A Special Q&A Nicolás Camacho Pérez:
PALO MAGAZINE: Where were you born, and what values shaped your childhood?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: I was born on April 7, 1956, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. My parents played a fundamental role in shaping who I am today. My father worked three jobs to support our family and taught me responsibility, honesty, and the importance of serving others. My mother instilled in me a love for education, kindness, and respect for women. Those values have guided me throughout my life.
PALO MAGAZINE: Did you always dream of becoming a pastor?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: No. My childhood dream was to become an attorney. I studied Business Administration at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. However, in 1978, I experienced a spiritual awakening that completely changed my direction. I felt God's calling to enter the ministry and pursued a master’s degree in theology at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico.
PALO MAGAZINE: What brought you to Reading, Pennsylvania?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: In 1983, Bishop Herbert Skeete invited me to relocate to Pennsylvania to help support the growing Latino community within the United Methodist Church. On June 30, 1983, I arrived in Reading with my wife, Carmen, and our eight-month-old daughter. We started with very little materially, but we had tremendous faith.
PALO MAGAZINE: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced after arriving?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: I experienced discrimination because of my skin color, accent, and Puerto Rican identity, even within the religious community. I faced ridicule, rejection, and humiliation. However, those experiences strengthened my faith and deepened my commitment to serving others.
PALO MAGAZINE: You also had an impressive military career. Tell us about that experience.
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: In 1991, I joined the United States Army as a chaplain. I served for 25 years, retiring in 2016 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. My military service included deployments to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. During my time in Afghanistan, I developed a humanitarian initiative called J9 Operation Winning Afghanistan, which resulted in 82 humanitarian missions.
PALO MAGAZINE: How have you contributed to the Reading community over the years?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: I've been blessed with many opportunities to serve. I became the first volunteer Latino chaplain at Reading Hospital and the first chaplain for the Reading Police Department, where I currently coordinate the chaplaincy program. I also worked as a juvenile probation officer and helped establish cultural and community initiatives. Following Hurricane Maria, my team and I have helped restore 23 homes in Puerto Rico.
PALO MAGAZINE: After so many years of service, what message would you like to share with younger generations?
NICOLÁS CAMACHO: My journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and blessings. I've learned that difficult circumstances do not have to determine our future. Faith, strong values, education, and service can transform lives. We must never forget our roots or lose our desire to help others.
PALO MAGAZINE: Nicolás Camacho Pérez's story reminds us that a meaningful legacy isn't measured solely by personal accomplishments, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make along the way.
Rosa Julia Parra
Founder and Editor
