Story by Ellie Song
Staff Writer
Photo by Mac Shropshire and courtesy of Raymond Alarcon
Staff Photographer and Contributor
Raymond Alarcon, or as the students of SPHS have known him endearingly as Mr. Ray, has worked as a campus custodian at SPHS since 2021. Prior to this position, Mr. Ray worked at Monrovia Unified for a considerable amount of time. However, most importantly, Mr. Ray served in two branches of the military: the U.S. Navy for three years, and nine in the U.S. Army.
“It was very frightening because you’re going to a situation you’re not used to, and you rely heavily on your brothers and sisters in arms to have your back,” Alarcon said.
When Alarcon was younger, he would watch war movies with his dad, and discovered that he wanted to serve his country proudly.
Despite America’s low participation in the military, Alarcon remains a definite exception, as he had several jobs in the Army such as an artillery man, a soldier in the artillery, a fire direction specialist, who coordinates and integrates weapons operations, and an infantryman, or a soldier in the infantry unit.
“That’s one thing about joining the military. You tend to be joining for a reason, and you can learn to protect the weak.”
In the Navy, Alarcon was a damage control man, or a first responder, critical to avoiding and preventing accidents.
“About only one percent of the U.S. population has served in the military, and you don’t have to go to war to be somebody’s hero,” Alarcon said. “The simple fact [is]: to even serve in any of the branches of the military takes courage, knowing what you are willing to sacrifice to keep America and its people safe and free.”
To this day, Alarcon’s lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Repair Division works as the news anchor for FOX 11 news, Bob DeCastro.
“When I see the [American] flag, and I see it flapping in the wind, I take great pride. That’s my flag,” Alarcon said. “People join the military for different reasons. For honor, for educational benefits, and the privilege to protect our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Mine was to protect America’s Democracy.”
Alarcon explains that there were a plethora of situations in his time during the army, but for the most part, you tend to trust the individual next to you and support each other through rough and happy times.
“It was rough because I had to readjust being around people, but this was over 20 years ago. After a while, you just learn to accept that you’re no longer in harm’s way,” Alarcon said.
Now that he works at SPHS, Alarcon is more protective of the students and staff after his experience in the military.
“I’m a very protective person. I’m always aware of my surroundings, and if I ever see a situation where I think it’s dangerous, I tend to act, to help others, so that I protect them.”
As Veterans day comes up on Wednesday, Nov. 11, remember to show gratitude to anyone who has served in the military, including family members, neighbors, or anyone wearing a veteran hat.
“It would definitely mean a lot to all veterans,” Alarcon said. “The small things make a huge lasting impression and make us veterans even prouder to have served.”