Military Tribute - PVT Justin Bustamante

Today's military tribute is to Pvt Justin Jose Bustamante.  He was born August 24, 1989 to Paula and Jose (Joe) Bustamante in Santa Monica, California.  His primary years were in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California and his junior high and high school years were spent in Bakersfield, California. Justin's maternal grandfather served our great nation in the Air Force and his Father served in the Army National Guard.  Justin Bustamante, WE SALUTE YOU!!!

When I asked Paula to describe her son she said that Justin was one that always marched to the beat of his own drum. He was never set apart as a leader but he wasn't  a follower, either.  He was the first to stand up for what he believed was right and he has great compassion for others.  Paula readily admits that many a time she housed and fed many of the other kids that Justin would bring home that were alone on holidays. There was never a shortage of "adopted" sons that Justin had brought home.

Justin was nominated Homecoming King his senior year and voted "most popular" by his senior class". He grew his hair out long and sported quite the impressive "afro" that the girls seemed to love. He went so far as to put polka dots in his hair!  He would go to extrenes to make people laugh and happy!  And again, he always made sure that everyone had a place to go on holidays to make sure they were part of a family.  Justin even went with his Mom to the Mission in Bakersfield to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless. 

Paula is grateful for the Army and the new direction it has given her son.   Justin began to waver in his convictions and head  down a path of certain heartache with wanting to drink and party.  He changed that all around with losing weight, making a commitment to the Army and now completing Basic Training.  Justin is a SAW gunner for his platoon and has done a 180 with his attitude and his mother has never seen him so happy now that he has a sense of purpose. 

Fighting for his Country and renewing his compassion for others has Justin in a really great place in his life right now.  His mother, Paula, has become a precious friend of mine and covets your prayers for her son and for her family as like most of us our profound pride in our sons is sometimes reduced to rubble with the knowledge that they may be deployed at any given moment. 

Thank you, sisters.  Thank you for those of you who take the time to read these tributes and pray and offer your support for these military men of honor.  God Bless You!