Robert Salgado and Micaela Camacho-Tenreiro
Recorded
November 13, 2025
44:04 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddv002904
Description
Army veteran and special education teacher Robert "Rob" Salgado (46) and StoryCorps facilitator Micaela Camacho-Tenreiro (26) reflect on Rob's path from military service to the classroom. Growing up Puerto Rican between the Bronx and Rockland County, Rob shares how his father’s example of discipline and duty shaped his decision to enlist after high school, and how 9/11 forever changed his sense of purpose. He discusses finding brotherhood in the Army, learning Spanish through his students, and how teaching has become his continued form of service, helping young people navigate transition, resilience, and self-belief.Subject Log / Time Code
Rob Salgado explains his decision to join the Army Reserves after high school and how uncertainty and family example guided him.
Rob shares childhood memories of being the “protector” at family gatherings and his lifelong instinct to look after others.
Rob speaks on the struggles of transitioning between military and civilian life; finding parallels in his students’ challenges today.
Rob recalls 9/11: realizing the world changed instantly and being called to serve within hours.
Rob touches on the emotional weight of watching the towers fall on 9/11 and feeling the presence of those lost.
Rob reflects on active duty in North Carolina, finding structure, leadership, and routine in service.
Rob explains how a soldier’s critique led to growth and mutual respect.
Rob shares memories of his father’s discipline, learning that strength doesn’t require loudness or aggression.
Rob reflects on how the Army taught him “how to think, not what to think,” shaping both his worldview and teaching philosophy.
Rob describes overcoming his own learning difficulties and connecting with students through empathy and perseverance.
Participants
- Robert Salgado
- Micaela Camacho-Tenreiro