Montalván Montalván

Luis Montalván is known for his dedicated service to his country. He served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2007, totaling seventeen years. In his service, he gained the respect of his leaders and his fellow servicemen. Following his time in the military, he wrote a memoir regarding his Army time. In his writing, he focused on the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he experienced and his healing.

Before he began his Army experience, Luis attended university. He obtained his Bachelor's in Sociology from University of Maryland, College Park. He also completed classes in the ROTC program (Reserve Officers' Training Corps). He officially graduated in 2003. In addition, he obtained a Master's degree from Columbia University in Journalism.

After completing undergrad, he proceeded to pursue the Army Officer Basic Course in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He also involved himself in several other programs, Pathfinder and Airborne among them. All of his work here prepared him more than thoroughly for his outpost in Iraq.

He was first deployed to Iraq in 2003. He served as a Tank and Scout Platoon leader. His duties included a myriad of tasks, most commonly desert patrolling. He assisted the team that secured and developed the Al Waleed port-of-entry. His second tour in Iraq further allowed him to serve his country.

In 2007, however, he was honorably discharged. He recognized that his psychological and mental health were not up-to-par. PTSD effects many soldiers in many ways. For Luis, he found comfort and healing in a service dog, Tuesday.

Luis has recounted his experienced in combat and his journey to heal from PTSD. Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retrieval Who Saved Him offers hope for many soldiers. Luis is known for his advocacy for better veteran care for U.S. soldiers. His kindness and dedication have allowed him to lead during duty and out in the world afterward.