On this episode of Veterans CONNECTED, Joshua Rand-Castillo talks about how his military experience shaped his mindset going into the private sector, how recognizing your skills can help with your transition to the civilian world and the power of constantly transitioning in your life.

MORE ABOUT JOSHUA…

Mr. Rand-Castillo is a U.S. Army Ranger and Combat Infantry Veteran who’s done it all—from active duty to the Arizona Army National Guard, with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Over the years, he held a bunch of roles—Radio Telephone Operator, Team Leader, Fire Direction Control Chief—and even filled in as a Platoon Sergeant. But more than just the titles, what really drove him was helping younger soldiers grow. He loved mentoring his guys, whether it was prepping for promotion boards, nailing soldier of the year competitions, earning that Expert Infantryman Badge, or just pushing them to go beyond what they thought they could do.

One standout moment? He was chosen to escort the Vice President of the United States to the 2005 Ranger Ball—no small honor. Oh, and he also jumped out of planes as a test parachutist, gathering data on how to jump 81mm mortar systems safely—after completing a two-week Airborne School.

He’s not just about service, either—he competed hard too. He took 2nd in the 2006 Arizona National Guard biathlon and repped Arizona at the legendary Bataan Memorial Death March Run. Mr. Rand-Castillo brings that same passion to the civilian world, which he worked at the Phoenix Medical Center with patient care and transport. He’s also still active in the veteran community, supporting groups like the U.S. Army Ranger Association and the Combat Infantrymen’s Association.