My name is Jose Román, and I am a retired military service member. My branch of service was the United States Army, and I served for 23.5 years. My career in the military wasn't always easy, however with the support of my wife (Janette) and our children made it bearable. Anyone who has served in the United States military knows it's not a money-making career-choice, but what you don't receive monetarily you do receive in benefits. Medical and dental for a family is very expensive, however through the military I had peace of mind knowing my family's medical and dental expenses were covered. I started my military career in March of 1985 and went to Fort Benning, Georgia for basic training and AIT (Advance Individual Training) as an Infantryman. 

My first duty station was Fort Irwin, California also known as the National Training Center (NTC) where I was a member of the OPFOR (Opposing Forces) which simulated Russian tactics and taught US Army Armored and Infantry forces on the tactics used by the former USSR. The training was long and the summer hot, since Fort Irwin is in the Death Valley desert of San Bernardino County. 

In 1992 I changed my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) from Infantry to the Military Police Corp where I spent the remainder of my career. I was a Patrolman, Desk Sergeant, Patrol Supervisor, Operations Sergeant, Investigator and Inspector. I've had several operational deployments and a combat tour Iraq 2004-2005. I was blessed in the sense that my marriage was strong and endured deployments and a separation (a one-year tour in Korea). Our marriage wasn't always roses and sunshine, as any married couple knows, but we made it through with the grace and blessings of GOD and always communicating, regardless of how upset we were at each other. It was particularly hard on our children with the constant moves from one base to another, usually within a four-year period we would move. However, it provided our children with the opportunity to travel to different parts of the United States. We've been stationed in California, Alabama, Alaska, Oklahoma, Korea (solo tour - no family), Missouri and Texas.

 In 2005 I was contemplating retirement when I received orders for my last duty-station - Heidelberg, Germany. I was assigned to MEDDAC (Medical Department Activity) as the Force Protection Officer and Security Manager for medical personnel stationed in the Republic of Germany. I had several operational deployments with MEDDAC personnel as the Force Protection Officer and liaison with the host-nation country's military. I came to appreciate and truly respect the different functions conducted by MEDDAC personnel during those operation deployments to third world countries; from dental care to pre-natal care to eye exams and all-around medical care, it was amazing to observe. I retired in October 2008, and we moved to Fort Worth, Texas where I began my second career with the Department of Justice as a Security Specialist. I retired from DOJ in 2025 and we decided to relocate to Daytona Beach, Florida and I will NOT be moving again!!