Father’s Day tribute to Vietnam veteran Lupe Arellano

A very special Father’s Day tribute was held today for Lupe Arellano, a Vietnam veteran, cancer survivor and father of seven kids.  

“He never wants anything in return,” his daughter-in-law MaryJane Arellano explained. “He’s just about giving.”  

Family says that after he came home from Vietnam, his desire to serve showed in his work ethic, working two jobs Monday through Friday while he helped raise seven children.  

“I’m a firefighter and there’s been many times when I’m at work and my dad comes to my rescue,” his son Danny said. “He’s basically my 911.”  

Danny and two of his brothers, Eric and Jayme, all work for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Lupe’s youngest son, Andrew, works as an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.  

“That’s all we ever knew, was service and teamwork,” Lupe’s daughter Lizette Revils, who works as a nurse, said. “There’s no finer man around than my dad.”  

Lupe, who comes from a large family himself, said he feels very proud of all his children, five boys and two girls.  

“All my kids have achieved something,” he said. “The wife and I have kind of helped them along sometimes, but not always. All parents want to help their kids along somehow. If I’m a very small part of that, I’m very proud.”  

KTLA Photojournalist Phil Ige contributed to this report.