< Previous10 COASTMONTHLY.COM / July 2018From the EditorWhat does it mean to be an American? It seems like a simple question, and one we tend to reflect on when it’s time to celebrate our independence — Fourth of July being the most American of all days. But as we learned in this issue, the answers to that question are varied and complicated.We posed that question to 12 people who either were born in the United States or immigrated here. Some came here seeking more opportunity or fleeing political perse-cution and the horrors of wars in their native countries. Some, born here, were endowed with all the freedoms and privileges that come with being an American, many tracing their ancestry to people who fought in the American Revolution. Conversely, some born here have faced discrimination and hardships because of the color of their skin.But what everyone had in common, no matter how difficult their American journey, was an appreciation for this country and its ideals. With NASA and the University of Texas Medical Branch and our petrochemi-cal complex, the upper Texas coast attracts some of the most talented people in the world who contribute to our community and culture in meaningful ways.Some of you might quibble with our use of the word “American,” arguing it refers to anyone from North and South America.For that reason, some claim U.S. citizens’ use of the word American is incorrect, even imperialist. We don’t agree. In this context, America is not so much about geography as it is about an idea. It’s a state of mind.Happy Fourth of July.LAURA ELDERCoast Monthly EditorAmerica is more than a placePhoto by Jennifer ReynoldsSEA ISLE4039 REEVES | $225,000SEA ISLE21816 FRIO | $495,000PIRATES BEACH13910 SAN DOMINGO | $439,000THE BREAKERS CONDO7700 SEAWALL BLVD #103 | $219,000JAMAICA BEACH4308 SPANISH MAIN | $324,900SEA ISLE21511 SAN LUIS PASS | $365,000JAMAICA BEACH16630 FRANCIS DRAKE | $289,900ISLA DEL SOL3912 BRIDGE HARBOR | $575,000SUNSET COVE20715 E SUNSET BAY | $1,299,900PIRATES BEACH4014 BOUNTY CT. | $525,000TERRAMAR BEACH3722 LAGUNA | $669,000TERRAMAR22914 LUNES | $315,000BAHIA AZUL3806 TIDEWATER | $499,000PIRATES BEACH13826 MUTINY LN. | $555,000PIRATES LANDING TWNHMS104 JEAN LAFITTE | $199,900PIRATES BEACH4102 FIDDLER CRAB LN.. | $525,000• GAR 2014, 2015, 2106 MLS Committee Member• Accredited Buyer Representative - ABR• Seller Representative Specialist - SRS• Resort & Second Home Priority Specialist - RSPS• Notary PublicLINDA SIVY Realtor Associate WORKING PARTNER TO SUE JOHNSONGALVESTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 2018 MLS CHAIRMANOVER 25 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE RELATED EXPERIENCE• Honored 7 times by the Houston Business Journal for Closed Transactions• Honored by H Texas Magazine• Honored by Heritage Texas Properties as 2013 - 2017 Top Producer• Honored by Heritage Texas Properties as Top Listing Agent & Most Closed Transactions Companywide in 2017• Nationally recognized as a Real Trends Top 250 Real Estate Professional for Closed Transactions & Dollar VolumeCONSISTENTLY RANKED AMONG THE TOP TWO PRODUCERS ON GALVESTON ISLAND FOR DOLLAR VOLUME & NUMBER OF CLOSED TRANSACTIONSOVER 45 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCESUE JOHNSONBroker Associate, GRI 409.682.9050 sue@heritagetexas.com409.599.5847lsivy@heritagetexas.comJUST REDUCEDJUST REDUCEDJUST REDUCEDJUST LISTEDJUST LISTED12 COASTMONTHLY.COM / July 2018ShorelinesWe asked on Facebook: What does it mean to be an American?The freedom to discuss ideas with people who oppose your views and still grab a beer and remain friends. Honoring our mentors and the sacrifices of those who protect our freedoms.– Eric FroeschnerOpportunity, freedom of speech and reli-gion, diversity in all aspects of life.– LuLu BenavidezIt’s a feeling. It is knowing you are a part of a country that strives on its members having rights and privileges. It gives each of us a feeling that we matter.– William FossierTo me, it’s quite simple: freedom and be-ing a true patriot. I was born after World War II. To this day, I get chills hearing our Amer-ican anthem and can cry at the strains of the music. I have respect for the Office of the President, no matter what political party is in power. I was raised to be a true American patriot and I know that has happened. Race was never brought up and I always consid-ered everyone an equal. So, I can proudly say, 72 years later, that I am proud to be an American.– Frances KellyIt means the freedom to be who I am, do what I want and go where I please.– Kathy Moore GottliebFreedom of movement and travel!– Joe OlmedoIt means inheriting a nation that many people worked very hard for.– Stephan BrewerAbility to express thoughts/feelings/beliefs without fear of reprisals.– Lawrence NalewakLand of the free and the home of bourbon.– Frank CarusoTo be an American for me is to be one from many — E pluribus unum.It is to see that we are part of a great tapestry filled with diversity — languages, cultures, religions, thoughts — where we have decided that we can rise above the differences in our individual histories and become something better as a nation.We have music from around the globe, brought together in the pain of slavery and turned into gospel and rhythm and blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. We jam to the sounds of Bollywood, to country swing and the heartbeat of the universe — the Native American drum. It is a place where the better angels of our nature have given rise to civil rights, women’s suffrage and an attempt at equality on a scale not seen before.We are children of the Enlightenment, though so often our heroes were not as en-lightened as we would wish. We are a coun-try that is in the process of living up to its promise and, God willing, we will become that place to which we aspire.– Stephen F. DuncanAlmost unfettered privilege to be whatever we wish.– Holly ThorsonLucky!– Mike McAfeeEquality.– Roxanne Clarke GonzalesIt means being from the most exceptional country in the world. Despite our troubles, Democracy rocks!