You don't have to be a UCSF Fitness and Recreation member to know Joey Convento, sales specialist. His big smile and caring nature draw people in to chat. If there's a tabling event with a reserved spot for UCSF Fitness and Recreation, he will be there sharing the core of fitness, giving away swag, and inspiring fitness.
What you probably do not know is that Convento is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 25 years. We reached out to him to learn more about his service, values, and memories.
What inspired you to join the military?
I was inspired to join the Army out of a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve my country in a meaningful way. Becoming a Combat Engineer offered the opportunity to contribute directly to mission success, combining technical skill, problem-solving, and physical grit to support and protect others on the ground.
Can you share one of your most memorable experiences from your time in service?
One of my most memorable experiences was completing a complex route clearance mission under tough conditions. As a Combat Engineer, every operation required precision and teamwork knowing that the safety of others depended on the work we did. Those moments reinforced the importance of trust, training, and staying calm under pressure.
What’s something you learned in the military that still shapes how you work or live today?
The Army taught me discipline and adaptability, two qualities that guide everything I do. In the field, no plan ever goes exactly as expected, so you learn quickly to think critically, stay focused, and keep moving forward no matter what. That mindset helps me tackle challenges in both my professional and personal life.
How did your service change your perspective on teamwork or leadership?
Serving as a Combat Engineer taught me that leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility. You learn to lead by example, earn respect through your actions, and trust your team with your life. Teamwork in the Army means complete reliance on one another, every role matters, and every person counts.
What does being part of the veteran community mean to you?
Being part of the veteran community is a deep source of pride and connection. There’s an unspoken understanding among those who’ve served, a bond built on shared sacrifice and shared purpose. It’s a reminder that even though we’ve taken off the uniform, our sense of service and camaraderie never fades.
What’s something you wish more people understood about veterans?
I wish more people understood that veterans bring more than just military experience, we bring resilience, leadership, and a mission-first mindset that translates to any environment. Many of us continue to serve our communities in different ways, driven by the same values we learned in uniform.
How do you like to commemorate Veterans Day personally?
On Veterans Day, I take time to reflect and honor those who served before me, alongside me, and those still in harm’s way. I often connect with fellow veterans to share stories and gratitude, it’s a day to appreciate the sacrifices made and to remember why we served.
What’s a small tradition or memory from your service that still makes you smile?
I still smile thinking about the bond within my unit, the humor that kept us grounded during long missions, the shared meals in the field, and the sense of family that only those who’ve served together can understand. Those small moments carried us through the toughest days.
Is there a story or piece of advice from your time in uniform that you often find yourself sharing with others?
One lesson I carry with me and often share, is that preparation and teamwork save lives. In the Army, especially as a Combat Engineer, success depended on how well we worked together and how much we trusted our training. That principle applies everywhere: stay ready, take care of your people, and never stop learning.
