Luis Carlos Montalván


A Life of Resilience and Purpose

Full Name and Common Aliases


Luis Carlos Montalván was born on August 19, 1967. He is often referred to by his nickname "Lucho" by those who knew him.

Birth and Death Dates


August 19, 1967 - October 31, 2016

Nationality and Profession(s)


Luis Carlos Montalván was a Costa Rican-American veteran and author. He served in the United States Army as an infantryman before being severely injured in Iraq.

Early Life and Background


Lucho grew up in San José, Costa Rica, with his family. At a young age, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education and eventually enlisted in the military. His experiences in Iraq would later shape his life's work as an advocate for veterans' rights.

Major Accomplishments


During his time in Iraq, Lucho was severely injured in a roadside bombing, which resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee. Despite this setback, he continued to serve his country and later became an advocate for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries.

Notable Works or Actions


Lucho's life story is documented in his memoir, "Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him." The book chronicles his struggles with PTSD and how his service dog, Tuesday, helped him cope. His story has inspired countless individuals and organizations to support veterans' mental health.

Impact and Legacy


Lucho's legacy extends far beyond his personal achievements. He co-founded Bastion Group, a non-profit organization that provides advocacy services for wounded warriors. Through his work, he brought attention to the critical need for support systems for veterans struggling with PTSD and other injuries.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Luis Carlos Montalván's story is an inspiration to many due to its raw honesty and resilience in the face of adversity. His advocacy work has helped raise awareness about the importance of supporting veterans' mental health, making him a widely quoted figure in discussions around veteran welfare.

As we reflect on Lucho's life, his unwavering dedication to helping others serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on society. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide to prioritize support for those who have served their countries courageously.

Quotes by Luis Carlos Montalván

"
Moments of quiet friendship are what make life-everyone's life-grand
"
The dogs brought it all back to, you know, to the human side.
"
For the senior officers in Iraq, at least in 2005-2006, the responsibility was to the men at the top, the media, the message, the public back home - anything and everything, it seemed, but the soldiers under their command. And that's the ultimate betrayal of Iraq, the one that disillusioned me in Baghdad and Nineveh and keeps me outraged today.
"
where the Army we loved sold us out for careerist brass, a war-porn-fixated media and military-industrial-complex corporate greed; where the only honor and integrity seemed to exist among the troops on the line.