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Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Melrose Park, IL, and since I was a kid, I have always wanted to be a Marine!
I come from a Mexican background and am the first generation to be born in the United States. I enlisted in the Marine Corp when I was 18 years-old, and retired after serving over 20 years in 2020. During my military career I visited a lot of countries. My favorite place to visit again would be London! The history and architecture of the buildings are fascinating to me. I am married to Allison and we have four children. We also have a German Shepherd and his name is Kaiser. I am a firm believer in “Family First”, without your family you have nothing!
What do you enjoy doing when you're not at school?
When not at school, I am updating our home. I like woodworking, and am a big grill master! I have a smoker, pellet smoker, and a blackstone.
Favorite food/snack: Tacos
Favorite movie: Scarface
Best gift you have ever received: My Family
What is one thing students are usually surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge Cubs fan and I even got a tattoo of the Commissioner's Trophy after they won the World Series in 2016!
Why did you decide to become a JROTC instructor after retiring from the Marine Corps?
I learned about this opportunity through one of my friends, and found it to be interesting and rewarding. I love public service and hope to continue to make an impact on our kids who will be the future of our country tomorrow.
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite family tradition: Dunkin Wednesday
Favorite place you've traveled: London
What are some of the most meaningful ways you've seen students grow during their time in JROTC?
One of the most impactful things about this position is the amount of confidence kids obtain while in JROTC. Confidence and the abilities they receive and learn in this environment puts their trajectory into adulthood on a very positive path.
Do you have a favorite JROTC memory?
One of my favorite JROTC memories is a recent one, traveling to Fort Knox, Kentucky to compete in Raider Nationals. The excitement and teamwork that I witnessed from all of the cadets was really fulfilling.
Favorite quote:
"Lead me, follow me, or get the hell out of the way"
- General G.S. Patton
Raider Nationals (April, 2026) at Fort Knox Army Base, Kentucky.
What would you like parents to know about the RHS JROTC program?
We are Marine Corps JROTC Instructors, but we are humans first!
We will always tell our cadets the truth and motivate each cadet to explore their full potential. Our goal is every cadets best interest and for all of our cadets to be successful both in and after high school.
Finish this sentence:
"I know I've been successful as an instructor when..."
...I see the cadets appreciate what they are learning and when they understand why we have to challenge them. In addition, when parents also see the change in their son or daughter, and how they look at things differently from before joining JROTC.
Morning Coffee or Tea: COFFEE! Favorite book: The Bible
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