#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran James Villanueva

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran James Villanueva, who deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

James Villanueva joined the Navy April 5, 2004. Following his boot camp training, he served aboard the USS Port Royal CG 73 in Pearl Harbor. Villanueva served as a boatswain’s mate, responsible for training, directing, and supervising personnel on board the ship. He served in the operations division with the deck department.

He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the North Arab Gulf on two deployments aboard the USS Port Royal. After four years of active duty, Villanueva became an active Reservist at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

The Navy recalled Villanueva to active duty to serve in Afghanistan. He served with a task force supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Parwan Province.

Villanueva received an Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After finishing his service in Afghanistan, Villanueva and his wife relocated to Houston, Texas. Villanueva is currently a realtor in Sugar Land, Texas. He is an advocate for all Veterans and wants to ensure their well-being and benefits.

Thank you for your service!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Editor: Essence McPherson

Fact checker: Vivian Hurney

Graphic artist: Brett Blandford