Gen. Burgos shares his personal story with local students

Photo By Carlos Cuebas | In continuation of the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico’s commitment with the local communities, Brig. Gen Jose R. Burgos, 1st Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico commanding general, addressed students at the Berwind High School, Feb 18, during the school’s career day. “The most important thing you can do is to have the best education available. It is also very important to recognize that you all have the capabilities to achieve everything that you believe you can do. If someone tells you that you cannot reach your dreams, that person is wrong. I grew up in a poor family. However, I continued improving myself and did not allow anyone to tell me that I was not capable of reaching my dreams,” said Burgos.  

RIO PIEDRAS, PUERTO RICO

02.18.2015

Story by Maj. Carlos Cuebas 

1st Mission Support Command

RIO PIEDRAS, Puerto Rico - In continuation of the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico’s commitment with the local communities, Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos, 1st Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico commanding general, addressed students at the Berwind High School, Feb. 18, during the school’s career day.

Burgos was invited by school officials to share with the students his personal story of determination and hard work. Born and raised in the humble neighborhood of San Jose, Rio Piedras, Burgos’ personal story is one of resilience as he rose out of poverty and through the ranks to become the senior U.S. Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean.

“The most important thing you can do is to have the best education available. It is also very important to recognize that you all have the capabilities to achieve everything that you believe you can do. If someone tells you that you cannot reach your dreams, that person is wrong. I grew up in a poor family. However, I continued improving myself and did not allow anyone to tell me that I was not capable of reaching my dreams,” said Burgos.

The officer also talked about his neighborhood, which coincidentally is very close to Berwind School.

"When I was playing baseball as a kid in Canteras, there were people offering drugs to me. However, I stayed focused on my future. That is exactly what you must do; avoid distractions and stay focused at all times," said the officer.

“When I left Puerto Rico to join the Army, I did not know how to speak English. However, with effort and sacrifice I have been able to occupy the position that I have today. Nothing is easy, but it is possible,” stated Burgos.

Enrique Seda, school counselor, stated that the visit from the U.S. Army Reserve represents another opportunity for the students.

“As a counselor, I must facilitate information to my students. The Army Reserve must be seen as another alternative for your future,” said Seda to the students.

Shortly after their interaction with Burgos, the students also had the opportunity to learn about the different options that the U.S. Army Reserve offers, by visiting a recruiter’s booth at the school’s basketball court.

“The conversation with the general was very interesting because he explained many things that I did not know. My perception was that soldiers were always serious, but Gen. Burgos is a nice person and cool,” said George Aviles, a 12th grade student who is looking at the Army Reserve as an alternative.

Through visits like this one, the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, the largest U.S. Army command in the Caribbean, fulfills its social responsibility with the local communities, by encouraging the local youth to strive for success, despite the obstacles they may encounter through life.

• Date Taken: 02.18.2015
• Date Posted: 02.19.2015 16:38
• Story ID: 154885
• Location: RIO PIEDRAS, PR
• Hometown: SAN JUAN, PR