MIAMI, FLORIDA -- Born in the so-called “bride of the Atlantic”, Puerto Plata, he is proud of his Dominican roots and of being Hispanic. “I am incredibly proud to have been born in the Dominican Republic. That is why I have always highlighted it in my biography and throughout my years in the Marine Corps.”
“Being Hispanic is a great honor, especially in my current role as the Command Senior Advisor Command Leader (CSEL) to General Laura Richardson, Commander, United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM),” this 32-year career military role model enthusiastically expresses in our exclusive interview.
“As a Sergeant Major, I am aware of being perceived as an example and a ray of hope for Hispanics who aspire to reach these positions of greater responsibility. As an Advisor to a four-star General, I must consistently perform at the highest level and with the expectations of those I lead in mind,” says the senior military officer.
“I see serving and representing not only all Hispanics, but also all the junior personnel I lead as an honor. Here at Southern Command, it’s no different; it’s just that my influence is much greater, as I can reach out, not only to the Marines, but also to all the other entities (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Forces) and even civilians, that make up this outstanding Joint Command,” a role that should not be an easy task, but a viable one when you have the knowledge to do so, as is his case.
“One of my priorities as a CSEL has always been to positively influence and support younger service members and families. I have been honored to work with phenomenal leaders, throughout my nearly 32 years of service, who have believed in me, valued my contributions, and given me the freedom to perform independently to fulfill the mission as a Senior Combatant Command Command Lead Advisor (COCOM).”
His stepfather: Inspirational source for his Marine Corps career
“Without a doubt, the number one reason was my stepfather who most significantly influenced me to enlist in military service. He was a career policeman in the Dominican Republic and was part of a unique organization within the National Police assigned to the elite Unit, Camp Special Operations in the small town of Manoguayabo in Santo Domingo.”
Growing up, I frequently visited the camp and walked freely around the grounds, observing how they trained. Their high level of discipline helped shape the way I behaved as a young teenager.
“Witnessing the training, I remember fondly, the commitment, teaching and advice of my uncles, who were part of these organizations, as well as the Officers and Senior NCOs.”
He relates that exposure to great leaders taught him development and different attributes such as respect, honor, discipline, integrity, attitude, tact and integrity, which would come in handy, once he joined the Marines.
The second reason was that in 1979, while his parents were applying for his visa to the United States, he remembers the image of the permanent escorts of the Marine Security Guard (MSG) that day and it was forged in his head.
Arrival from Puerto Plata to the United States:
“My arrival in the United States, was probably the same as any child moving here from the Dominican Republic (DR) or any other country, overcoming culture shock, differences in climate, food, language, establishing new friendships. However, for me what made it easier was the bond and friendship I was able to establish with my younger brother, Ben Rodriguez, and his friends.”
“The school was strict, but that interaction with other Hispanic children made it easy to adapt to the new way of life.”
“Over the years, I was able to go back and forth from this country to the Dominican Republic occasionally and remained connected with my friends and family in both places. I honestly believe that joining the military service was in my destiny because of my exposure to the Dominican Republic Armed Forces and my desire to serve this great nation that offered many opportunities for my family and me as I grew up.”
“I joined the military service right after Operation Desert Storm, however, by the time I completed all the training, the war in Iraq was over,” he maintains as he thanks his parents for the discipline and military leaders who influenced him growing up, as well as leaders he served.
He says military service was reasonably easy for him. He notes that the Marine Corps allowed him to travel to many places in the world where he would not have had the opportunity had he not been a part of it and is very grateful, as well as defending this great nation while deployed in combat.
He is the biological son of Rafael. His mother’s name is Dámasa. He clarifies, however, that “his parents were never married. My stepfather, Jorge, and my mother raised me while living in the Dominican Republic, as did my father and his wife, Leonor.
In a message to young people in both the United States and Hispanics, he emphasizes that, “the military “is a melting pot where people value their work ethic, regardless of gender, ethnicity or skin color.”
“I have had the same opportunities as all other races based on my performance. I can only speak about the U.S. Marine Corps, where 23% of the population is Hispanic.”
“It is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the military service; likewise is the number of Hispanics who have achieved job opportunities at very high levels, such as Master Sgt. Carlos Ruiz, Master Sergeant of the Marine Corps (SM MC), and Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff” he refers.
“I would ask young people not to look at Military Service as the last option when all else has failed. I want them to look at it as a commendable choice that will provide opportunities if you decide to leave the service and be proud of your accomplishments by joining them,” as he concludes in his interview.
Our media is honored to declare him “Latin American Pride” based on his excellent military career that makes him worthy of the position he holds today. We thank the U.S. Southern Command Press Department and especially José Ruiz for their support for this special report.