– Marsha Wilson RappaportBeing an American means having freedom of speech and freedom of the press, some-thing many, many people worldwide do not enjoy. It means a sense of being protected by people who in my family and in the family of others have made that sacrifice to garner some stability. Some people wake up to bombing and unrest. Generally, we don’t. Being an American means having adequate water, groups that offer food and opportuni-ty to make economic choices, no matter how rough your beginning. It means being able to reach out for help no matter how messed up your life may be. It means being able to make choices once we decide to do so. It means honoring those who make sacrifices for us, politically, socially, creatively and among our families and friends.– Dale TaylorPhoto by Stuart VillanuevaKEEPING YOU AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAMEWhen an injury has you sidelined, the world-class team of specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will help you get back out there faster, with:• Expertise to treat common to complex injuries• Latest imaging and technology• Advanced nonsurgical treatments• Minimally invasive procedures• State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapySchedule an appointment to discuss your options with a specialist.Locations in Nassau Bay and Clear Lake713.363.9090 | houstonmethodist.org/gameonBaytownWillowbrookTexas Medical CenterWest Houston-KatySugar LandThe WoodlandsClear LakeBellaireMemorial CityPearlandConroeSome were born here, tracing their roots all the way back to relatives who fought for freedom in the American Revolution. Others, although born here, endured years of racism and oppression, living in the margins of the American dream, but holding steadfast to the country’s ideals.Some moved here, fleeing political persecution or brutal wars in their native lands or were beckoned by the promise of opportunity in a country where they feel welcome and embraced.Each person Coast Monthly interviewed for this issue has a singular American experience. But they all share in common some distinctly American traits — optimism, strong work ethic, generosity and a willingness to help others achieve what they have found or won through struggle.And they all, in their own ways, contribute to the wonderful, vibrant place we all call home.PORTRAITSAMERICAOF COASTMONTHLY.COM / July 2018 17KEYLA PINTOLiving the dream ‘one day at a time’Keyla Pinto, 28, was born to Guatemalan-American parents in Los Angeles. In 1995, her mother decided to move her, and her younger brother, to Galveston in hopes of gaining support from family already living on the island.“I was about to start kindergarten and my mother was able to work without worrying about me and my brother,” Pinto said. “Just like my mother back then, when I think of America, au-tomatically the word ‘opportunity’ comes to mind. I think of diversity, freedom and the famous notion of the ‘American dream.’”In January, Pinto learned she had a brain tumor, which had been developing in her body since she was 19 years old, she said.Doctors have removed 90 percent of the tumor. Pinto will undergo surgery in the coming months so the doctors can remove the remaining 10 percent.“Dealing with this situation has put me in a state of mind that every day is a blessing,” Pinto said. “Moments like this make you grateful for where you’re at and the help you can receive in moments of need. And although the racial climate in America makes me sad sometimes, I’m just thankful to still be here.”Pinto, who is a proud Latin American, is a yoga instructor at Ambassadors Preparatory Acad-emy in Galveston, a dance instructor, and also a student majoring in criminal justice online at Stephen F. Austin University.“Although I have had experiences in which the way I look has brought discrimination toward me in workplaces and in society, I’m still glad to be an American,” Pinto said. “I know deeply that I can help make a difference in this country — one day at a time.”– Story by Angela Wilson Photo by Jennifer Reynolds18 COASTMONTHLY.COM / July 2018CHERYL TUCKER‘Proud to serve God, home and country’Cheryl Tucker credits her maternal grandmother with sparking her interest in her family his-tory. Her grandmother would tell her stories about her grandfather, who arrived in New Orleans in 1846 from Le Havre, France, and his passion for playing the violin. Her grandmother shared with Tucker stories of growing up in rural Louisiana and about her most exciting memory — voting for the first time after the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920.“I’ve always loved history and hearing the stories” Tucker said. “It was not hard for me at all to feel the connection. I always treasured the stories my grandparents told me.”Tucker, who lives in Galveston but was born in Fort Worth, is the regent of the George Wash-ington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is based in Galveston and is the first chapter of the organization in Texas, organized in 1895. In 2005, while living in Lufkin, she joined the organization, a lineage society for women who can prove they are the direct descendant of a person who aided the cause of achieving independence during the American Revolution. She has served the organization as recording secretary/reporter, historian, chaplain and registrar. A regent is the equivalent of chapter president. Tucker has proven six patriots, which means she has documents that link her to six direct ancestors who provided a service during the American Revolution.Knowing her family’s connection to U.S. history affects her differently on the Fourth of July, Tucker said. She believes in the government and The American’s Creed, a statement written by William Tyler Page in 1917.“I’m proud to be an American and to serve God, home and country,” Tucker said.“People today don’t honor the Constitution, laws or the flag. People have lost sight of them; they have become accustomed to the bad things and forget what we’re all about. You can say you don’t approve and vote (politicians) out, but you do it in a proper way. That freedom is what’s so important, but people center on the negative instead of voting on a positive change. I’ve always been a positive person.”Tucker’s daughters also are DAR members: Kelley Summers is the corresponding secretary of the Nacogdoches chapter and Ali Manis is a member of the George Washington Chapter in Galveston.– Story by Erin Graham Photo by Jennifer ReynoldsNext >