Ozarks Profile: Adolfo Castillo

Adolfo Castillo

Local census office manager, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau is charged by law to do a complete count of its population every 10 years. The census provides information that is the cornerstone of knowledge about the American people. The first U.S. census occurred in 1790, when U.S. marshals rode out on horseback to count the population of the 13 newly formed colonies of the United States. The new government that had just been established needed to know what it faced in order to create its plan for the future, if it was to succeed. Castillo is retired from the military and currently serves as first vice president of the Retired Enlisted Association, Chapter 41, an advocate for veterans' issues; is active in volunteer work to promote Hispanic issues; is on the committee for the Viva Los Nios event for Children's Miracle Network; board member for the Community Housing Resource Board in Joplin and the Exchange Club of Springfield and; is Sunday School Director at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Joplin.

Age: 53.

No. of years in Springfield area: Three years in Joplin, now rents an apartment in Springfield.

Education: Bachelor of science degree from Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio, Texas; retired military; received a GED.

Early career: Castillo got his start as a migrant worker before joining the military. He served in the Vietnam War and retired "very well decorated," he said. He is now managing the Springfield census office. "My association and interest in this is to ensure that the best and most accurate count will be taken in the 19 counties of the southwest corner of Missouri. This is to ensure that in the next 10 years we will receive the benefits that city, county and states are to receive of the $186 billion in state and federal aid for our local communities," Castillo said.

Current projects: Continuing to advocate Hispanic and veteran's issues in education, health care, work programs and social issues.

Management philosophy: "Knowledge and preparation are the keys to success. This prepares you to be physically, mentally and emotionally, and especially spiritually, equipped to take risks," Castillo said.

Spare-time pursuits: Reading and researching ancient history in accordance with Biblical history and the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court decisions. "I also like eating breakfast at Gailey Drug on Walnut Street," Castillo said.

Family data: "Born and raised by two wonderful parents, Mr. and the late Mrs. Jose L. Castillo, whose parents were immigrants to the United States after the Mexican Revolution," Castillo said. Castillo's father is a World War II veteran and several of his uncles and cousins have served in the military during peace time. Two of his sons have served in the military, also. Castillo is the father of three sons. He is now married to the former Della Mae Collins and they own a home in Loma Linda Estates, south of Joplin.