EXPERT ON:
◉ Church & Ministry Leadership
◉ Decision-Making & Emotional Intelligence
◉ Faith in Action,
◉ Goal Setting & Achievement
◉ Inspirational Life Story
◉ Leadership Development
◉ Legacy & Calling
◉ Motivation & Mindset
◉ Overcoming Adversity
EXPERIENCE:
◉ Hector Cruz Jr. is a U.S. Marine veteran, Bronx- and Yonkers-raised, whose early life was shaped by loss, violence, and the decision to choose a better path—leading him to enlist in the Marines in 1986 and later serve during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
◉ A former All-Marine Corps Boxing Champion (147 lbs), Hector’s military journey forged resilience, discipline, and leadership—qualities that carried him through post-service struggles with undiagnosed PTSD and ultimately guided him toward a life of purpose and service.
◉ Today, Hector is a Minister to everyone, holding two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees in psychology, counseling, theology, and organizational leadership. Elected to the All Marine Hall of Fame in 2016, he now serves as its Chaplain and remains deeply committed to faith-driven leadership and community service in New Jersey.
Hector Cruz Jr – The Redeemed Marine
Conquering Mental Illness | Inspirational Speaker | Advocate for Hope & Healing
Hector Cruz Jr – known to audiences as The Redeemed Marine – is a dynamic motivational speaker whose powerful message of redemption, resilience, and purpose has inspired thousands around the country. As a former Marine, Hector knows firsthand the toll that mental illness, trauma, and inner battles can take on a person’s life. But more importantly, he knows what it feels like to rise again.
After bravely serving his country, Hector faced one of the toughest battles of all – with his own mind. Struggling with anxiety, depression, and the weight of unresolved pain, he hit a breaking point that nearly cost him everything. In the depths of his darkest hour, something remarkable happened: he encountered the redemptive love of Jesus Christ – not just as a belief, but as a life-transforming reality.
Today, Hector stands as living proof that no life is too broken and no story is too far gone to be redeemed. Through transparency, faith, and unfiltered testimony, he shares how he overcame mental illness not by his own strength, but through surrender, support, and spiritual restoration.
Hector’s mission is clear: to give a voice to the silent struggle, to normalize conversations about mental health, and to ignite hope in those who feel hopeless.
He blends compelling storytelling with practical strategies, spiritual insight, and emotional authenticity – helping every audience understand that:
- Your struggle is real, but it is not the end of your story.
- You can be redeemed from your past.
- There is purpose on the other side of pain.
Whether speaking to military communities, corporate teams, youth groups, or churches, Hector’s message resonates deeply: Redemption is possible, healing is available, and your next chapter can be your breakthrough.
