Meet Robert Trevino

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Trevino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience is not something I was born with—it was something I developed through life’s challenges, beginning in a home where hard work wasn’t an option, but a necessity. Growing up in a single-mother household, we didn’t have the luxury of wealth or convenience. There was no sleeping in, no endless hours in front of the TV. There was only work, learning, and preparation for the future of being a man. From a young age, I knew that my circumstances wouldn’t define me; instead, they would shape me into a leader, someone capable of creating a better life for my future family.

As the oldest of three in my mother’s household, I carried the weight of responsibility, setting an example for my siblings. My mother Jessica was my greatest inspiration—she always reminded me that I had a brain, two hands, and the same ability to achieve greatness as anyone else. One lesson she taught me as a child stuck with me: when I was afraid of getting a shot, she would tell me to breathe through the pain, reminding me that it would be over sooner than I realized. That concept of pushing through discomfort became a guiding principle in my life.

When I joined the U.S. Army as a 91 Bravo Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, I thought I had finally met my toughest challenge. Every day tested my endurance, but with each struggle, my resilience grew. I learned that life is full of obstacles, but it’s our reaction to them that determines the outcome.

The true test of my resilience came when I lost my best friend and brother-in-arms, Khalid Valencia. His sudden passing was a painful wake-up call—a reminder that tomorrow is never promised. That experience changed my perspective forever. I realized that energy is motion, and we must direct it toward something meaningful. Instead of dwelling on what we cannot change, we should focus on growth, improvement, and making a difference.

At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have—it’s about what you do with what you have. Every failure is an opportunity to grow. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. We cannot predict the future, but we can create it through resilience, action, and purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am Robert “Alex” Trevino, born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas —a place where the sun, sand, and sea shaped my adventurous spirit. I grew up fishing, surfing, and playing sports, immersing myself in everything the Gulf Coast had to offer. Sports were a big part of my life, and I proudly represented my school on the field, developing a competitive edge and a drive that would later fuel my journey in the military.

Before I enlisted in the United States Army in 2014, I worked at a car dealership as a parts dealer, gaining hands-on experience with vehicles. That passion for mechanics led me to become a 91B Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, serving in 1-9 CAV, 2ABCT, 1CD at Fort Hood, Texas. My time in the Army tested my limits, but it also taught me discipline, perseverance, and the true meaning of brotherhood.

In 2017, shortly after I reenlisted, my life took an unexpected turn. A car accident left me paralyzed, forcing me to face a new reality. I was retired from the United States Army in San Antonio, Texas, and suddenly, everything I had known changed. But instead of letting my circumstances define me, I chose resilience.

-A New Mission: Giving Back to Veterans

Living life as a disabled veteran opened my eyes to the struggles that many veterans face—both mentally and physically. I saw firsthand the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, coping with injuries, and finding a renewed purpose. But I also realized that my story gave me a unique ability to connect with and support fellow veterans in ways I never imagined.

When I took my oath to serve this country, I meant it—not just for my time in uniform, but for a lifetime. My service didn’t end with my injury; it simply took a new form. That’s why I founded Line of Duty, a veteran-owned business dedicated to creating custom accessories for nonprofit organizations.

The mission of Line of Duty is simple:
– Provide nonprofits with custom accessories to help them raise funds for their causes
– Donate a portion of my own earnings back into the purchasing nonprofit organization
– Continue supporting veterans in need through partnerships and contributions

By giving back, I ensure that the mission of helping veterans continues, supporting those who once stood beside me in service.

Today, I live in the small town of Bulverde, Texas, alongside my amazing, beautiful, and supportive wife, Amanda. She has been my rock, my partner, and my greatest supporter through this journey. Together, we embrace life with gratitude, knowing that every challenge we’ve faced has led us to where we are today.

The latest news from Line of Duty is the exciting launch of our official website, where supporters can browse and purchase custom accessories that make a difference.

– Shop Now: [mylineofduty.square.site](https://mylineofduty.square.site)
– Follow us on Instagram: [@lineofduty210](https://instagram.com/lineofduty210)
– Connect with us on Facebook: [Line of Duty Custom Accessories](https://www.facebook.com/LineOfDutyCustomAccessories)

Every purchase directly supports nonprofit organizations that assist veterans in their struggles and daily lives. Together, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind. Thank you for your support—let’s continue to serve, uplift, and give back!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Success isn’t built overnight—it’s forged through discipline, self-awareness, and an unwavering belief in one’s purpose. Three things that have shaped me into who I am today are the ability to take constructive criticism, the skill of remembering names, and the knowledge gained from connecting with veterans and veteran organizations.

1. The Power of Constructive Criticism
One of my greatest qualities is my ability to take constructive criticism and apply it to my craft. I firmly believe that iron sharpens iron—we become our best selves by learning from others and refining our skills. Growth requires humility and a willingness to listen, adapt, and improve. No matter how good you think you are, there’s always room to be sharper, better, and stronger. The goal is never perfection—it’s continuous progress.

