About Carlos:

He and his wife, Nancy, live in Hobart and have a blended family of two daughters and six grandchildren. Earned certificates in advanced narcotics and law enforcement at Indiana University in Bloomington. Served in the Army from January 1966 to January 1969, was wounded in Vietnam and received numerous combat medals including a Purple Heart; after being discharged, he served with the 431st Quartermaster Air-Bourne unit in Gary for a year.

Accomplishments: Carlos Arambula is the new Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana State Commander. He will oversee chapters and chapter functions, attend meetings and offer support and assistance. He will work with the VFW, American Legion, Amvets and Purple Heart organizations to further assist veterans, returning troops and support The Veteran Home. Arambula recently attended a four-day conference in Kentucky for new officers at the state level. He also assisted D.A.V. officers and representatives in bringing 14 new vans to VA clinics and hospitals throughout the state. A member of D.A.V. Chapter 17 in Hammond, Arambula served as chapter commander from June 2002 to June 2007. He is a past D.A.V. First District commander and state second junior vice commander, first junior vice commander and senior vice commander. He became state commander in June. "I'm very proud of the organization and to be part of this organization," he said. Arambula described his work with veterans

as a calling. He is a charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart NWI Chapter 721 in Hammond and a founding member of a support group for returning troops, their families and existing veterans that meets monthly at VFW Post 802 in Hammond.

What is most rewarding about volunteering? "Helping other veterans. There is no better feeling."

Personal hero: "My dad. He came from Mexico by himself not knowing the language. He taught me a lot in life."

What I read: "I really love the books by Robert Ludlum: ‘Bourne Supremacy,' ‘Bourne Identity' and ‘Bourne Legacy.' I like the movies, too."

Advice: "Treat people the way you want to be treated."

How to get involved: The new support group meets at 6 p.m. the last Thursday of the month at VFW Post 802 in Hammond. For more information, call (219) 746-9757. For information on D.A.V. Department of Indiana, call (317) 632-9266.

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com