"The best thing about my position is the fact that I have the ability to affect a lot of young lives and to be part of their growing process in the military," said Capt. Jose A. Juarez, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research company commander.
Juarez took command of the USAISR Company June 26 and said that he is impressed with the entire staff and is looking forward to the challenges that come with his job.
"I intend to build a team that can withstand constant change by coaching and mentoring NCOs and Soldiers into effective, passionate leaders and Soldiers," he said.
With 20 years of Army service, Juarez credits his success to the support and love of his family. His wife Letisia has been at his side since he joined the Army, and they are the proud parents of four children between the ages of 20 and 14.
"My family has always supported every decision that I've made -- good or bad," said Juarez. "My wife and kids are both my biggest fans and biggest supporters. Letty has been the one to always push me to go that extra mile. Without her I would not be where I am today in my career or in my life."
Juarez would like the ISR Soldiers and staff to know that he is a very easy going person who is easy to get along with and easy to approach.
"I love to joke around," he said. "At the same time, don't confuse my niceness with weakness."
Soldiers at this command can expect Juarez to be fair, honest and transparent in everything that he does. He, on the other hand expects the ISR Soldiers to fully support their leaders and the command wholeheartedly. He believes that by doing this it will improve unit morale and pride. His goal while being the ISR commander is to build an effective team by constantly stating the importance of effective communication.
"To be an effective team we have to earn each other's respect and build trust for one another," said Juarez. "And in order to do this we have to maintain our integrity, both individually and as a unit, and live the Army values."
Juarez knows that he has some work to do in order to meet his goal. He also knows that while he's taking care of the Company that he has to take care of himself as well--both professionally and personally. His short-term goal is to earn his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word. But, ultimately he wants to set himself up to someday retire from the Army knowing that he took advantage of every opportunity the Army presented him, which in his mind would signfy a successful career. For now he looks forward to his tour at the ISR.
"I feel both blessed and honored to have been selected to command the ISR Company," said Juarez. "I just want to make sure that the Institute commander, Soldiers and civilians understand my gratitude for having the awesome opportunity in leading such a unique place."
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