Espinoza ready to serve his community

Robert Espinoza, pictured above, announces that he is running for Costilla County Commissioner, District 1.

COSTILLA COUNTY — Robert Espinoza, a lifelong resident of Costilla County, announced that he is running for Costilla County Commissioner, District 1, as a member of the Democratic Party.

“I believe in helping one another through actions and would be honored to run for Costilla County Commissioner, District 1, to continue serving my community at a larger capacity,” said Espinoza in a type-written letter announcing his intention to run for the seat.

Espinoza joined the U.S. Marines Corps in 1973 and served his country for eight years.

Three of those years were spent overseas, Espinoza said. He was deployed in Japan, Korea and Okinawa.

Upon returning from overseas, he resumed his tour of duty at Camp Pendleton, California, as a Marine Amphibious Brigade-12,

as an operations chief. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

He also served in National Guard, Monte Vista, as Specialist 5, combat medic, from 1981-86.

Espinoza said when he returned to his hometown Fort Garland, he attended Adams State University in Alamosa for three years.

He started working at Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center and has been serving as its facility coordinator for 38 years. He teaches first aid/CPR certification classes and conducts lifeguard training and swim lessons as a certified pool operator.

In the 1980s, he was part of the group that formed the Quick Response Team for the Blanca/Fort Garland area, and he participated as part of that team, Espinoza said. He continued to aid his community by becoming an EMT for the Costilla Ambulance District for over 30 years, and he is a member of the board.

He was a karate instructor for 15 years at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center.

He also taught boxing at the center for many years and continues to assist those that are part the younger generation that has an interest in the sport.

“I am a very active figure in my community and am passionate in being a part of raising our youth,” Espinoza said. “At times, I have to take a stand against disrespectful conduct and manner, which may upset some of the kids. But in the long run, they return to say my concern was appreciated.”

Espinoza said he is a minister for Jesus Christ at the Church of God in Alamosa.

He said he facilitates Bible studies on Wednesday evenings at the Blanca/Fort Garland Center and he conducts Bible studies for the inmates at the Costilla County jail on Fridays.

His wife, Debra Espinoza, assists him on the evenings that the women are able to participate.


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