Michael Ornelas is the chairperson and professor of Chicano Studies at Mesa College. His book, The Sons of Guadalupe is a product of his research that began in 2006.

The book features a unique first-voice analysis of the experiences of the Vietnam generation from his hometown of Guadalupe, California. It takes a historical approach which includes the Vietnam veteran generation during their youth, their experiences in the local schools, their pre- and post-war experiences. Their testimonials reveal the struggles of their early lives in small-town agricultural California and the trauma of the Vietnam War that severely disrupted their lives and continues to haunt their peace.

All of the funds generated through the sale of the book, as well as author's fees and royalties and graphic design fees donated to the Sons of Guadalupe Association, a Guadalupe Vietnam veteran organization dedicated to funding charitable causes in the area. Ornelas is currently exploring a documentary film treatment of the book through Latino Public Broadcasting with local filmmaker Isaac Artenstein of Cinewest Productions.

Ornelas graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with undergraduate and graduate degrees in history. He has been a professor of Chicano Studies since 1976. This is his third book.