With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is proud to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve our country. This year, the AAU connected with eleven (11) veterans who are involved with the AAU today to reflect on how their experiences in AAU sports helped shape their futures. 

Today, all of these veterans hold a significant role in AAU relations as well. Many of them are coaches, chairmen or chairwomen, officials, and event organizers for AAU today.

For this edition, we honor AAU Track & Field's, Jose Orlena.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Jose Orlena enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965, serving in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969. His involvement in AAU began in 1988 when he and a friend founded their first track club in Willow, Pennsylvania. That same year, the team qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games. After not being able to make it, due to monetary issues, Orlena did everything in his power to ensure they could raise enough money to attend the next year.

His hard work paid off. In 1989, Orlena brought his team to the AAU Junior Olympic Games, driving from Willow, Pennsylvania, to San Antonio. His inspiration to start this club stemmed from his neighbor and friend, who was also in the Marine Corps. Both of them ran track and were friends through high school, their time in the military, and thereafter.

“The organizational structure of my military experience was put into play with coaching youth,” Orlena said. “Getting the job done is what matters, pushing that on the youth, telling them to go out there and do their best, no matter what the outcome.”

Orlena, alongside his neighbor and his brother, were inspired to begin their involvement with AAU because of their love for track and field. All three of them participated in the sport during their youth and wanted to pass that along to their kids. The club was comprised of Orlena’s kids, nephews, nieces, and other neighborhood children. After the club ended, Orlena continued his involvement with the AAU by volunteering. Today, he serves as an AAU Track and Field Official and a Mid-Atlantic Sports Chair.

“Many think what we do is a thankless job, but the reward from putting forth your best,” said Orlena on his many years with AAU. “The biggest reward is when you see the parents of the athletes today, and those parents used to be kids that you coached in the past.”

Orlena’s sense of community and ability to bring people together who share a love for the same sport is phenomenal. Through his many years of hard work, he has been able to provide a sense of belonging to hundreds, if not thousands, of kids. His passion for youth sports has allowed him to build long-lasting friendships with other kids, parents, and AAU staff. His dedication to ensuring every track meet is a success for all involved is a testament to his love for coaching, teaching, and officiating.

To watch Jose Orlena's story, click here.