Like many civilians, Joaquin Castillo never saw the Sept. 11 attacks coming.
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 .
Before that day in 2001, the Long Island native had recently graduated from Texas A&M University with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant.
鈥淚 wanted to help people,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been a people person.鈥�
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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.
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.
鈥淲hat happened?鈥� Castillo recalled asking a security guard.
鈥淪omebody went into a tower with a plane,鈥� he told Castillo.
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.
鈥淚 took it personally,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淓specially since it was New York.鈥�
鈥楴o regrets about joining the military鈥�
Castillo鈥檚 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.
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.
When he returned home in 2005, Castillo faced many challenges transitioning to civilian life.
Isolation.
Mental health.
He even distanced himself from military life.
The changes were uncharacteristic.
鈥淭here were no regrets about joining the military,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淓ven with a degree, I had a hard time communicating and finding a job.鈥�
His aspiration to become a physician assistant faded. His desire to help others remained.
He worked a string of jobs, from Home Depot to code compliance, while searching for his purpose.
Castillo鈥檚 path to healing began through social services, where he advocated for the Hispanic community, then the broader public, before focusing on veterans.
It wasn鈥檛 always a positive space.
鈥淭hese people needed help and they were upset,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚 started realizing that even though they鈥檙e upset, I鈥檓 still helping people that can鈥檛 help themselves.鈥�
鈥榁ets talk to vets鈥�
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.
Joaquin Castillo
Age: 52
Military service: U.S. Army Airborne Ranger
Occupation: Fort Worth鈥檚 first veterans affairs officer
Education: Bachelor鈥檚 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.
Family: Married with two boys and three dogs.
Most important lesson learned in the military: 鈥淪avor every precious moment life gives you. When challenges arise, ignite your intestinal fortitude 鈥� adapt, overcome and stay resilient. Remember, pain fades, time heals and always inspire others to do their best.鈥�
鈥淗e put his heart into everything,鈥� Esposito said. 鈥淰ets talk to vets, and he knows how to connect with them.鈥�
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.
Esposito, who called Castillo by his middle name, was happy for him, but felt sadness.
鈥淚t broke my heart in the worst way,鈥� Esposito said. 鈥淚鈥檒l never find another Scott.鈥�
Today, Castillo is Fort Worth鈥檚 first veterans affairs officer. His mission: make the city the best place for veterans in the nation.
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.
Chuck Wright, a Texas Veterans Commission member overseeing North Texas, said Castillo鈥檚 proactive approach is making a difference.
鈥淗e cares a lot about the mission,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 going to accomplish a lot in his role.鈥�
The two met at a veteran event, bonding over their shared vision for supporting North Texas veterans.
鈥淓ven if I help one veteran succeed, it鈥檚 worthwhile,鈥� Castillo said.
His Hispanic heritage adds another layer to his advocacy.
Growing up, he saw few Hispanic role models in military leadership. Now, he hopes to inspire younger generations to serve and lead.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor, especially as a Hispanic, to serve in this role,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚鈥檓 here to help veterans succeed in whatever they need 鈥� financially, mentally, professionally.鈥�
Reflecting on his journey from watching 9/11 unfold in an airport to shaping veterans services, Castillo鈥檚 journey has come full circle.
It鈥檚 never been about accolades for Castillo. It鈥檚 about genuine support.
Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at orlando.torres@fortworthreport.org.
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