Coltonite Rudy Montano Jr Honored with Military Banner

Coltonite Rudy Montano, Jr. was honored by his family, friends, and the City of Colton for his courageous decision to join the Marine Corps at age 17, with his very own military banner installation ceremony. This past July, Montano’s family gathered at the corner of 10th Street and Valley Boulevard to install his military banner, although he was unable to attend, as he is currently serving on active duty in North Carolina. Montano joined right after graduating from Grand Terrace High School with the class of 2014. According to his father Rudy Montano, Sr., he is currently serving as a rifle coach and legal admin. His plan is to stay in the Marine Corps for twenty years. “He pretty much decided this when he was a freshman in high school,” Montano Sr. said. “We sat down and talked about it… with the Marine Corps, you can make a career out of it.” Montano Sr. shared, “He’s been a Colton boy his whole life.” Montano went to Cooley Ranch, Colton Middle School, Colton High School, and graduated from Grand Terrace High. Montano grew up as a very active kid within the community. He played with the Ken Hubbs Little League, the Grand Terrace Little League, and more. According to Montano Sr. he loved playing football. His parents, Rudy and Maria Montano, had the idea to get him his very own military banner. “Our whole family is so proud of the decision he made,” Montano Sr. shared. “He has always been a good kid… he has never been the one to get involved with drinking or with drugs.” Although Montano was unable to attend his own banner ceremony, the family face-timed him during the whole event so he didn’t miss a thing. “He met Faviola Medina and saw Dr. G give a beautiful poem and prayer,” he explained. “He’s really maturing… we’re all so proud of him.” All of Montano’s siblings attended the ceremony to support him, including: Brianna Ramirez, Nissa Inzunza, Celine Montano, Mylissa Inzunza, Giovanni Montano, his aunt Candy Lopez, and both of his parents.