As part of our 50th Anniversary year, we will be sharing stories of the people we serve, staff and volunteers that have made Systems an amazing agency. This week we talked to Gregorio (Greg) Martinez.
If you are up for an adventure then Greg is definitely someone to get to know. A few years ago, a staff and he wrote out a bucket list of things he wanted to do including going to Vegas, flying in a plane and going on a cruise. He has accomplished all of those things and more.
Greg talked about his experiences on his vacations. Like a lot of us, he cannot wait to be able to go somewhere fun once COVID is over. When asked what he loved most about Vegas, he talked about seeing a Chris Angel (magician) show. He also talked fondly of all of the food. He stated he did some gambling and had a good time. For his cruise, the ship started at Miami and went to different places along the US coast. He went into the ocean and of course, the food was wonderful there too. “They had a buffet with every kind of food you can think of,” he stated longingly. He feels that everyone should go on a cruise at least once.
Greg likes music and his favorite is hard rock and rap. His two most memorable concerts were Rob Zombie and Snoop Dogg. He enjoys sports and has been to several baseball, hockey and basketball games. Greg has a great sense of humor that comes out once you really get to know him. He stated that a big memory was going to Hooters…for the food, of course.
Greg was 22 years old when he moved into a Systems home in 2004. He had a long journey before that of placement in a hospital in Cedar Rapids, then a nursing home. When asked about that time, he stated that it felt like he was in there for months and months. Prior to the hospital, he lived with his mom. He continues to keep a close relationship with her, his three sisters and two brothers.
Greg stated that his time at Systems has certainly had its difficulties but overall he has really enjoyed getting to know his staff. He wishes he would be able to have some more time alone but admitted that there has been times when it is unsafe for him to go places by himself. Currently, he lives with two other men in a home owned by Systems Unlimited in Monticello.
Greg used to work at Advancement Services of Jones County prior to the pandemic. He hopes to get back to work once COVID is over. Until then, he continues to go for walks and eat at favorite places.
When asked what people should know about him, he stated, “My speech is hard to understand at first but get to know me and you will find I’m a pretty nice guy.”
