Joseph Cantu

Candidate, Veteran Training Program

Captain Joseph Cantu served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, primarily as an Air Traffic Control Officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 2. During his time in the Marine Corps, Joe transitioned from a student Naval aviator to and air traffic control officer after a medical disqualification. After gaining his required qualifications in Air Traffic Control Tower and Radar Room, he attended and graduated from the Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival School before transitioning to his primary unit. While there, he participated in multiple exercises and one deployment to Security Assistance Group – Ukraine before an incident occurred, causing Joe to suffer multiple injuries, including the amputation of his dominant arm.

Though Joe lost his arm, he has not lost himself or his drive to succeed as he continues to work with Walter Reed National Medical Center on his road to recovery, as well as with various nonprofits and the Marines in his unit.