Founder
Starting something is hard.
I dislike titles because they have a natural hierarchical connotation. Can't have a leader without a follower. But is being a follower all that bad?
I often say the phrase "lead, follow, or get out of the way!" I'll let someone with more time on their hands figure out who coined it (I found contradicting things online.) However, being a good leader is such a complex thing. Even though there are generic things I can list off that most would agree with; tact, time management, work ethic... discussions about this will go on forever. More importantly, being a founding member of something doesn't necessarily mean you will lead.
A pillar can do many things. Being load bearing isn't a requirement. Sometimes, looking pretty is good enough.
Marcos Alberto Garcia Almaraz is a relentless advocate for veterans. Since immigrating to the United States as a child, Marcos has lived in Texas. His love for country and natural leadership ability resulted in giving 8 years of honorable service to the United States Marine Corps. In 2006, Marcos deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom. After supporting various units at the regimental level through multiple deployments, it was clear that he was capable of much more.
Upon returning to Texas as a civilian, Marcos honed his skills at St. Edward’s University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Marcos realized that he had been serving in this kind of role his entire life; from being a positive male role model to his younger brothers while having to work through high school, to being constantly tapped for coordinating/leadership roles professionally, and always being a reliable friend and colleague.
During his time as a Texas Veteran’s Commission Certified Peer Service Coordinator for Military Veteran Peer Network, he helped service members, veterans, and their families connect with resources in their communities. Through peer counseling, he lead by example and built relationships with veterans over lived experience in mental health and substance recovery. Marcos gave practical tools to make complex ideas more accessible and relatable while incorporating Military Informed Care best-practices. Thanks to his involvement in multiple Veteran Treatment Courts, Marcos has significantly improved the level of care that veterans are receiving in the central Texas area.
Since putting down roots in Bastrop, he seeks to serve the community and has advocated for the kind of care and compassion that veterans currently facing challenges deserve. Always seeking to identify and highlight other pillars!