2. The Skill of Remembering Names
It may seem like a small thing, but remembering people’s names is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. If you want to know a person’s favorite sound, it’s their **own name. That one small effort makes people feel valued and respected. The ability to recall names has taken me far in life—because at the end of the day, people remember how you make them feel. If you want to build relationships, start by remembering the little things.

3. The Impact of Veteran Connections
After my injury, one of the most life-changing things I experienced was reconnecting with veterans and veteran organizations. Finding a community of people who understood my struggles gave me a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose. Through these organizations, I learned about resources, opportunities, and the power of giving back They showed me that no matter the challenge, no one fights alone.

Mindset is Everything
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone in their journey is simple: Hold on. Don’t lose your grip. There will come a day when you find yourself again. If you can control your thoughts, you can control your reality.

– Emotions lead to actions.
– Actions lead to reactions.
– Positive thoughts create positive outcomes.

Invest in yourself. Fuel your mind and body—because your first diet isn’t just what you eat; it’s also what you listen to, what you see, and who you surround yourself with. Read books! Books are keys, and keys open doors**—you just have to walk through them.

Trust the Process
No matter what you’re going through, this too shall pass.

– Are you happy? This too shall pass.
– Are you struggling? This too shall pass.
– Did you have a bad day? This too shall pass.

Life is constantly changing, and the only thing we can control is our mindset and response.

I remember the moment I found out I was paralyzed. I was in shock, lost in uncertainty. But then my cousin, Danny Trevino, told me something that has stuck with me ever since:

Don’t worry. We all fall. It’s not about the setback—it’s about the comeback.

Those words pulled me through my darkest days. They reminded me that every challenge is just another step toward becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

Believe in the Light at the End of the Tunnel
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: You are here for a greater purpose than you realize.

I know it’s hard. I know the road feels long. But trust me—there is light ahead.

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to figure this life out. Nobody has all the answers, and this is everyone’s first time being human.

So be patient. Good things take time. Have faith. Believe in the impossible. Because if you’re still alive after everything you’ve been through, then anything is possible.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has helped me overcome challenges, sharpen my skills, and develop the mindset needed for success is my father, Robert. More than just a master electrician with over 30 years of experience, he has been a master of wisdom, discipline, and resilience, guiding me through life with lessons that continue to shape me today.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, my father grew up playing all sports, but his greatest love was baseball. He used the game not only as a passion but also as a teaching tool—a way to impart life lessons that I carry with me to this day.

“If You Were to Graduate Tomorrow, What Would You Do?”
From the time I was six or eight years old, my father would ask me this question. What’s your plan? What will you do with your life? At the time, I didn’t fully understand why he was so insistent, but as I grew older, I realized he was instilling in me the importance of having a vision, setting goals, and working hard to achieve them.

He taught me that nothing is earned easily—everything worth having requires work, discipline, and sacrifice. That mindset has shaped my approach to hard work, perseverance, and determination in everything I do.

Life Lessons Through Baseball
Growing up, my father had a way of turning life into a baseball game. He would have me act out a scenario in which I was playing in Game 7 of the World Series, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth, full count. I had to hit the next pitch—no matter what.

Some days, he would let me hit the game-winning shot. Other days, he would make me strike out. The next time we played out the scenario, I would worry about failing again, but he would remind me:

“You can’t take your losses into the next game. Every at-bat is another chance. Even the best players strike out sometimes—the key is to keep stepping up to the plate.”

As a kid, I didn’t fully understand the depth of these lessons, but as a man, I see the wisdom in them. Life is about adjustments—you won’t always win, but you must always show up and give your best effort.

Faith and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
After my accident, my father and I became even closer. The first thing he did for me was pray—a simple but powerful act that showed his love, faith, and strength.

He introduced me to the Book of Job, a story of enduring suffering, faith, and ultimate redemption. He reminded me that, no matter how bad things seemed, it was only temporary.

While I was in the hospital, we had a routine—every day, we counted how long it had been since my accident. He always told me:

“You are better today than you were yesterday. Keep pushing. Keep having faith. You were built for something greater than your mind can comprehend.”

That message stayed with me, keeping me motivated through the hardest days of my recovery.

Passing the Lessons Forward
Everything my father taught me—about hard work, resilience, faith, and never carrying yesterday’s failures into today—are lessons I will **pass on to my children and future generations.

He taught me that:

– Hard work and consistency win every time.
– Your attitude determines your success.
– Every day is a new opportunity—don’t dwell on the past.
– You won’t win every time, but you must work hard every time.

His lessons have shaped me into the man, husband, and leader I am today. They have given me the strength to push through challenges, the resilience to rise after every fall, and the faith to believe in a greater purpose.

Because of my father, I know that success isn’t just about winning—it’s about how you play the game.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mylineofduty.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lineofduty210?igsh=MTdpZGpzN2NkNzhkOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15G5RMA2eZ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Amanda Rea Trevino