of the Bicentennial ceremonies at Ft. McHenry, Maryland. They both say it was one of the proudes tdays of their lives and an honor they will never forget. Their devotion to their adopted country is sincere and unconditional. Although they do not have any ties to the military, Bob and Gladys devote most of their free time to supporting our troops on many different levels, and have developed a special love for our Marines. When asked why they do this, their response is always the same:“None of our children chose to be in the military. They live a wonderful life, thanks to those who have chosen this path. The least we can do is help out. We will never forget the opportunities we have had, the warmth of the friends we have made, and the life that we live. We were not privileged to be born here, but like a paren twho adopts a child, our love for our adopted country is as great, or perhaps greater, than if we had been born here, since we have experienced life without freedom outside of the U.S.”.