Chaplain Paul Garcia was born in Colombia and raised in Texas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998 as an Intelligence Analyst. He was assigned to MAG-13 in Yuma, AZ where he served as an Intelligence Analyst. His next duty station was VMA-513 in Yuma, AZ where he served as the S-2 NCOIC. His awards include the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
In July 2002, Chaplain Garcia was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and then began his training for civilian ministry. He served as an assistant pastor while completing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies from Nyack College.
After graduation, Chaplain Garcia served as an ordained minister in the Christian & Missionary Alliance, serving in numerous roles at Risen King Alliance Church in Rockland County New York for 10 years. While serving as a pastor, Chaplain Garcia completed his Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
In May 2021, Chaplain Garcia was selected for active duty Navy Chaplaincy. He was commissioned a lieutenant junior grade in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps and reported for training to Naval Chaplaincy School in Newport, Rhode Island.