FORT KNOX, Ky. –
Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Villanueva, a native of Aguado, Puerto Rico, serves as a station commander with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command in Northfield, New Jersey. Army senior leaders recently recognized Villanueva as a top station commander in USAREC.
“I received an email while deployed to Afghanistan in 2017 about being selected for Recruiting as a detailed Recruiter,” Villanueva said. “I had a lot of mixed emotions after reading the email. However, I always say that I did not choose the MOS, but the MOS chose me.”
Villanueva joined the Army as a parachute rigger. He enjoyed everything that came with the job: jumping out of planes, packing parachutes, and many other tasks.
When he was a parachute rigger, they had a motto: “I will be sure, always.” That is a motto he still uses to this day as a station commander.
“Since I started recruiting, I have seen how people’s lives change for the good,” Villanueva said. “This job is a unique opportunity to change the perspective of many people who see the U.S. Army as a last resource or option to change their lives.”
When not recruiting, Villanueva takes his free and outgoing spirit on new adventures by traveling and hiking. He finds those activities to be exciting and relaxing all at the same time.
Villanueva thinks that working hard for something we do not care for can be called stress, but working hard for something we love is called passion.
“Representing my command is the highest honor and achievement in my career so far,” Villanueva said. “So many people were involved that helped me reach the Top 13 Station Commanders, it was truly a team effort.”
For more information about career opportunities and benefits in the U.S. Army, visit www.goarmy.com