Ralph Alvarado, a distinguished veteran, was elected Commander for VFW Manuel Alvarado Post 9186 in April 2021, a testament to his leadership skills and dedication to the community. He served in the United States Navy Reserves from 2008 to 2016 and was called to active duty for two deployments in Afghanistan. As a graduate of the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach, VA, and Fleet Intelligence Training Center Pacific in San Diego, CA, among other training centers, he was equipped with exceptional skills that contributed to his successful career in the Navy. 

Ralph's selfless service in Afghanistan earned him numerous medals and ribbons, including the prestigious Air Medal with Numeral 7, Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Navy Expeditionary Warfare Device, and Naval Aviation Observer Wings, to mention a few. Despite being medically retired in 2016, Ralph continued to serve the veteran community with distinction, and his VFW hats include Post Service Officer, Post Sr Vice Commander, All American Post Commander, All State Post Commander, National Aide de Camp, Special Aid de Camp, and National Veterans Service Committee.

Ralph and his wife Ann, proud parents of US Space Force Guardian, Nehemiah Alvarado, and middle school student, Alexa Alvarado, reside in San Antonio, where Ralph's contributions to the veteran community are highly regarded.