During our meeting on September 21st, we had the privilege of hearing a captivating classification talk by our fellow member, Yvonne M. Gallardo-Van Ornam. Yvonne's life journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a deep-rooted connection to family and community.
Yvonne hails from El Paso, Texas, where her family's roots extend to Mexico. Her upbringing in the small town of Clint, just outside of El Paso, bears striking resemblances to Arlington, creating a sense of nostalgia for her. Family values and a passion for politics were instilled in Yvonne from a young age, with her grandparents imparting the importance of earning something, giving back to the community, and being a role model for those around them. Her grandfather, in particular, ignited a drive in her to strive for greatness.
In 1997, Yvonne made a pivotal decision to join the Navy, a choice influenced by her desire to pursue a career in computer programming, a field she had been passionate about since childhood. She began her journey as an electronic technician in the Navy, later advancing to become a calibration lab technician after four years of dedicated service.Her Navy career took her to various locations, including Guam, Bremerton, and Everett, providing opportunities to travel to Japan, Thailand, Hawaii, and Bahrain. Yvonne expressed her fondness for her time in the Navy and explained that her positive experiences have contributed to her strong connection with law enforcement.
Yvonne also shared her hope that her children will follow in her footsteps and join the military, recognizing the valuable life lessons and opportunities it can offer. Her life took a significant turn when she met her husband in the Navy, reshaping her perspective on family life and eventually leading them to purchase a home in Arlington. Together, they have two children, Andrew and Alexis, and have found solace in camping as a way to disconnect from the daily grind and spend quality time with their family. To enhance the camping experience for their kids, they invested in a trailer, upgrading their outdoor adventures with added amenities.
Yvonne's life journey has been filled with unique and exciting opportunities, including serving as a keynote speaker for Noche Entre Familia, participating as a demolition derby car driver, and being featured in Cal Lab Magazine's Winter 2012 edition.
A passionate advocate for community service, Yvonne has been involved in various non-profit organizations. She and her husband share a dream of one day owning a brewery. In the meantime, they have founded Uncorked Delites, offering handcrafted snacks and drinks with a Tex-Mex flair. Yvonne's commitment to community extends to her role on the Arlington City Council, where she actively contributes to the betterment of our local community.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Yvonne for sharing her inspiring journey with us and for her unwavering dedication to serving others.
