BRIGADIER GENERAL JUAN G. AYALA By Aisha I. Jefferson
B
rigadier General Juan G. Ayala says many Americans may not realize
just how privileged a life they really do live. Sure, there are things that could be improved, but Americans have many rights such as freedom of speech that BGen Ayala, who has traveled the world during his 31 years as a United States Marine, says shouldn’t be taken for granted. “We’re very fortunate to live where
we live and I think it will continue to be like that,” says Ayala, 53. Ayala’s appreciation isn’t just philo-
sophical; it’s something he constantly reminds himself and practices in his daily activities. Soon after graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso with a business degree, and then getting married, Ayala was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Ma- rine Corps in 1979, and has been excel- ling ever since. An El Paso native, Ayala is currently serving as the Commanding General, 2d Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he provides transportation maintenance of all equipment, engineering support and service. He oversees 11,000 Marines and sail- ors whose enthusiasm and humanitarian as- sistance efforts in Haiti and after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation continue to inspire him. “Marines have an unmatched work ethic. I
truly believe they are great people,” he says. Ayala, who holds a masters in business administration from Campbell University and a master’s degree from the Naval War Col- lege, also shares that work ethic. Earning his degrees have taught him discipline. “I started it and I finished. It taught me about organi- zation, especially the masters of business de- gree. It gives you a lot of management experi- ence. The Marine Corps is big on leadership,” he says. The Marine brigadier general showcased
his leadership during his four deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he also spent a year as an advisor to the Iraqi Army. “It’s made me a better person and a lot more pa- tient,” he says of his experience. His military experience has helped make
his wife of 31 years and their four children better people as well. Ayala says he and his family have moved more than 20 times dur- ing his military career, including to Japan and Germany. While this seems exhausting, Ayala believes it’s helped them develop into a close- knit family unit and helped make his children more worldly and patient. “It was a challeng- ing time for us, but it brought us closer.” And during his entire military career, his family has always been together to celebrate Christmas.
A great experience was when I
served as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in 2006. I trained Iraqi officers and we became great friends. It taught me a lot, including to be culturally sensitive. Not coddling or anything like that, but more culturally aware. And they were tolerant of us. The experience made me a better person.
What’s the most important thing
Marines should remember when it comes to balancing their military career and family life? The most important thing to remem-
ber is the need to have a balanced life. A Marine Corps career is going to come to an end at some point. In my opinion, a family is the most important thing you have. We encourage Marines, if they aren’t on duty, to go home to their fami- lies. When Marines are deployed, the spouses have to go back and be both mom and dad. I have a lot of respect for the families. It’s a great career and a tough career when it comes that.
A decorated officer, Ayala has received
several personal awards for his service, in- cluding the Legion of Merit with “V” Combat Distinguishing Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Ser- vice Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritori- ous Service Medal, Joint Service Commenda- tion Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. And while under his command, his units
received the Marine Corps Aviation Associa- tion’s Jim Hatch Award for the 1998 Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) of the Year (MWSS 271) and the 2005 James McGuire Award for Exceptional Achievement (Secu- rity Battalion, Marine Wing Support Group 37). Ayala also received the 2007 Excellence in Military Service Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Why did you decide to join the Marine
Corps? Growing up in El Paso I lived near an Army
town where my dad had a restaurant. I saw Marines come back from boot camp and war and they always impressed me: their man- nerisms, respect, work ethic – and they were physically very different. I wanted to be chal- lenged. I wanted to get fit, and see the world. Marines as a whole are very disciplined. They have a great warrior ethos and they have great work ethic.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had as a Marine and why?
How have you and your family dealt with periodically relocating? My wife and I married right before I went
into the Marine Corps. My wife is a civilian pediatrics nurse who works in a civilian hos- pital. She has been able to work nearly every- where we have been stationed. Separations are never easy, and the older my children are, the harder it gets. It has made my children more resilient. It takes a very strong spouse to be married to someone who’s a member of the military. Spouses are the real heroes.
Who are you heroes and why? My dad. He came from Mexico in the 1950s
and had a small restaurant for 30 years. He started off by washing dishes at a restaurant. My father had nine kids and took care of all of them. He died in 1993, and he taught me some great lessons. My father was very proud and didn’t want any handouts. He taught me to stand on my own, and take care of my re- sponsibilities.
What life lessons have you learned from you military experience? What I have learned is how fortunate I
am to be living in this country. I always come back with an appreciation for where we live as Americans. I’ve been to poor countries in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. I wish all Americans could have a chance to see the difference between the opportunities we have here in the United States compared to some of these countries. I wish every Ameri- can would experience that.
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