11/11/2025
Veterans Day is a time to thank and honor those who have served our country. At Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, we are shining a spotlight on a veteran who continues changing lives every day. Neonatal respiratory therapist Justin Garcia shares what being a veteran means to him and how his service led him to the Children’s Center:
Why did you choose your profession?
My path to respiratory care wasn’t a straight line; in fact, I like to say the profession chose me. After earning my bachelor’s degree in biology, I wanted to continue serving others through health care. When I discovered respiratory care, it immediately resonated with me. Combining critical thinking, patient care and lifesaving intervention, it’s all things I was passionate about from my time in the military.
How has your time in the service helped shape your career?
I served active duty in the United States Army as a 68W, or combat medic, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, with 2-29 and 4-1 field artillery units, and later with the Army Reserve’s 228th Combat Support Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
My service taught me discipline, composure under pressure and teamwork — qualities that guided me through completing both my bachelor’s degree (graduating cm laude) and my Master of Science in respiratory care. I was also honored to be inducted into the Lambda Beta and Alpha Eta honor societies, achievements that reflect the work ethic I developed through military service.
What is your favorite part about working at the Children’s Center?
What drew me to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center was the environment. During my clinical rotation earlier this year, I was struck by how supportive the staff were and how dedicated they were to staying current with research and best practices. I wanted to be in a place where I could grow as a respiratory therapist, as a leader and as a person. The culture here truly breeds success and excellence in respiratory therapists, and I’m proud to be part of that.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
As a new graduate, my days are centered around learning and growth. I’m completing orientation in the pediatric intensive care unit, becoming familiar with equipment, protocols and workflows unique to Johns Hopkins. Each day brings new opportunities to build confidence, strengthen my skills and prepare to provide the highest level of care independently.
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
To me, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the privilege of serving my country and to honor the generations who came before me. My father served in the Air Force, and I have family who served in every war dating back to the Civil War. That legacy gives me a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
I’m thankful for the opportunities my service has given me in education, in my career and in life, and for the chance to continue serving others through my work here at Johns Hopkins. Above all, I want to thank my brothers and sisters in arms, both past and present, for their dedication and sacrifice.
