For Texas A&I University alumnus Colonel (Retired) Eloy Cuevas ’92, a lifetime of service has taken him from the classrooms of Kingsville to military assignments around the world. Today, he continues to make a difference closer to home, inspiring the next generation of leaders through education and mentorship.
Cuevas was recently named the Weslaco Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Teacher of the Year, in recognition of his dedication to educating young people and promoting the values of citizenship, leadership, and service. He will now advance to compete at the VFW District level.
A 1987 graduate of H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Cuevas began his military journey that same year when he enlisted in the Texas National Guard as an Infantryman. While attending Texas A&I University, he served with National Guard units in Kingsville and Robstown. In 1992, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science with a secondary education teaching certificate and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Military Intelligence.
His military career spanned an impressive 34 years, including three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Throughout his service, Cuevas held assignments ranging from tactical units to the Pentagon before concluding his career at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in November 2021.
His distinguished service earned him numerous military honors, including two Legion of Merit awards and a Bronze Star. His accomplishments have also been recognized with induction into the Texas A&M University–Kingsville ROTC Hall of Fame and the Kingsville ISD Hall of Fame, which honor his leadership, service, and contributions to his community.
Cuevas also pursued higher education throughout his career, earning three master’s degrees from Webster University, National Intelligence University, and the U.S. Naval War College.
Following his retirement from the Army, Cuevas returned to his passion for education and service. Since August 2022, he has served as the JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Weslaco High School, where he helps students develop leadership skills, discipline, and a commitment to their communities. He also serves as a JROTC Logistics Trainer with U.S. Army Cadet Command and as a part-time adjunct instructor with American Public University.
For Cuevas, service and Javelina pride are also family traditions. He and his wife, Cindy Cuevas ’01, also a Texas A&M University–Kingsville graduate, have five children. Their family includes a son serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, another serving as a Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, and a daughter continuing the family’s Javelina connection as a student at TAMUK.
From serving his country to shaping future leaders in South Texas, Cuevas continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of a Javelina education. His recent Teacher of the Year recognition adds to a lifetime of accomplishments dedicated to leadership, education, and service.
