Jose Garcia — Historian

Jose Garcia

U.S. Marine Corps · Historian

I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and I served to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO-5). Much of my career centered on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense and emergency management. When I was recalled to active service in 2002, I led the CBRN team that helped prepare the 900 Marines of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines for homeland defense and then combat operations in Iraq. I later worked alongside our coalition partners at U.S. Central Command in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and went on to lead the Marine Forces Reserve CBRN Defense Program, which reached Reserve units across the country.

Since then, my work has stayed focused on preparing for and responding to emergencies. I spent several years helping Marine Forces Reserve keep its training centers ready for hazardous weather and other threats, taught Emergency and Security Studies at Tulane University, and supported COVID-19 response operations for New York City Emergency Management and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Today I serve as Historian of American Legion Post 38 in Floresville, Texas. To me, being Post Historian is more than a position. Preserving the legacy of our Post means making sure everyone who passes through is remembered for their contributions. It also means capturing the value of our members and our collective support of the community and our fellow veterans.