ABOUT RUBEN CASTELLON

     Hello, I am Ruben Castellon from Hoke County. To know me, you must first know that I am a God-fearing, first generation American. I am the son to two Mexican immigrants who came into the United States with very limited education. I grew up in a crime infested area in Oxnard, California.  Early into my teens, I knew, as the oldest of 7 siblings, I had to find my way out of Oxnard and make a life for myself worth bringing pride to the Castellon name. Coming from a home where English was a second language, my parents struggled with helping my siblings and I with schoolwork. My undiagnosed dyslexia and not knowing how to read until I turned 11 added to the struggles. At the age of 17, against my parents’ wishes, I enlisted in the U.S. Army to become “all that I can be.” Some of the positions I held were Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant.

     I retired after 21 years of dedicated service to my country and went on to serve in Law Enforcement for over 15 years. I served under the leadership of Sheriff Hubert Peterkin, for 11 years in Hoke County. My experience in law enforcement ranged from public safety, criminal justice, emergency response, community outreach, and criminal investigations. Some of my positions in policing included Police Patrol Officer, and Police Patrol Sergeant (supervisor). While employed in the Sheriff’s Office, some of the positions I held were Deputy (and Civil) Sheriff, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and Chief of Detectives.

     A personal goal of mine has always been to be the first college graduate in my family. While under the leadership of Sheriff Peterkin, I was inspired to pursue this goal through Liberty University. Due to my learning disability, this was also a very intimidating goal. However, unlike in my younger years, I now had the support I needed from my mentors and wife to achieve it. I can proudly say that not only am I the first college graduate in my family, but I also took it further and completed an M.B.A in Criminal Justice Administration and an M.S. in Criminal Justice. I am a living testament of the American Dream and the opportunities afforded to everyone in this country. 

     Currently, I am an instructor of criminal justice curriculum at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC). I see firsthand the lack of college preparedness coming from our public system. I want to make sure that ALL Hoke County children get the best education, educators, and developmental experience as possible. Together, we can empower the district up to support the future generations to come. Hoke County deserves it, but more importantly, our children deserve it! Starting 20 October 2022, vote Ruben Castellon for Board of Education. Students First Parents Always!