in arlington national cemetery access is usually restricted at the final resting place for three unidentified service members who died in world war i, world war ii and the korean war. >>> and as we honor our veterans this week, we're taking a closer look at latinos in the military and the struggles many face to rise through the ranks. more on our series, those who serve. >> reporter: ricardo remembers the highs of being an airman, but can't forget the lows, setbacks that grounded his career. >> it is a dream of a lifetime i fell in love with flying back when i was seven years old. >> reporter: but after serving the country for 15 years, that dream came to a screeching halt. >> i saw no more future in the active duty for me. >> reporter: he was no longer rising in the ranks. he says he wasn't sure why until he looked in the mirror do you think the opportunities to hit the right steppingstones in the military didn't come to you because you were hispanic? >> yes the short answer is yes. >> reporter: why did you think it had to do with your ethnicity? >> i had no reason to think it had to do with