Hector Carmelo Montes

Hector Carmelo Montes served in the United States Army as a Medic.

Mr. Montes joined the United States Armed Forces in 1966 and proudly served until 1969. His military career was the beginning of his lifelong calling of caring for, helping, and healing others.

In the 1950s, when Mr. Montes was just a young boy, his family came to New York City from Puerto Rico. They set down roots in the East Harlem neighborhood, where Mr. Montes remains to this day.

His military journey began in 1966 when he was drafted into the Armed Forces to serve in the Vietnam War. He was stationed at a medical hospital and was responsible for the emergency treatment of wounded and injured soldiers and troops. Mr. Montes attributes his military service to the acquisition of valuable skills and training that continued to benefit him throughout his extensive medical career.

Upon returning from war, Mr. Montes continued his path in the medical field by joining the newly opened Dialysis Unit at New York Hospital. He spent the remainder of his career caring for innumerous patients at New York Hospital as a Dialysis Technician. Mr. Montes retired after 25 years of dedicated and skillful service to his community.

Mr. Montes is not only a distinguished veteran, but also a talented artist and musician. In his free time, he enjoys painting and playing music. He shares his talents with his community by volunteering at the Corsi Older Adult Center in East Harlem to teach fellow seniors how to paint, draw, and play guitar.

Mr. Montes has selflessly dedicated his life to helping and healing those in his community and all around him. He resides in East Harlem with his wife, Laura, where the two have been married for 53 years. Together, they have two sons who also call New York City their home.