Carlos, a retired Veteran with a tapestry of life experiences, now serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of the nonprofit living in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife (Kira) two stepsons. Born a half-Hispanic, half-Dutch baby in Vacaville, California, his family relocated to Northern Idaho when he was 15, introducing him to a life that valued the outdoors, hard work and resilience. During highschool, he worked as a Chevy/GMC detailer, an irrigation tech at a tree farm, a CAT heavy machinery opperator and finially as an assistant manager of a local restaurant. His quest for purpose led him to join the United States Air Force, where he specialized as an Aerospace Maintenance Crew Chief on the C-130H Combat Talon 2, Combat Shadow and J-Model aircraft. Carlos's military career was marked by his leadership and skills within a Special Operations Group overseas, where his dedication, knowledge, and abilities earned him awards and recognition for mission achievements and leadership. His commitment to building his skills propelled him to accept a Maintenance Operations Command position, overseeing multi-million dollar assets and personell, all while training thousands of service members in first aid as an instructor. However, his ascending career was abruptly cut-short by a career-ending injury, plunging him into a challenging period of loss, depression and chronic pain. 3 years of suffering and turmoil past while he worked hard find joy and purpose, but somthing was missing. The pivotal moment came in 2019 when a simple telescope his wife bought for his son's birthday opened a new universe of possibilities. "When I looked through that toy telescope for the first time, all my problems disappeared. What I saw can't really be explained. But it was beautiful. I felt enchantment and relief flow throughout my soul. I could feel how we are part of a bigger picture then just our own, and that I was going to be ok." Carlos reflects. This epiphany and the impact it had on his families mental health birthed "Reach for the Stars" a unique nonprofit aimed at leveraging the inspirational power of astronomy, STEM and art to foster hope, motivation, and resilience among children and adults facing adversity, from bullying and low self-confidence to even those at risk of self-harm. Driven by a mission more critical now than ever, Carlos - alongside his wife, Kira (co-founder, COO), a committed Board of Directors and volunteers - dedicates himself to nurturing joy, wonder and healing mechinisms into future leaders through the captivating lens of the cosmos and the "awe effect" that it provides. His journey - from an ideal life, to expieriancing severe loss and disability, to overcoming personal despair - underscores the nonprofit's vision: to inspire, heal and empower through the boundless wonders of the universe. Carlos no leads the team who is tirelessly working to expand its reach and impact to as many children as possible. "No child should have to continue suffering when there are powerful, effective ways to help them cope and heal. We must tell the world how RFTS can change, and even save a life, as it did mine." Contact info: carlos@rftstars.com