military service

Ramon D. Montaño was born in Los Angeles, California in 1961 and later moved with his family to Lordsburg, New Mexico where he would be raised until his graduation from Lordsburg High School in 1979.  In the same year, Montaño enlisted in the United States Army where he attended and complete Basic Combat Training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

In 1983, Montaño was assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade where he rose through several leadership positions and ultimately became an instructor for the student brigade in 1984.  Montaño's status changed from active duty to AGR where he was assign to the 5th Battalion (Roland), 200th Air Defense Artillery in the New Mexico Army National Guard and in 1988, he would later be transferred to the headquarters of the 93rd Troop Command in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In 1990, Montaño would attend training at the United States Army Chemical Corps School at Fort McCallum, Alabama to become a Chemical Operations Specialist (54B).  From there Montano would see several assignment to other units overseas and several warfighter projects.  Ultimately, Montaño would retired in 2003 after serving 25 years of military service in the United States Army and National Guard.

civil service

During his time in the AGR, Montaño would work as a Army Civilian until his retirement from the military.  In 2006, Montaño found himself in the instructor role once again, working with the Spanish Army and educating Soldiers on the Patriot Missile System.  After completion of his role in instruction, Montano became and Operations Officer at Fort Bliss, Texas In 2007.  Finally Montaño would dedicate more than 10 years working as a VA Claims Assistant for the Department of Veterans Affairs where he would retire a second time dedicating 35 years to civil service.

from Business Owner & Legionnaire to District Commander

After his retirement, Montaño would venture into the small-business arena and became the proud owner of Mona's Kitchen where he continues today serving both the citizens of Anthony, TX and Anthony, NM along with the Veteran & Military Community.  When Montano is not working at his restaurant, he can be found serving food and libations or helping his fellow veterans as a service officer in his efforts to revitalize his Post - American Legion "Livesay-Chavez" Post 122.  Like most Retirees, his passion in "paying it forward" Montaño dedicates his time between his business, his post duties, coaching duties in American Legion Baseball, and his family.

In October 2024, then Post Commander of Livesay-Chavez Post 122 was elected as the New Commander for the 16th District in the Department of Texas - The American Legion.  With mission and vision at hand, Command Montaño sought out and recruited fellow legionnaires for their equally unique dedication and talents to become District Officers.  

Commander Ramon "Ray" Montaño is the proud father of his two daughters, Grandfather to his equally active grandson, and Husband to his beloved wife of 39 years.