September Military Member of the Month, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas
CategoriesMilitary Members
Our September Military Member of the Month is Vincent “Rocco” Vargas.
Many know Vincent Vargas as “Rocco,” a highly respectable man in the Veteran space. Vincent has been in the forefront of many business ventures and has been featured on Television series; but Vincent didn’t start out as an entrepreneur or TV personality. He started like many others, serving his country.
Vincent joined the United States Army in 2003 after spending some time playing college baseball. He joined as an 11 X-ray with hopes of becoming an Army Ranger. After completing Basic Training, Vincent successfully graduated Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). He was then assigned to serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment, a highly respected and sought-after organization. He served honorably with the 75th, including two combat tours; one to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. After his last deployment, Vincent successfully completed Ranger school in 2005. In 2007, Vincent left Active Duty and joined the Army Reserves as a Drill Sergeant. He continues to serve in the Army Reserves as a Drill Sergeant today and holds the rank of Sergeant First Class.
When he left Active Duty, Vincent pursued a career with the United States Border Patrol and began his service there in 2009. While Vincent had found a solid career and new sense of purpose, he was still dealing with issues that many combat veterans face such as survivor’s guilt and sleeplessness. He tried a few different types of counseling and finally in 2010, he found counseling that was able to help get him settled.
While Vincent thought he was going to have a career with the Border Patrol for many years to come, his life began to move in a different direction when his friend Mat Best asked him to be part of a new business venture, Article 15 Clothing. Vincent joined his friend on this entrepreneurial journey, but maintained his job with the Border Patrol until 2015 when he left his career to pursue life as an entrepreneur full time.
Vincent began his life as an entrepreneur with Article 15 Clothing, but he is now involved in many different ventures such as Leadslingers Whiskey, beard.com, Throwbacks Barber Company (Salt Lake City, Utah), True North Motor Company, Godspeed Production Company as well as an acting career. You can see him in a leading role in the independent film “Range 15,” on Jamie Kaler’s Youtube series “Dad’s in Parks” and the new FX series “Mayans MC.”
With everything Vincent has learned and been through, he wants to show Veterans that they should never doubt themselves or their abilities. In an interview with Vincent, he said he wants Veterans to know that there is life after the military and if a normal guy with bills, a wife and kids can do it, you can too, especially with the training and skills Veterans possess.
Vincent Vargas is a great example for our Nation’s Veterans, showing that perseverance, a positive attitude a strong work ethic can get you far in life. We are honored to recognize Vincent as our September Military Member of the Month and hope that his story inspires you to take action in your own life and take the leap of faith required to pursue your dreams.
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