Courtesy Photo | Master Sgt. John A. Uvalle, who is deploying with the Oregon National Guard's 41st...... read more read more
Master Sgt. John A. Uvalle of the Texas Inactive Ready Reserve has served in the military for 39 years and has undying love for his country.
This year, he will be serving on his fourth deployment with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon National Guard. It is a deployment that he volunteered to go on.
Uvalle grew up in a difficult neighborhood on the Westside of San Antonio in a broken home.
"My mother, God rests her soul, with a 2nd grade education, did what she could to keep a roof over our head and food in our mouth, but like other fatherless children I grew up wild. I was getting into trouble with no discipline," explained Uvalle. "I got into trouble one too many times, and by God's blessing one of the police officers who arrested me suggested that if you like to fight why don't you go fight for your country and join the military. That was the turning point in my life."
The discipline and camaraderie he got from the military helped him get rid of bad habits and gave him an understanding for what it is to be an American.
He also believes it helped save his life. "Most of the people I used to know are either dead, in prison or junkies, added Uvalle."
He said that he serves his country because someone has had to pay for the freedom we enjoy as Americans since the time of the U.S. Revolution.
During his military career Uvalle said he has had great times that include meeting the Jackson's with Michael Jackson, George Foreman, the Original Temptations and a man who served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam with John McCain.
He also said there have been difficult times that include having people he served with in Iraq lose their lives.
"I saw some of my brothers, who did great things in Iraq, pay the ultimate price, and I would hate to see us give up now," explained Uvalle.
Before he dies, Uvalle said he would like to meet the Commander and Chief and shake his hand.
"I have met generals and Medal of Honor recipients but to meet the president would be the ultimate reward."
Uvalle mentioned that he is proud to be serving on a deployment again, and that he has been impressed with the Soldiers and leadership from the Oregon National Guard.
He said he will serve his country until he dies or gets kicked out of the military. The San Antonio native stands as an example of the American spirit that has made our Country great.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2009 11:08 |
| Story ID: | 36210 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 184 |
This work, San Antonio native bleeds red, white and blue, by SFC Cory Grogan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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