![\"Wenceslao](\"http:\/\/www.recoletacemetery.com\/images\/200908Clost.jpg\" "\\"Wenceslao")
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Early figures in Argentine history are usually the most complex to document because they participated in almost every major event. National population was smaller, the elite kept themselves in power & most military figures ran parallel lives as politicians. Adding to the mix were powerful alliances, & Argentines became involved in events spanning half the continent. Wenceslao Paunero was no exception with a lifelong military career & political allies among the most recognized names in Argentina.<\/p>\n
Born in 1805 in Colonia del Sacramento, Paunero was a child during Argentina’s independence from Spain. At the age of 20, he joined the Argentine army & fought for his hometown during the 1825-28 war with Brazil. Although captured & later freed as part of a prisoner exchange, it did not hinder Paunero from moving up in the ranks.<\/p>\n
![\"Wenceslao](\"http:\/\/www.recoletacemetery.com\/images\/200801C12.jpg\" "\\"Wenceslao")
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Paunero later joined forces with General Juan Lavalle<\/a>, participating in battles throughout northern Argentina & negotiating with opposition forces led by cuadillo<\/em> Juan Facundo Quiroga<\/a>. After exile experiences in Bolivia & Per\u00fa, meeting Domingo Sarmiento<\/a> & Bartolom\u00e9 Mitre<\/a> in Chile brought Paunero into new political circles. Paunero fought against Rosas & was consequently promoted to the highest military position Buenos Aires could offer.<\/p>\n Once internal issues were somewhat settled, Paunero had little time to rest. Under the presidency of Mitre, he was sent to command troops in the War of the Triple Alliance<\/a>. Mitre later promoted Paunero to Minister of War\/Defense & in 1868 he ran as a Vice-President under a losing ticket with Rufino de Elizalde<\/a>. Always serving his country, Paunero passed away in Rio de Janeiro as Ambassador to Brazil in 1871 at the age of 65.<\/p>\n