Carlos (aka: Swiss Army knife) is a retired Veteran with quite the range of life experiences. He lives in East Tucson with his wife (Kira) and his two stepsons. Carlos was born a half-Hispanic, half-Dutch baby in Vacaville, California, but his family relocated to Northern Idaho when he was 15, introducing him to a life that valued the outdoors and hard work. During high school, he worked as a Chevy/GMC detailer, a tree farm irrigation tech, a CAT 966 heavy machinery operator, a retailer at an outdoor shop, and finally as an assistant manager of a local restaurant. His quest for greater purpose led him to join the United States Air Force after graduation, where he specialized as a Crew Chief on the C-130H Combat Talon 2, Combat Shadow and J-Model aircraft. Carlos's military career was marked by his leadership and natural problem solving skills within a Special Operations Group overseas, where his dedication, knowledge, and natural mechanical abilities earned him an early promotion, awards and recognition for his integrity and mission achievements. His commitment to expanding his skills led him to accept a Maintenance Operations Command position, overseeing several multi-million dollar Special Operations Group assets and approx. 2,000 personnel, all while training hundreds of Airman in SABC/first aid as a certified instructor. All was well until his ascending career was abruptly cut-short by a severe, permanentant injury, plunging him into a challenging period of loss, depression and chronic pain. He was honorably discharged by medically retirement, followed by 3 years of suffering and turmoil past while he worked hard find a whole new career path, but something was missing. The pivotal moment came in 2019 when a simple telescope his wife bought for his son's birthday opened a new universe of possibilities. "When I looked through that toy telescope for the first time, all my problems disappeared. What I saw can't really be explained. But it was beautiful. I felt enchantment and relief flow throughout my soul. I could feel how we are part of a bigger picture then just our own, and that I was going to be ok." This experience had a huge impact on his whole families mental health, and it led to the birth of Reach for the Stars. Driven by a mission more critical now than ever, Carlos - alongside his wife, a committed Board and strong volunteers - dedicates himself to nurturing joy, wonder and healing mechanisms into local youth and the community through the captivating lens of the cosmos and the "awe effect" that it provides. His journey - from an ideal life, to experiencing severe loss and disability, to overcoming personal despair - underscores the nonprofit's vision: to inspire, heal and empower through the boundless wonders of the universe. "No child should have to continue suffering when there are powerful, effective ways to help them cope and heal. We must tell the world how RFTS can change, and even save a life, as it did mine." Direct email: Carlos@rftstars.com