A longtime resident of Greater Santa Cruz, California, Nathan Escoto studied Latin American and Latino studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Securing his bachelor of arts with honors, Nathan Escoto graduated from UCSC in 2006. Before attending UCSC, he served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. He rose to the rank of specialist 4 and is a Purple Heart recipient after suffering wounds in combat. In 1991, USA today interviewed Mr. Escoto for the article “Quietly Determined, Vets Begin the Healing.” The article quoted him as saying that he would go back into combat for a year if the “kid down the hall” could recover his missing leg. Today, Nathan Escoto is a passionate mountain biking advocate and instructor, who has participated in trail building efforts and holds both Ride Guide and Skills Instructor credentials through the Bike Instructor Certification Program. He also enjoys riding for fun with his family.