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After rediscovering his faith, Captain Yonathan Escobar traded his U.S. Marines uniform for a Salvation Army uniform—and got tickets to football’s biggest event
Southern California Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary Captain Yonathan Escobar helped 100 local kids enjoy a Walmart shopping spree sponsored by the Los Angeles Rams in December 2024.
As a self-proclaimed Rams superfan, Escobar said he was excited for the event.
Unbeknownst to him, the event also included a surprise giveaway of Super Bowl LIX tickets—with him as the recipient.
“The Rams put out a call to nonprofits for veteran employees,” said Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Southern California Division. “We nominated Captain Escobar for his dedication to serving those in need while sharing the love and saving hope of Jesus Christ with everyone.”
The prize included two Super Bowl game tickets and a two-night hotel stay in New Orleans this February.
Following the shopping spree, Dickinson gathered the crowd’s attention as Rams team assistants and cheerleaders approached Escobar holding two oversized Super Bowl tickets.
“I couldn’t even speak,” Escobar said. “They told me, ‘You’re going to the Super Bowl!’ I was in complete shock.”
He knew immediately he would take his wife, Captain Cynthia Escobar, fellow Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary.
“We’re huge sports fans,” Escobar said. “I always support all the LA teams, no matter the sport.”
“I see my younger self in so many kids. They need role models; they need someone to guide them.”
Captain Yonathan Escobar
Melinda Lankford, Communications and Marketing Director for The Salvation Army Southern California Division, said Escobar’s nomination stems from his dedication to working with youth and serving as a role model.
“He’s very deserving,” Lankford said. “We see how great he is with the youth and how receptive they are to his guidance and support.”
For Escobar, setting an example for youth comes naturally. He said he offers the guidance he wished he had growing up.
“I immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador when I was 12,” he said. “It was hard to adjust, and I was still learning English.”
In high school, Escobar said he struggled with depression and although he believed in God, he found it hard to attend church without anyone to encourage him.
“Eventually, I hit a low point,” Escobar said. “I prayed that God would send someone to invite me to church or I would end my life.”
The next day, his mother’s friend came to visit. As she left, she turned to Escobar and asked, “I’m heading to church now. Would you like to join me?”
That moment led him to The Salvation Army San Fernando Valley (California) Corps, where he gave his life to God during an altar call. “It saved my life,” he said. “And I fell in love with The Salvation Army’s mission.”
Escobar continued attending church and spending time at the corps, eventually meeting his wife.
Although he felt a calling to help others and stay connected to The Salvation Army, he also felt compelled to serve the country that helped him, leading him to enlist in the U.S. military.
“I didn’t fully know what I was getting into,” he said. “I just knew I wanted to help people.”
In 2007, Escobar joined the U.S. Marines and was assigned to First Tank Battalion. During a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, his tank was hit, but he said the 70 tons of metal protected him.
“At that point, I had a wife and baby waiting at home,” Escobar said. “I decided to leave the military.”
He said returning to civilian life was difficult, with challenges ranging from adjusting to a slower pace to reconnecting with family and friends.
“I still knew I needed to help people,” he said. “When I wasn’t accepted as a police officer, a friend told me, ‘You’re going for the wrong uniform.’”
Encouraged by his wife, who also felt the calling, the couple enrolled at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training (CFOT). After two years of training, they were appointed as corps officers in Visalia, where they worked to merge The Salvation Army Visalia and Tulare Corps.
The Escobars focused on connecting with youth, encouraging many to stay involved in church and volunteer in their communities.
“I see my younger self in so many kids,” Escobar said. “They need role models; they need someone to guide them.”
Now, as Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretaries, the Escobars oversee youth programming across Southern California, including summer camps, young adult retreats and vacation Bible school.
“Yonathan is a man of dedication and commitment,” said Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries for The Salvation Army Southern California Division.
When wildfires broke out across Los Angeles in January 2025, Escobar visited the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center to offer prayer and emotional and spiritual support to those affected by the fires.
“His commitment to God is seen in his service to his country,” Cindy Dickinson said.
For Escobar, it’s second nature.
“It’s hard to believe just doing what’s natural to me has led to winning Super Bowl tickets,” Escobar said. “I’m just doing what God has called me to do, which is serve him and serve the community.”
While he hoped to see the Rams in the Super Bowl, Escobar said he’s excited to be part of the experience, no matter which teams take the field.
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