Early Life, Education, and Business Career
Solomon Ortiz was born in Robstown, Nueces County, Texas; his family had immigrated from Mexico. As a boy, he held several odd jobs, including working as a shoeshiner and an inker for The Robstown Record's letter press. Ortiz befriended, and became fascinated with, law enforcement officers. He attended Robstown High School until the age of 16, when he dropped out after his father's death to help support his family.
Ortiz joined the United States Army in 1960, serving two years and earning his GED. He received basic training at Fort Hood, Texas and served a tour of duty in Verdun and Vitry-le-François, France. Expressing his interest in law enforcement, Ortiz was reassigned to the 61st Military Police Company Criminal Investigation Office and received advanced military police training in n Fort Gordon, Georgia.
After returning to South Texas, Ortiz worked for three years as an insurance agent.
Read more about this topic: Solomon P. Ortiz
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