By Dan Lathey

LAREDO, Texas - From serving a three-year enlistment in the U.S. Army to beginning his career as a Border Patrol Agent, it has been a busy decade-plus for Raul Quinones since the Laredo native graduated with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University in 2009.

Quinones achieved an outstanding playing career for the Dustdevil men's soccer program from 2004-08, twice earning All-Heartland honors and serving as team captain as a senior. He ranks eighth on the all-time Dustdevil career list for points and ninth for goals scored. Quinones also ran cross country as a senior.

Quinones enlisted in the Army in 2011 and after receiving training as a Motor Transport Operator and was stationed in South Korea, where he eventually served as a Tae-Kwon-Do demonstrator. He also returned to soccer while in Korea, trying out for and making the All-Army team comprised of players from throughout the Army's deep bench of talent.

Quinones has traveled far and wide, representing both the U.S. Army and Armed Forces teams, for close to a decade. He would eventually serve as team captain and assistant coach (due to injury) of the All-Army squad. Quinones was one of the 18 players selected to represent U.S. Armed Forces and fly to Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in the first Military World Cup.

After separating from active duty in 2014, Quinones took a sales position with UPS in San Antonio. He concurrently served in a coaching position with SA United Club while continuing his military career in the Army Reserves.

TAMIU men's soccer coach Claudio Arias says Quinones always represented the program well and his work ethic has paid off.

 "Raul developed well as a person and player and was always loyal and hard worker," said Arias. "I am glad things are going well for him and proud that he is serving our country."

Quinones returned to his hometown to begin his career with the Border Patrol in 2018. Going on two years in his career, he recently took from time from his busy schedule to catch Dustdevil fans up on what he has been up to.

Question: What is the best and aspect most challenging part of your job as a border patrol agent?

Answer: Overall, best part about my job is knowing that I am protecting this country from illegal activities and I also enjoy the part that you don't do or encounter the same things over and over again, so it keeps your day to day duties very interesting and exciting. More specifically, I am now a K9 agent, so I get to work and live with my dog every day and that is always an adventure and a challenge at the same time. The most challenging part of my job is that it requires a tough mindset and it is physically demanding at times. Every day it requires self-motivation and courage; you never know when you will be in a life or death situation.

Question: What is your current responsibilities and assignment?

Answer: My current responsibility and assignment is being a K9 Border Patrol Agent.

Question: Any advice for college students considering a career with the Border Patrol?

Answer: My advice to college students considering a career with any law enforcement agency is to stay on the good side of the law. Be smart about the decisions you make now or you will be paying for them in the future. Prepare yourself, mentally and physically, by adapting and overcoming any given situation that life throws at you. If any opportunity opens up to get any experience or an intern, while going to school, get it! Anyone with questions about a career with the Border Patrol is welcomed to e-mail me at raul.quinones@yahoo.com

Question: Are you still playing soccer?

Answer: I am currently in the Laredo Border Patrol soccer team that participates in the yearly tournament, Texas Police Games, competing against other several Law Enforcement Agencies in Texas. We are the current 2019 champions from last year's tournament which was held in Abilene, Texas. I am also a member and one of the team captains of the All-Army soccer team that participate in the yearly Armed Forces Tournament competing against the other three branches.

Question: What lessons from college athletics has served you well in your career?

Being a student athlete definitely helped me, not just in my career, but in life. The Border Patrol Academy felt like I was back as a student-athlete in TAMIU. You have to study every day and be physically ready as well. I've always been proud of being a student-athlete and I appreciate all the hard work from soccer coach Claudio Arias and cross country coach Benny Rodriguez for all that they did and I apologize for all the headaches I gave them. Now I understand them.