Meet Jose L. Garcia-Aponte. Member of November Project Orlando, Positivity Award winner, US Armed Forces veteran, Operation Giveback (OGB) founder & CEO.
You will hear him before you see him. Especially if it’s 5:45am Wednesday morning in Orlando, listen for high-tempo salsa music around Lake Baldwin and you’ll eventually run into Jose and OGB friends getting in a few miles before NP ORL bounces.
Here is a part of Jose’s story…
Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, I am one of 10 siblings. I served 29 years in the US Army, and during service, I trained and mentored thousands of soldiers and their families. I attended the US Army Sergeant Major Academy (Class #53) and retired as a Command Sergeant Major (CSM), the highest achievable enlisted rank in the service. Among my military honors and awards is the Soldier’s Medal, the highest honor a solider can receive for an act of valor in a non-combat situation. It is awarded for heroic actions on behalf of fellow soldiers or civilians.
My desire to serve others began during my deployment to Haiti, 1995. Dozens of volunteers and I from all the service branches who — on their free time and with no pay— started the School of Hope to teach English to Haitians. Hundreds of Haitians graduated from the School of Hope and returned to their communities to share what they learned. I was among those honored by President Bill Clinton for my “call to duty and heroism.”
Upon returning stateside, I continued to be actively involved in numerous non-profits and local community organizations. In 2011, I founded Operation Giveback (OGB), an organization whose mission is to raise awareness and resources for our wounded warriors, their families and children of our fallen heroes. It is OGB’s sincere desire to help these families adjust to their “new normal,” and facilitate a sense of purpose and willingness to pay it forward.
In addition to my military career, I am a certified trainer with Zig Ziglar Legacy and Toastmasters International to be a dynamic motivational speaker and crowd energizer. In my spare time, I enjoy running — completed 14 full marathons, 9 halves, and 12 Ragnar relay races.
How did I find November Project?
I work for the military at PEO STRI (simulation and training). One day, I was going to a meeting when I saw this amazing lady set to go running, and I said to myself, “Ohhh snapppp, she looks in shape. Let me hit her to join one of our Ragnar races.” I saw her t-shirt and loved the design… Yup, it was November Project. The girl in amazing shape was our NP co-leader Allison, whom in turn recruited me to her Wednesday morning club, aka Tribe.
What this Tribe means to me is family. Right from the start, I fell in crazy LOVE with the entire concept: meeting new people from different backgrounds, everyone united for the same purpose, to add value to the Tribe.
Jose, we’re glad you are here!!!! Thank you for your Aloha vibes, igniting the tutu movement with Staci, and sharing your life with us — we are the luckiest.
::Upcoming NEWS::
- 6/6 Tues Yearbook Photos dropped in 41 NP Cities around the world. Huge THANK YOU to Danielle for helping us with you photog skills!
- 6/7 Wed 5:45AM RUN… 6:29AM WORKOUT. Bring friends and strangers. Can’t wait to hug you then!!!
- 6/10 Sat 6:30PM Rum Ball at Loch Haven Park! Sign up and get classy in Pirate garrrrb. Our very own member, Katie, is leading up this 7th annual event. Come out for a great cause and time!
- 6/21 Wed 6:00PM International Day of Yoga at The Acre for a FREE community yoga event.
- 9/23 Sat 7:00AM Mermaid Race!!! 5K & half marathon. Pen this on your calendar and register! I’ll ask about group discounts (even though it’s their inaugural event). #MermaidsOfNP
Life is ze bubbles!
Allison
