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Orlando L. Reyes
Orlando Reyes graduated from Antilles Military Academy in Puerto Rico where his father had settled after retiring from the United States Army. After graduation Orlando enrolled at the University of Texas at Arlington and quickly became involved in the Corps of Cadets. He commanded the Sam Houston Rifles during his senior year, and was commissioned in the Field Artillery in 1979 after completing a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. Orlando accomplished all this while working 30-40 hours a week while attending college.
After completing the Field Artillery Basic Course, he successfully completed Airborne and Ranger Schools. His first duty assignment was at Fort Polk, LA, with the 3rd Battalion, 19th Field Artillery. Within sixty days he became the acting commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery as a 2nd Lieutenant. He then became the Fire Direction Officer and deployed to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin where his battalion had the most direct hits on targets during live-fire exercises of any artillery unit. On his return to Ft. Polk he took command of Bravo Battery 3rd Battalion 19th Field Artillery as a 1st Lieutenant. His next assignment was the 2nd Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, Wurzburg, Germany, where he was the Battalion S-4. In 1986 he decided it was time to take on new challenges.
Orlando worked six years as the operations manager for Carolina Freight Lines before deciding in 1992 to begin his own business. He started a Farmers Insurance Agency, offering his customers basic automobile, homeowner’s, and life insurance. Today as President of Orlando Reyes Insurance Agency, LLC, he has evolved his business into a full-line agency with five employees. The agency provides insurance and financial services and offers more than 70 different products. He enjoys the opportunity to run his own business, because it allows him to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.
Throughout the years, Orlando has contributed significantly to many activities outside his business career. He has been an officer of the Cadet Corps Alumni Council, serving many years as the organization’s Treasurer. He also actively supported and worked with cadets interested in restarting the Sam Houston Rifles. In 1992 he became a Mason and eventually was invited to join the Moslah Shrine's Patrol Unit, which is a leading contributor and fundraiser for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The organization regularly raises in excess of $100,000 each year. The Patrol also serves as the honor guard for major functions and memorial services, and it competes in military-style drill competitions, taking great pride in its rich history of winning more statewide championships than any previous Patrol Unit. This year Orlando is second-in-command of the Patrol. Next year he will be the commander.
Orlando has also worked with the Fort Worth Airpower Council for a number of years. The organization was founded in 1958 with the express purpose of supporting active duty, reserve, and National Guard families. They also assist wounded warriors, veterans of previous wars, and education projects. Last year, with Orlando's assistance, the organization raised over two million dollars.
Orlando was a defining member the Maverick Rugby Club. The club was started in 1982 and it eventually became one of only eight teams out of five hundred nationwide to reach the National Rugby Tournament, where Orlando was the oldest player. He was scrum captain for five years and president of the club when they went to nationals. He also coached the club in 2007. In recognition of his dedication and contributions, Orlando was inducted into the Arlington Maverick Rugby Club Hall of Fame.
Orlando resides in Southlake with his wife Cecilia. They have three children ranging in age from 12 to 31 years old and have two grandchildren.