JUAN PALACIOS

Juan Palacios joined the Army at 18 years of age July 9th, 2001. He served as a 63B (now 91B) All Wheeled Mechanic for 3rd ID, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 26th FSB. In 2004 he transitioned to SVC BTRY 1/143rd FA for the California National Guard. After a short 10-month period he reenlisted to Active Army where he was then again assigned to the 3rd ID.

He had multiple tours in Iraq spanning from the surge from Kuwait into Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom I, OIF III, OIF V, OIF VII transitioning into the start of Operation New Dawn. He was assigned to the security platoon called TopFlite, who was used to escort much needed supplies and equipment to all units in the division. Many assignments came up such as Combat support Service Teams, Personal Security Detachments (PSD), Navy EOD Escort, Downed Vehicle Aircraft Recovery Team (DVART), and Quick Reaction Force (QRF).

Every deployment brought on new challenges, but they were all met with a force that could not be reckoned with. A group of individuals put together from all walks ensured that the combat arms units could focus on their mission, while Topflite kept them without need.

Fast forward to April 7th, 2011, he left the Army and transitioned to the civilian sector. Going to school to become a Golf Professional, he chose to caddy in the golf industry. His caddy career started at Harbour Town where they host the RBC Heritage. Later becoming a caddy at Augusta National where they host the Masters. After some time, he began to work as a Subject Matter Expert II, Mid Atlantic Professionals, Inc. TA SSI. There he worked as an assault force trainer for Navy EOD providing pre deployment training, planning, and other military offensive and support operations. Utilizing intelligence to streamline unit integration into their assigned element in preparation for their deployment.

Currently, Juan is working as Lead Equipment Technician for International Golf Maintenance Inc. at Rose Hill Golf Club in Bluffton SC, and proudly holds the 2022 title of Best Beard in Bluffton.