From Army to Athens: Kristian Morales’ Inspiring Journey

Veterans Day is a time to honor and recognize the brave individuals who have made the great sacrifice of serving our country. At Athens, we are proud to have some of these outstanding veterans on our team.

Kristian Morales joined Athens as a Sales Representative at the Riverside Yard, bringing with him a wealth of experience and resilience after his service in the Army. Enlisting in the Army National Guard in 2024, Kristian was deployed to Kuwait and Poland before returning home due to an injury. Despite this challenge, he has no regrets, taking pride in his service and ongoing contributions. His dedication earned him the Army Achievement Medal, underscoring his commitment and spirit. “We signed up to serve and protect, and we all understood that,” Kristian shared.

At 26, Kristian joined the Army later than most, seeking stability for his family as he navigated the post-pandemic challenges of being a business owner. As a co-owner of Lion’s Den in Pomona, he faced significant obstacles but recognized the Army as path toward a stable future.

Kristian comes from a family of service members: his great-grandfather served in World War II, and both his grandfather, uncle, and sister have served or are currently serving in the military. This strong legacy deeply influenced his decision to enlist.

Today, Kristian serves as a 19-Delta Cavalry Scout with the 118th Cavalry in Azusa, holding the rank of Private First Class (E-3). He continues his military duties while proudly working at Athens.

Kristian first knew Athens as a customer but fully embraced “The Athens Way” after joining the team. “Athens helped me break free from feeling stuck and showed me that there’s a world out there that values veterans,” he said. “It’s incredible to have a job that not only serves the community and goes beyond just trash service but also fully supports my role as a soldier on call.”

Kristian lives in Ontario with his wife, Samantha, his partner since 2015, and their two daughters, Kristabella and Kora. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on the Dodgers, practicing Muay Thai, playing guitar, and spending quality time with his family.

On behalf of Athens, we extend our deepest gratitude to veterans across the nation for their dedication and service. We are honored to have veterans like Kristian on our team. This Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to thank a veteran and honor the memory of those who sacrificed for our freedom.