by Joe Castilleja, 2015 Chair of the Board
October usually means cooler weather for our community. The changing of the seasons turns our town into a haven for sports fans and the beginning of our fall celebrations and festivals. As a community, we celebrate our heritage, traditions and values during this fall season. Since 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month has also been observed from September 15 to October 15, and I would like to highlight three native hometown Hispanics who have made significant contributions to our community.
The first gentleman that I would like to introduce is Dr. Carlos Campos. He is a native of New Braunfels and a local general medical practitioner in our community. He is the son of Victor and Victoria Campos and a graduate of Schreiner and Baylor Universities and Baylor Medical in Houston. After finishing medical school, he moved to New Braunfels and in 1984 started his private practice. He is very involved in our community, his church and his profession. Not only is he a participant, but he has assumed leadership positions on medical, school and chamber boards. However, if I was to single out his biggest contribution to society, it would be his advocacy on diabetes. Dr. Campos is a Certified Diabetes Educator and he travels the world speaking on the subject and the prevention of diabetes.
Secondly, I would like to present Johnnie Joe Rodriguez. Johnnie is also a native of New Braunfels and son of Pasqual and Rosa Rodriguez. He is a graduate of New Braunfels High School. At the young age of 37, his father passed away, and Johnnie had to make a decision to either continue on with the family business or attend college. He chose the former and the decision he made was the right one for him and his family. Today Johnnie is President of two successful business: Comal Iron and Metals, Inc. (the family business) and River City Range (his latest venture). He also started and sold other successful business ventures and has served as a Bank Director, a member of various civic clubs, and the Director of United Way. When I think of Johnnie or talk about him, I find myself thinking of a successful, self-made man who is generous with his time and money for the greater causes in our community.
Last but not least, I would like to introduce to you our very own City Manager, son of Fred and Alice Camareno, Robert Camareno. Robert served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Robert has a passion for public service and couldn’t wait to get back home. In 2008, Robert’s dream to serve the community that he so loves came true. Robert currently serves as President of Communities in School, has served as Director of the United Way of Comal County, and is a member of The Rotary Club of New Braunfels.
These three gentlemen have many common denominators: a family who loved and believed in them, a community who also believed in them and their belief in the “American Dream”. These men have their faith, family and love of serving our community. Viva New Braunfels and God Bless America.
Joe Castilleja
Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Chair of the Board