Dan Vargas: The Greatest Tool Out There Is Love

Rebirth With J.R. Martinez

Who has helped you become the person you are today? For me, it’s been Daniel E. Vargas. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force and served in Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, he transitioned into the nonprofit world and has dedicated himself to helping veterans. He found me two years after my injury and the rest is history. He was the first person in my life that made it okay for me to cry in front of someone else and be able to express to another man that I loved them. He has been the father figure, brother, role model and mentor I never had growing up. Dan has played a major role in many of the blessings I have today. I am honored to introduce you to my best friend.

Key Takeaways

• It all started back in 2007 when J.R. first met Dan.
• Dan could see J.R. didn’t trust a lot of people and he always had his guard up. He encouraged J.R. to go to therapy and he has been part of J.R.’s life every step of the way.
• What’s Dan’s story and how did he get to where he is today?
• There was a time Dan wanted to end his life, but he knew that wasn’t the answer to his problems. He knew he needed help.
• Dan grew up in poverty and he and his siblings had to fend for themselves.
• Why did Dan join the AirForce?
• Dan ended up adopting his wife’s brother and her nephew.
• “Everyone deserves love, everyone just needs a chance”
• How did Dan make the transition from military life to civilian life?
• Dan had self-esteem issues growing up as a kid. He always thought he did not matter.
• The childhood stuff that Dan tried to avoid, all came to light when he had his own child.
• J.R. uses Dan as an example of the kind of father he aspires to be for his children.
• “No matter how old you are, change is always scary”
• Dan compares people who live with regret vs. those that take inventory on what they’ve done and how they’ve lived.
• “You can redefine what family looks like to you. It doesn’t have to be defined by blood relations”
• If Dan could go back and give a piece of advice to his younger self, what would it be?
• What is Dan most proud of?

Continue On Your Journey

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