Al Montes hails from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. He came to the United States (US) at the age of 16 and attended Gilroy High School for 3 years. He then attended Gavilan Jr. College for 2 years.
Al enlisted into the US Army in March 1977 and was credited with 40 years of military service. He served on Active Duty, Troop Program Unit, Individual Ready Reserve, and Individual Movement Augmentee. He held positions at all levels of leadership within the enlisted ranks. His assignments were with the 8th Combat Support Hospital, 6253rd US Army Hospital, USAR Control Group, US Army Medical Detachment Activity, 4th/104 Civil Affairs/Psychological Operations (CA/PO) Battalion (Bn), 351st CA Command, 321st CA Brigade (Bde), 492nd CA Bn, 490th CA Bn, 445th CA Bn, 4/104th Bn CA/PO, and 3rd Bde CA/PO, and retired as the 364th CA Bde Command Sergeant Major in 2016.
Al is a 2009 graduate of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy. His other military education included the Army Medical Supply Course, CA Course, Primary Leadership Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, and Advance Noncommissioned Officer Course. He holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and a Certificate in Business Management.
Al’s awards include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), and Iraq Campaign Medal, among other awards and decorations.
In the civilian sector Al worked 22 years for IBM, 5 years for Hitachi Technology, and 5 years for the Federal Government at the Office Personnel Management. Al currently is serving as the Quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6309, Honor Guard Captain, and Sergeant at Arms North. He also volunteers as a member of the Honor Guard and Color Guard and a regular bingo night volunteer.
Al has been married to his lovely wife, Teresa, for over 47 years and has two children, Gabriel and Daniel. When he’s not volunteering in the community he enjoys barbequing, time with his family, traveling around the world, gardening, caring for his yard and his animals, and watching most sports.