For Army veteran Anastacio Aguilar, service didn’t end after his military career. The CDCR sergeant serves on the Correctional Training Center Honor Guard, carrying a responsibility rooted in military experience: honoring those who serve and support the families they leave behind.
An Army and National Guard veteran, Aguilar brings lessons from deployments to Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan to his work at CDCR. Those experiences continue to shape his approach to teamwork, responding under pressure and recognizing the service of others.
From military service to CDCR
Aguilar’s interest in serving began during his senior year of high school through the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. The program introduced him to leadership and self-discipline, laying the groundwork for enlistment.
After graduating in 2000, Aguilar began basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2004, his unit was activated for a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. As the father of a 3-month-old daughter, leaving home was difficult. Serving alongside fellow soldiers also brought a sense of pride and purpose.
After an 18-month deployment, Aguilar returned to the United States and applied to CDCR. Additional military assignments followed, including a year in Kosovo and another in Afghanistan.
In 2018, Aguilar received an honorable discharge, allowing him to focus on his family and CDCR career. Military service reinforced a lesson that continues to guide his work.
“Regardless of your background, ethnicity or upbringing, you will find a way to accomplish any common goal,” Aguilar said.
Bringing military lessons to corrections
At CDCR, Aguilar draws on military experience to approach stressful situations with patience and focus. Slowing down allows him time to assess what is happening before acting. That experience also helped establish his connection to Honor Guard service.
While deployed overseas, Aguilar witnessed ceremonies rendering final honors to fallen comrades. Those moments left a lasting impression and later inspired him to participate in CDCR’s ceremonial teams.
Aguilar first joined the California Medical Facility Color Guard, learning how the team supports families following a loss. After moving to the Correctional Training Center, he assisted with an academy graduation and decided to join the team.
Honoring CDCR employees and their families
With support from fellow team members and academy administrators, the Correctional Training Center team posts the colors at graduations and Medal of Valor ceremonies. The team also provides honors for those who served the department.
For Aguilar, the work is about ensuring families know their loved ones’ contributions are remembered.
“We make it our priority to demonstrate to the family members that their time with the department did not go unnoticed and without appreciation,” Aguilar said.
Story by acting Chief David Maldonado
Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.
Related content
Army veteran Aguilar continues service with CDCR Honor Guard
For Army veteran Anastacio Aguilar, service didn’t end after his military career. The CDCR sergeant serves on the Correctional Training…
Read More
Army shaped Dr. Gill’s correctional health care career
Whether caring for soldiers in the US Army Reserve or leading medical operations inside one of California’s largest prison reception…
Read More
Avenal hosts staff health fair
Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently hosted a staff health fair bringing employees together to explore valuable resources and connect with…
Read More