Today we’d like to introduce you to Celso Barrientos.
Hi Celso, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Absolutely! I was born and raised in Del Rio, Texas and growing up there played a huge role in shaping who I am today. It taught me the value of family, hard work, and looking out for one another. After graduating, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July of 2000, where I went on to serve for over 16 years as an Intelligence Analyst and eventually retired as a Gunnery Sergeant.
During my military career, I had four combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and had the opportunity to travel and work in many different countries. Those experiences challenged me personally and professionally, while also strengthening my leadership skills and my appreciation for service and teamwork.
When I retired from the Marines in 2016, I knew I wanted to come back home to Del Rio and continue serving in a different capacity. I earned my Associate degree in Counter-Terrorism Studies and later my Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security from American Military University.
Since 2019, I’ve worked as a Veterans Case Manager with West Texas Counseling and Guidance, helping veterans and their families navigate challenges involving mental health, housing, benefits, and access to resources. Through that work, I saw firsthand the struggles many veterans face after service, but I also saw the importance of connection, purpose, and community support.
Those experiences ultimately inspired me to become a co-founder of Finding our Brothers & Sisters (F.O.B.), also known as FOB Del Rio. A non-profit organization focused on supporting veterans, combating homelessness, addressing mental health challenges like PTSD, and creating a place where veterans know they are not alone. Being able to continue serving those who served has become one of the most meaningful missions of my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just like life, it’s been a journey. We faced a few obstacles along the way that at times slowed our progress and tested our resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic created unexpected challenges for everyone, and for us it temporarily derailed some of the momentum we had built. At the same time, finally securing our grant funding came with its own process and delays before we could fully move forward with opening our location at FOB Del Rio. But through every setback, we stayed committed to the mission. Those challenges only strengthened our determination to create a place where veterans and the community could find support, connection, and hope.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Finding our Brothers & Sisters (F.O.B.)?
The FOB, which stands for “Finding Our Brothers and Sisters,” is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in Del Rio, Texas in 2019. FOB Del Rio was founded by Adrian Bitela (Army), Chris Villarreal (Marine), and Celso Barrientos (Marine), all brought together by a shared passion for serving veterans and the community. Since then, the mission and leadership have continued to grow with the addition of Alex Lemarr (Army/Marine) and Francisco Sandoval (Army/Marine), whose dedication and service have helped continue building the vision of FOB Del Rio into what it is today.
Our facility sits on 2 acres and includes a recreational/outreach center, two tiny homes, and two RV hookups. Since becoming a nonprofit six years ago, we have successfully helped 14 veterans secure permanent housing. On June 6, 2025, F.O.B. Del Rio expanded its impact by opening the doors to its transitional housing program. Since then, the organization has successfully housed six homeless veterans, including a female veteran and her two children, while continuing to support additional veterans through outreach and case management.
Del Rio is home to approximately 4,200 veterans, many of whom face challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, mental health struggles, and limited local resources. Our mission addresses a critical gap in services by not only providing a place to live but offering veterans the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Our 12-step, three-phase transitional program is designed to support lasting change. While not every veteran is ready for the lifestyle adjustments required, those who commit to the process benefit from a comprehensive approach focused on breaking cycles of negative behavior, rebuilding trust, meeting immediate needs, and empowering personal development and skill building. The ultimate goal is for each veteran to reach self-sustainment, self-sufficiency, and successful reintegration into the community.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is my family and serving the community. After serving my country and being away for birthdays, holidays, and other major celebrations, you learn what it really means to miss home and the people you love. That distance gives you a different perspective, you stop taking the little things for granted and start appreciating them more deeply.
Now, happiness for me comes from being present and giving back. Whether it’s spending time with family, helping a veteran find stability, or seeing someone in the community get back on their feet, those moments mean everything. Serving others gives me a sense of purpose that connects directly back to my time in uniform, and it’s something that continues to ground me every day.
Pricing:
- Our services are free for veterans as long as they meet the criteria in our intake form.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fobdelrio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fobdelrio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOBDELRIO830
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fobdelrio
