Carlos Da Silva - u.s Army (Rider)Carlos Da Silva, US Army, always wanted to be a soldier and be of service to others in need so he joined the Army in 92. He served on active duty from 94 until medically retiring in October 2009. Carlos was in the delayed entry program and then spent 15 years working as a 92Y. Supply Sergeant and Translator. During his career he had various deployments for both peace and combat missions. Unfortunately he was injured on his last two Afghan deployments which resulted in his early retirement. During that process Carlos worked with the safety office on Fort Drum, NY as an assistant instructor with the MSF course.
After retiring from the Army Carlos enrolled in the local technical school where he earned certifications in, HVAC, Small Engine Technician, Electrical and Welding. Due to physical limitations in those fields he began volunteering at a veterans food pantry (FEED OUR VETS) in 2013 and became the director in 2016. The pantry assists ALL veterans in need. Carlos and his wife Ema live in NY and have 4 children; two sons, 28 and 20 years-old and twin girls that are 16. Their oldest son is also in the US Army as an Apache Helicopter Avionics Tech and recently returned from his first Afghanistan deployment. His parents are very proud. Recently Carlos was recognized by AUSA Northern Chapter as the 2019 AUSA Army Hero Award for his volunteer and counseling services. He has been riding motorcycles since 94. Carlos said, “I believe I have ridden through some really interesting terrain and weather. I'm always learning new things and I look for any chance to teach or help anyone in need. I’ve come to realize that being of service to others is definitely my therapy.” Carlos joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association in 2015 acting as Chaplain and now serves as Quartermaster. Carlos stated, “I hope to keep rolling safely until life has other plans or until the wheels fall off.” |