Garcia served as an alternate ambassador to the United Nations in 1967. was appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights in 1968. and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedomthe Nations highest civilian honorin 1984. Dr. Garcia grew up in South Texas and hitchhiked 30 miles a day to go to school. He enrolled into the University of Texas Medical School which accepted only one MexicanAmerican student per year. In addition to helping Hispanic veterans. Dr. Garcia also led the fight against ending discrimination against Hispanic students and brought attention to the poor conditions of migrant workers. From working with Presidents on civil rights issues to providing medical services to those who couldnt pay. Dr.