I’m a father of 3 and a husband to my amazing lady. I grew up in a large Peruvian family in Northern New Jersey and Central Florida. I joined the Marine Corps at age 20 and worked my way up from enlisted to officer, retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2023 after 20 years of service. Having retired from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, my family and I decided to plant roots here in the San Diego area. Since my retirement, I have been able to explore more about myself and what life has to offer, including focusing on family, travel, health and wellness, my lifelong passion as an artist, becoming a visual arts instructor for the veteran community, and most recently, creating a large veteran community around those who are retiring from military service and transitioning into civilian life via my podcast, the “Military Retirement Podcast” and YouTube channel “The Green Logbook.” I’ve also started a career supporting the Navy’s mission here in San Diego. It’s great because I’m still around the military community, but I get to enjoy it from the civilian side this time!
Additionally, I’m a big fan of trying different things. I enjoy reading, am currently authoring a book, have acted in movies, done voiceover work, invented a military uniform item that is carried on military installations worldwide, and I tinker with 3D modeling and printing.
About Victor de la Flor
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my past career in the Marine Corps, I served as the Director of Legal Operations at MCAS Miramar. I made a significant career switch when I began working with the Navy as a Naval Base San Diego training adviser. I see more veteran-based assistance work in my future. I’m currently working side-by-side with a few veteran organizations. I am also establishing the Military Retirement Podcast as the go-to brand for everything needed to successfully transition from military to civilian life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Knowledge and Networks will open many doors.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Establishing The Military Retirement Podcast as one of the top veteran shows out there. Continuing to advocate for veterans here in California. I’m also working on a book right now, so chances are, it’ll be out before that 5-year mark.
Victor de la Flor & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
San Diego has so many to choose from! We recently had a great time at One Door North in North Park. Everything was great. My wife and I have date nights nearly every Friday, where we try a new restaurant. I’ll have more to report back next Friday!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived here for 4 years (10 years if I count when I was stationed here from 2004-2010)
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hands down, Robert Modrzejewski. I was invited to attend a gala at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego a few months back by a good friend and retired Colonel who lived up the road from me. At the gala, I had a chance to meet and have a conversation with Mr. Modrzejewski. He is a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War living here in San Diego.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
When I lived here back in 2004 to 2010, my buddies and I used to frequent a little Mexican restaurant called Johnny Mañanas. It’s located in Oceanside, but going there brings back great memories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Balboa Park. Museums. The people. The weather. I can go on and on!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today who is not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where would you meet locally for this lunch?
I just finished Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new book this week and would love to sit down with him and just talk. The man has lived many lives and achieved many things. I want to know more about what drives him. We’d eat some Cuban Ropa Vieja at Havana1920, then head over to the cigar place across the street, since he’s a cigar aficionado..
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a comedy lover. Anything Adam Sandler and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Q: (Even for friends or family) What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I designed the new U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Leadership Award trophy.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Peruvian Lomo Saltado and Ceviche!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Camille.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I coached little league baseball for the Tierrasanta Little League when I lived there and loved it!
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You didn’t come this far just to come this far.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
I currently live in Santee.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s quiet, the views are great, and there are some awesome trails just outside my door!
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Up early for a beach run, leading an architectural sketch class at Balboa Park, trying out a new restaurant with my wife, maybe a hike on Mission Trails the next morning, then throwing some firewood in the firepit and hanging out with my family for the evening.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, laughter, mountains.
