Meet a Member

Mr. Hector Cruz

My Name is Hector Cruz Jr. I was born and raised in the Bronx and Yonkers New York. I enlisted in the Marines, the delayed entry program in April 1986. My mother passed away on February 8th, 1986. This happened a week before my brother was shot two times and survived. I saw the environment around me, and I knew I wanted better. I was a boxer at the Yonkers PAL, where I came across a great coach Sal Corrente. He always gave us great advice and took care of all his fighters.

I knew I wanted out, and Retired Marine Colonel Peter Duggan also influenced me USMC. He was also a significant influence in my life. I joined the Marines, and I went to Boot Camp on August 14, 1986. I graduated from Boot Camp on November 4, 1986. I went three years without boxing and then on December 19, 1989, I won the All Marine Corps Boxing championship for 1989-1990 at 147 lbs. I was also short on my contract when I was on the boxing team. I was sent back to my unit on May 19, 1990. Then I re-enlisted on August 9, 1990, when my company was went to Desert Shield/Desert storm.

I extended for one year and served my country proudly and with due diligence. Upon being discharged in 1991, I held multiple jobs and went years undiagnosed with PTSD. I was dysfunctional and clueless about what I wanted to do with my life and was not prepared for civilian life. I was lost and felt I had no purpose. In losing myself, I found my calling. I earned two bachelor's degrees In Psychology and theology from Pillar College in Newark, New Jersey.

I went back to Pillar College and obtained two Graduate Masters Degrees in Psychology, marriage, family, and group counseling. I also earned a second Masters's in Ministry and organizational leadership. My calling is to minister to veterans, and I will be attending Walden University in the spring of 2022 to obtain Ph.D., psychology.

The Marines taught me that when you're outnumbered and surrounded, this means the enemy has nowhere to hide. I face and start my battles every day on my knees, thanking God.

The Quote that inspires me every day is by Christian Caine.. “Sometimes when you're in a dark place, and you think you're buried, but you actually have been planted.”

In 2016, The Hall of fame committee elected me into the All Marine Hall of Fame, where I also serve as the Chaplain. It is with great honor that I am also on the committee and continue to serve my community in New Jersey.