Adrian Valdez Jr., son of Adrian Valdez and Leticia Valdez was born October 26, 1997 in Holland, Michigan. He attended the public schools of Weslaco ISD and was a graduate of the class of 2016 from Weslaco East High School. At an early age he professed his love for the military and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17.
Adrian was united in matrimony to Jamie Samantha Mejia on February 15, 2019. This union was blessed with a daughter, Kaitlyn Rebecca Valdez born November 30, 2020.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his sister Jeanette Tafolla, brother-in-law Alejandro Tafolla, nephews Alexander, Emiliano, niece Camila Alexa Tafolla; sister Yesenia Molina, brother-in-law Eric Molina; sister Jessica Valdez, brother-in-law Lionel Anciso, nephews Roland Alaniz Jr and Lionel Anciso Jr. A host of devoted uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Adrian Valdez Jr. entered the United States Army at the age of 17 in July 2016. After completion of his basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia as an Infantryman (MOS 11B) he was then assigned to his first Unit. Upon arrival Adrian Valdez was now a service member of The 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Within five months into the Unit, he was promoted to Private First Class where he mastered his position as a dismount Riflemen. Later that year upon moving into The Bradley Fighting Vehicle and holding several different positions such as Driver, and Bradley Gunner. Adrian quickly rose above his peers when he attended Basic Leadership Course (BLC) being the youngest Non-Commissioned Officer in his Company at the age of 20 in July 2019. With great eagerness Adrian Valdez became a well-respected Team Leader and led a Bradley fighting Vehicle. In July 2020 Adrian assumed the position of Section Leader, leading a complete Team of Bradley Vehicles taking charge of multiple service members. After succeeding as a Section Leader, Adrian Valdez was selected by the promotion board in September 2021 to attend and completed shortly after Advance Leadership Course (ALC) where he became known as Staff Sergeant Valdez. Adrian served five years with the 1-12 CAV proudly where he later PCSed and attended the Recruiter Course in Fort Knox, Kentucky. On December 2021 Adrian assumed command at Greensroad Recruiting Station, Central Company, Houston Recruiting Battalion, 5th Brigade. By 2022 Adrian completed six years Active Duty with 2 Deployments to Kuwait, and Bahrain, and a rotation to The Republic of Korea. He had accomplished five Army Achievement Medals (AAM), and 1 Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), following numerous Ribbons in recognition to his accomplishments.
Staff Sergeant Adrian Valdez Jr. served with the upmost honor to his Country, Lord, and family.
His legacy will live on forever.
Til Valhalla Brother!
