Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jose Luis Montalvan is a previous enlisted Marine who climbed his method by the officer ranks after escaping the revolution in Nicaragua in 1987. He's traveled to greater than 20 nations, together with a fight deployment, and has been acknowledged with quite a few private awards. He has absolutely immersed himself within the American expertise – turning into a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002 – whereas retaining his cultural id.
Job Title:
District Recruiting Operations Officer
Hometown:
Hialeah, Florida
Stationed:
Parris Island, South Carolina
Unit:
sixth Marine Corps District
Where are you from?
I used to be born in Nicaragua, the most important nation in Central America. When I used to be a boy rising up in Nicaragua, I keep in mind the nation's unimaginable pure magnificence, wonderful folks, scrumptious meals and sharks that swam in a freshwater lake. In 1987, proper earlier than my twelfth birthday, I'd've been conscripted into the Nicaraguan navy. I fled Nicaragua on a monthlong journey by Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico to reside within the United States with my aunt and uncle, who raised me. We lived in Hialeah "La ciudad que progresa," close to Miami, Florida. I met up with my uncle and human traffickers who promised passage throughout the Rio Grande in freezing water. I did not know how you can swim. I grabbed a rubber tube. I used to be confused and upset, not understanding why my mother made me undergo all of that, giving me away to members of the family I did not know. My uncle and I have been detained on the airport, however our case was transferred to the Miami Immigration and Naturalization Service workplace, so we have been launched and in a position to go to Miami. I really like my aunt and uncle and discuss with them as mother and pop as we speak.
Why did you need to turn out to be a Marine?
I knew if I stayed in South Florida, I would not obtain what I wished to. I wished to proceed studying English and enhance my schooling, which might result in higher job alternatives. I knew that if I stayed across the similar folks, I felt that I'd by no means study English accurately, since we might revert again to talking Spanish on a regular basis. In addition, I knew it could restrict my schooling and job alternatives. I additionally wished to journey and see the world. That's once I considered the Marine Corps as the answer.
After I enlisted, I thought of turning into a Marine Corps officer. I noticed turning into an officer would enable me to guide, mentor and coach Marines. I wished to have a constructive affect and assist others actualize a path to their full potential.
How has your childhood formed the chief you're as we speak?
My childhood and upbringing allowed me to see obstacles and challenges as alternatives. As a results of my experiences, I consider that each one Marines have limitless potential and may obtain their targets and desires by onerous work and perseverance, even when it might sound not possible. I might need excessive expectations, however my motto is, "If I can do it, so can you!"
What is your proudest second as a Marine?
The proudest moments are when Marines whom I've served with contact me to share their accomplishments, ask me for recommendation and/or share particular household moments. The calls, messages and emails affirm that fostering a constructive surroundings and growing skilled relationships may have a long-lasting constructive affect on any individual. I really feel that that is a part of the legacy of being a Marine, serving to different Marines succeed.
How did 9/11 affect you?
I used to be attending Florida State University when 9/11 passed off. I used to be popping out of a global legislation faculty class once I noticed everybody gathering on the scholar heart, after which I noticed the information. I made a decision to take extra courses so I might get again to the Fleet Marine Force as rapidly as I might. I wished to guard my nation regardless of the fee. I wished to graduate as rapidly as I might.
Who is your function mannequin?
As I used to be rising up, many individuals positively influenced my life, however nobody was extra influential than my aunt and uncle, whom I discuss with as mother and pop. They raised me as their very own son; they liked and cared for me unconditionally. They made sacrifices to make sure that all my wants have been met. While rising up, we did not have an abundance of something, however I all the time had meals, shelter and love, and that was greater than I wanted.
In the final 10 years, my function mannequin has been my spouse, Kerrie. She balances taking good care of our children, breaking powerlifting data and being a navy partner with ease. Without her, we might be misplaced. She locations our wants and needs above hers! Her love, drive and expectations preserve us sturdy and drive us towards our targets.
I couldn't have requested for higher function fashions in my life.
What are some hobbies you could have exterior of the Marine Corps?
My favourite pastime, no doubt, is teaching soccer! I've been a youth soccer coach since 1996. In the final 25 years, I've coached quite a few groups and tons of of youngsters. Many of the youngsters at the moment are adults with households of their very own, however they nonetheless message me and keep in contact. However, my favourite soccer gamers are my sons, Ethan and Ean, who like to put on the #9 and #10 jerseys.
In addition, since October 2020, I've been serving because the Marine Corps consultant for the Association of Naval Services Officers. ANSO is a nonprofit group devoted to the recruitment, retention and promotion of Hispanics and Latinos throughout all ranks of the United States sea companies. ANSO gives me with the chance to have a constructive affect on others and assist them obtain their full potential, which is among the causes I grew to become a Marine officer.
