Sergeant Jorge Valdez

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Jorge Valdez of the Missouri Army National Guard!   From the Yucatan Peninsula to Fort "Lost in the Woods" to a remote camp in Kosovo, SGT Valdez never lost his appetite for adventure. Soon after graduating from high school, Jorge announced to his parents that he felt an urge to leave Mexico and pursue the American dream. He did that and so much more! Soon after immigrating to the United States, Jorge enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard. He served as a Combat Engineer out of Jefferson Barracks until finding his true calling as an MP. SGT Valdez also spent a year stationed in Kosovo, relieving a unit that was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Valdez enjoyed being a soldier but had conflicting feelings about his time as an officer candidate. He graduated from OCS but was not permitted to commission due to his age. Upon further reflection, Jorge thinks his wife may have been right about things happening for a reason. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not long after retiring from the National Guard, he began teaching at Fort Zumwalt West High. Jorge gifts his love of learning and zest for life to his students, who enjoy hearing about his adventures as an immigrant who found his American dream, selflessly served his country, and had a lot of fun along the way!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:22) Opening Theme (1:51) Introduction (35:05) Museum Event Ad (36:06) Part II (46:17) Home Again (50:20) Officer Candidate School (1:03:13) Closing