“This too, shall pass.”
These are the words Joel Del Rosario, a soon-to-retire Marine and VFW Department of Texas member, lives by. In his eyes, hardships are inevitable but are not everlasting. It is up to the individual, he says, to influence how long the tough times last.
Del Rosario made it his personal goal to try and be the best version of himself, as well as try to help others do the same. He has a particularly keen interest in aiding veterans, whom he believes are invaluable.
“Physical fitness and performance are very important parts of my life,” Del Rosario said. “This is because I want to continue to be an asset for the people around me, but also because I want to have a high quality of life as I age. I want to help all veterans do that.”
Through a dedication to personal health, Del Rosario believes VFW members can continue to pursue the mission of serving their communities as veterans.
“VFW is focusing on still serving,” Del Rosario said. “We can only continue to do that if we’re healthy, strong and able.”
OVERCOMING INJURIES, WELCOMING ADVERSITY
According to Del Rosario, he has two coaches: his wife, Rebecca, who pushes him to be the best he can be, and adversity, which he says has taught him the most.
Del Rosario was deployed to Iraq in 2007 as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. It was there that he was wounded in combat, for which he received a Purple Heart. The lasting impact of these injuries, along with prolonged military training, on his body has been his greatest adversity to overcome.
“The biggest challenge I’ve had to face is the wear-and-tear on my body from the military over time,” Del Rosario said. “Injuries have set me back, but I always come back stronger.”
Del Rosario also deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, where he was attached to the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
Del Rosario’s experience in war zones proved to him the importance of physical and mental well-being.
While physical exercise improves bodily health through the reversal of sarcopenia (the natural loss of muscle mass and strength through age), Del Rosario also stresses the importance of mental well-being, especially in regard to veterans.
“Mental health is extremely important,” Del Rosario said. “Without it, we can end up in a downward spiral, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, lack of self-worth and eventually suicide.”
Del Rosario hopes to see younger veterans become a part of organizations like VFW, citing a harmonious relationship between younger and older generations.
“The older generations have a lot to learn from the younger generations, and the older generations have a lot to pass down to the younger ones,” he said. “We can team up to tackle issues and solve problems. After all, those who have worn the uniform are the biggest assets this country has.”
This article is featured in the 2026 March/April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Danny Cook, senior writer for VFW magazine.