Al Montes hails from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. He came to the United States (US) at the age of 16 and attended Gilroy High School for 3 years. He then attended Gavilan Jr. College for 2 years.

Al enlisted into the US Army in March 1977 and was credited with 40 years of military service. He served on Active Duty, Troop Program Unit, Individual Ready Reserve, and Individual Movement Augmentee. He held positions at all levels of leadership within the enlisted ranks. His assignments were with the 8^thCombat Support Hospital, 6253^rd US Army Hospital, USAR Control Group, US Army Medical Detachment Activity, 4^th/104 Civil Affairs/Psychological Operations (CA/PO) Battalion (Bn), 351^st CA Command, 321^st CA Brigade (Bde), 492^nd CA Bn, 490^thCA Bn, 445^th CA Bn, 4/104^th Bn CA/PO, and 3^rd Bde CA/PO, and retired as the 364^th CA Bde Command Sergeant Major in 2016.

Al is a 2009 graduate of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy. His other military education included the Army Medical Supply Course, CA Course, Primary Leadership Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, and Advance Noncommissioned Officer Course. He holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and a Certificate in Business Management.

Al’s awards include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), and Iraq Campaign Medal, among other awards and decorations.

In the civilian sector Al worked 22 years for IBM, 5 years for Hitachi Technology, and 5 years for the Federal Government at the Office Personnel Management. Al currently is serving as the Quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6309 and Dept Sergeant at Arms North. He also volunteers as a member of the Honor Guard/Color Guard and a regular bingo volunteer.

 Al has been married to his lovely wife, Teresa, for over 46 years and has two children, Gabriel and Daniel. When he’s not volunteering in the community he enjoys barbequing, time with his family, traveling around the world, gardening, caring for his yard and animals, and watching most sports.