Meet Juan:

I was born in Mexico across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas and raised by my grandparents until twelve years old. My mother and stepfather adopted me, got my passport, and legally came to United States to live with my family in San Antonio, Texas.

I came to Minnesota in 1988 and have been residing here ever since. In 2021, I retired from my career serving as Sergeant Major in the United States Army National Guard, with four deployments - two being overseas combat deployments.   I also worked as a federal technician for the Army Aviation Support Facility in St Paul, MN for 30 years as a helicopter mechanic.

For 35 years now, I have been the luckiest guy there is, married to my incredible wife Julie. The highlight of retirement is spending time with her and with our four grandkids. We love packing up the camper and the family to spend time outdoors. I also belong to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) helping homeless veterans through different programs and hop on my 2017 Indian Chief to participate in charity rides a few times each year. In the fall and winter months I volunteer in the North St Paul community food shelf twice a week.

I’m retired, why run for City Council? My adult life has been about Servant Leadership, and I’m not done yet. I see this opportunity as a chance to continue to serve my community and give back the valuable opportunities I have been granted as an American citizen. It’s also about doing my part to create a community that my grandkids will want to call home.

I am eager to serve as a council member to do more, listen more, and represent those who we are serving. I am a compassionate, concerned listener, strong administrator who is organized and can manage multiple priorities with integrity and dedication.