As one of two surviving members of his Marine Corps battalion, Kyle resident Max Vasquez’ life has been shaped by hardships, including the brutality of war.

Max Vasquez shares a memory of his late grandson, with whom he shared a love of Star Wars.

It hasn’t stopped Vasquez from giving back to his community in any way he can, sacrificing his body, time and resources for others, a philosophy rooted in his blood from his days in the service.

For Vasquez, his motto is simple. “I he...