by Araceli Martínez
Sergio Gomez, an Iraq veteran who for the past 17 years has been a branch manager for JP Morgan Chase in the northern California city of Roseville, will participate in the 10th annual national relay race to raise awareness of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
El Reportero interviewed the bank official and veteran about the importance of the Carry the Load race as Memorial Day approaches, the day that commemorates members of the armed forces who have died in compliance with his duty.
“Carry The Load seeks to connect people with the sacrifices of veterans, especially those who gave their lives for our nation. It is a time to remember their sacrifices.”
He noted that Carry The Load’s dedication and JPMorgan Chase’s commitment as title sponsor over the past eight years show the community how we can honor those sacrifices.
“To further enhance Carry The Load’s mission, JPMorgan Chase is matching Carry The Load Facebook fundraiser donations up to $100,000 between now and Memorial Day.”
He said that next week, Carry The Load will walk through the Sacramento area as part of its 20,000-mile national relay to honor and remember fallen military and first responders.
“Since 2011, Carry The Load’s mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day has grown into a national movement, covering 48 states in 32 days this year, honoring and remembering those who gave their lives. for our freedom.”
Sergio served in the Air Force and was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, reaching the rank of sergeant. After his recruitment, he attended Cal Poly Pomona where he graduated with a degree in finance. His first job after his service in the military was with JPMorgan Chase where he has served for 17 years. He currently lives in Roseville with his wife and his two children.
Why did you decide to join the armed forces and how did this path influence the formation of your character?
“I grew up in the border farming community of El Centro, CA. Growing up, I watched my family work hard in the fields and they always stressed the importance of education and helping others.
“I decided to join the army, because it helped me accomplish both. I didn’t expect to learn so much about myself. I became a better person and learned about loyalty, duty, and selfless service.
“I have become a confident person and I know that there is no obstacle that I cannot overcome with proper planning and training. I was posted to Iraq for a year with the 101st Airborne Division and achieved the rank of Sergeant.”
What values did you learn in the airborne forces that now help you in your work at Chase?
“I learned to lead a team. An example of this is that I never ask my team to do something that I am not willing to do, and I always lead by putting myself in front.
“These are qualities I learned from my leaders in the military and have carried with me throughout my career at JPMorgan Chase. I learned to be strong, beyond what I thought possible and the true meaning of a team.
The Roseville Branch Manager and military veteran will participate in the walk May 3 at 8:00 a.m. at Maidu Regional Park, located at 550 Maidu Drive in Roseville.
People of all ages can get involved by walking with the National Relay team, attending a rally, hosting their own Carry It Anywhere event, a Carry The Flag youth activity, and raising money for our nation’s heroes. Registration is alternative and recommended at www.carrytheload.org/MemorialMay.
