It’s hard to imagine a 36-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier voluntarily calling himself ‘Viva La Vargas’ as a nickname. But Staff Sgt. Johnny Vargas, stationed at Fort Hood, TX, is more than a soldier. He’s a modern-day, social media Robin Hood, problem-solving, sharing good news and important information for military members and veterans on his TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube feeds under his ‘Viva La Vargas’ brand.
“I get messages every day from service members, or veterans kicked out of their home, or those with mounting medical bills, or just running into a roadblock,” said Staff Sgt. Vargas, in an interview with Military.com. “I try to help by doing a video highlighting a problem and asking for help. But a lot of what I do happens in the background too.”
Vargas has about 400,000 followers across his platforms, which get roughly 40 million viewers a month. He leverages that kind of exposure with informative posts that go viral and get the attention of business leaders, politicians and philanthropists who want to help.
I have three pillars: make people learn, make them laugh, or make them cry by telling emotional or funny stories that really connect. I always ask myself, Why would somebody send this to another veteran? Why would somebody send this to another soldier or to their mom? If the answer is clear and obvious, I know it will resonate.
Social Media Posts Attract Big Name Supporters
His sweet spot is highlighting veterans’ issues and sharing general military news. But Vargas makes it all entertaining and eye-opening with a funny skit or a song, using his background in music to drive home a message in a responsible and sensitive way.
“My followers are from all walks of life. They’re straight, gay, trans. They’re Christians, Jews, atheists, you name it,” he said. “I just want to be able to help them.”
And he does, with a who’s who of direct contacts. Among them are Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, various lawmakers in Washington, Army Emergency Relief CEO Tony Grinston, and others representing organizations and businesses large and small.
“I use my real name when I make contact, but ‘Viva La Vargas’ is the brand people remember,” Vargas said. “Blame my mom. I was like maybe 15 or 16 years old and trying to make an Xbox name, and my mom shouted out ‘Viva La Vargas,’ and it just stuck. It’s kind of catchy and people remember it.”
Personal Injuries Allow Vargas to Relate
Twenty years and multiple army bases later, Vargas has expanded his military service to include helping other soldiers and veterans through social media. But lately, Vargas has needed help himself as he recovers from debilitating injuries and major surgeries on his neck and back, all connected to his active duty work.
“I’m on medical leave right now. I’ve had two major back surgeries. The last one was about a year and a half ago,” Vargas explained. “I just had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago, and later this year I have to have part of my neck fused. I’m pretty banged up.”
His injuries allow him to relate to the very people he’s trying to assist. One example: a soldier with size 20 feet who couldn’t find work boots to fit him. Vargas used his social media platforms and his network of contacts to find a company in Korea that makes custom boots. Problem solved.
Another example, the Babsky family. Their son was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at 3 years old that made him unable to breathe without machines, including a portable oxygen concentrator.
For years, the family had fought their insurance company to pay for the equipment while the medical bills piled up. They reached out to Vargas, and he made some calls that resulted in a $5,000 donation to cover the oxygen concentrator and a grant to help the family pay down the medical debt.
“That help came from a TikTok video and a couple of phone calls,” Vargas said. “I want to help people while I have the voice and the connections. I feel like I have a responsibility to do as much good as I can.”
As for what’s next for ‘Viva La Vargas’? He says he wants to start his own nonprofit to help other individuals and organizations in a more direct way.
“I am definitely going to continue ‘Viva La Vargas.’ But I want to do more on a larger scale and affect others, not just myself and my family,” Vargas said. “A foundation or nonprofit will help more than one person or group of people. I’d like to create a melting pot of assistance.”
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