Like many civilians, Joaquin Castillo never saw the Sept. 11 attacks coming.<\/p>\n
That day sparked a life-changing decision: He joined the U.S. Army, a choice that set him on a path from combat to advocacy. They were all steps that led to his current role as Fort Worth\u2019s first veteran affairs officer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Before that day in 2001, the Long Island native had recently graduated from Texas A&M University with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to help people,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cI\u2019ve always been a people person.\u201d<\/p>\n Stories of Honor is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting 12 Tarrant County veterans<\/a> who are serving beyond the uniform.<\/p>\n We also are highlighting nonprofits<\/a> recommended by the veterans.<\/p>\n In November, the veterans will gather for a luncheon where the Report will honor their service at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.<\/p>\n When the World Trade Center collapsed, he was on a flight with his mother, returning from a wedding in Spain. In an unusual turn of events, the plane rerouted to Brussels.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Castillo recalled asking a security guard.<\/p>\n \u201cSomebody went into a tower with a plane,\u201d he told Castillo.<\/p>\n A nearby television played the chaos. Castillo watched the second plane strike the north tower. The familiar skyline he and many New Yorkers knew was forever changed.<\/p>\n \u201cI took it personally,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cEspecially since it was New York.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018No regrets about joining the military\u2019<\/p>\n Castillo\u2019s service included missions like the 2003 Iraq operation to rescue Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, a prisoner of war who gained national attention after her capture during the Iraq War.<\/p>\n As a member of the 1st Ranger Battalion Bravo Company, 75th Regiment, Castillo became an Airborne Ranger and served alongside soldiers in dangerous conditions, but the realities of war and an unknown future left a lasting impact.<\/p>\n When he returned home in 2005, Castillo faced many challenges transitioning to civilian life.<\/p>\n Isolation.<\/p>\n Mental health.<\/p>\n He even distanced himself from military life.<\/p>\n The changes were uncharacteristic.<\/p>\n \u201cThere were no regrets about joining the military,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cEven with a degree, I had a hard time communicating and finding a job.\u201d<\/p>\n His aspiration to become a physician assistant faded. His desire to help others remained.<\/p>\n He worked a string of jobs, from Home Depot to code compliance, while searching for his purpose.<\/p>\n Castillo\u2019s path to healing began through social services, where he advocated for the Hispanic community, then the broader public, before focusing on veterans.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t always a positive space.<\/p>\n \u201cThese people needed help and they were upset,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cI started realizing that even though they\u2019re upset, I\u2019m still helping people that can\u2019t help themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018Vets talk to vets\u2019<\/p>\n In Nassau County, Castillo worked alongside Ralph Esposito, a Navy Vietnam veteran and director of the Veterans Service Agency. The two organized stand downs, ran a food pantry, launched transportation services and created a veterans court.<\/p>\n Joaquin Castillo<\/p>\n Age:\u00a052<\/p>\n Military service:\u00a0U.S. Army Airborne Ranger<\/p>\n Occupation:\u00a0Fort Worth\u2019s first veterans affairs officer<\/p>\n Education:\u00a0Bachelor\u2019s degree in international studies with a minor in business and Spanish at Texas A&M University. Master of Arts in public administration at Baruch College in New York.<\/p>\n Family:\u00a0Married with two boys and three dogs.<\/p>\n Most important lesson learned in the military: \u201cSavor every precious moment life gives you. When challenges arise, ignite your intestinal fortitude \u2014 adapt, overcome and stay resilient. Remember, pain fades, time heals and always inspire others to do their best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe put his heart into everything,\u201d Esposito said. \u201cVets talk to vets, and he knows how to connect with them.\u201d<\/p>\n Wanting to do more and with Texas ties, Castillo left New York and moved his family to the Lone Star State. He worked in banking while looking for ways to return to veteran services.<\/p>\n Esposito, who called Castillo by his middle name, was happy for him, but felt sadness.<\/p>\n \u201cIt broke my heart in the worst way,\u201d Esposito said. \u201cI\u2019ll never find another Scott.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Castillo is Fort Worth\u2019s first veterans affairs officer. His mission: make the city the best place for veterans in the nation.<\/p>\n Since taking the role, he has created the Distinguished Service to Veterans Award, honoring those who go above and beyond for their fellow service members, and organized events celebrating military service.<\/p>\n Chuck Wright, a Texas Veterans Commission member overseeing North Texas, said Castillo\u2019s proactive approach is making a difference.<\/p>\n \u201cHe cares a lot about the mission,\u201d Wright said. \u201cHe\u2019s going to accomplish a lot in his role.\u201d<\/p>\n The two met at a veteran event, bonding over their shared vision for supporting North Texas veterans.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if I help one veteran succeed, it\u2019s worthwhile,\u201d Castillo said.<\/p>\n His Hispanic heritage adds another layer to his advocacy.<\/p>\n Growing up, he saw few Hispanic role models in military leadership. Now, he hopes to inspire younger generations to serve and lead.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an honor, especially as a Hispanic, to serve in this role,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cI\u2019m here to help veterans succeed in whatever they need \u2014 financially, mentally, professionally.\u201d<\/p>\n Reflecting on his journey from watching 9\/11 unfold in an airport to shaping veterans services, Castillo\u2019s journey has come full circle.<\/p>\n It\u2019s never been about accolades for Castillo. It\u2019s about genuine support.<\/p>\n Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at\u00a0orlando.torres@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n This article<\/a> first appeared on Fort Worth Report<\/a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Like many civilians, Joaquin Castillo never saw the Sept. 11 attacks coming. 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