About
Edward Montoya Jr. proudly serves as a Rialto City Council member, bringing a lifetime of service, resilience, and compassion to his leadership. A U.S. Army veteran with 17 years as a Combat Medic and Medical Platoon Sergeant, Edward demonstrated courage under fire with a deep commitment to helping others. His military experience shapes his approach—rooted in integrity, discipline, and a relentless drive to uplift those around him.
Appointed to the Rialto City Council in January 2025, Edward has become a tireless advocate for veterans, working families, and underserved residents. His vision for Rialto is clear: a safer, more inclusive city with robust infrastructure and responsive emergency services. Focusing on safer streets through enhanced public safety, investing in road repairs for reliable infrastructure, and ensuring transparent governance with secure paper ballots and policies that protect religious freedoms and individual liberties.
Beyond the council, he represents Rialto on regional and statewide committees, including CONFIRE (Consolidated Fire Agencies of San Bernardino County), the California Association of Public Cemeteries, and the Veterans Committee, where he champions public safety, honors service members, and drives innovative solutions for community well-being.
Edward’s journey is one of transformation. After multiple overseas deployments, he faced profound challenges reintegrating into civilian life, battling alcohol abuse and mental health trauma, including Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. From the depths of addiction—marked by days lost to alcohol, strained family ties, and repeated hospitalizations due to combat illnesses and injuries—Edward found redemption through faith, family, and the unwavering support of his wife and children. With the aid of his service dog and a commitment to sobriety, he has maintained ten years of recovery, turning personal pain into purpose.
As the founder of the Brotherhood Bridge Foundation, Edward has transformed lives across the Inland Empire. The nonprofit has conducted 27 crisis interventions, supported 1800 veterans and first responders, engaged over 3,800 community members, and hosted 208 awareness and educational events in 2023 and 2024 alone. From partnering with Toys for Tots to speaking at schools, universities, and military facilities nationwide, Edward fosters community unity and mental health advocacy. His work has earned recognition from U.S. Senators, Congress members, California State Assembly members, and military and public safety leaders, including challenge coins and recognition from three-star and four-star generals.
A Certified Peer Support Specialist, drug and alcohol recovery expert, and suicide intervention trainer, and Crisis Intervention and Response professional, Edward collaborates with fire departments, sheriff’s departments, and the San Bernardino County Veterans Treatment Court as a Peer Mentor Coordinator. His peer support programs empower veterans and first responders to navigate trauma and build sustainable, healthy lives.
Raised in a local church built by his great-grandfather, Edward’s faith was tested by the devastation of combat but restored through his recovery. Today, he prays for guidance, health, and peace, ensuring no veteran or first responder feels alone or is left behind. With deep roots in Rialto and a heart for service, Edward Montoya Jr. is committed to building a stronger, more connected community—one defined by accountability, compassion, and shared purpose. Join him in shaping Rialto’s future.
