After his East High graduation in 1976, Gilbert Barela attended CSU Pueblo and then joined the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service as Corporal, Gil went on to become a 36-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service.

During his time with the USPS Gil was named the 1991 Innovator of the Year. He earned his Bachelors in Labor Studies and Education at the National Labor College and holds certifications as an Arbitration Advocate, Labor Studies Trainer, OWCP Specialist, Family Medical Leave Specialist, Crisis Prevention Institute Licensed Instructor, and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Specialist.

Gil’s leadership includes serving as President of the NALC Pueblo Branch #229, NALC Colorado State President, and ultimately elected as NALC National Business Agent where he also served as Legislative Chairman for Colorado. In his younger years Gil was a Pueblo Mall Santa Claus donating all his earnings to local nonprofits. He also founded the "Letter Carriers Food Drive" in Pueblo which subsequently grew into the National Letter Carriers Food Drive, the largest single day food collection event in the country.

Gil worked on several local and national campaigns including as a National Labor Advisor for President Clinton’s first campaign and was appointed to Governor Bill Ritter’s transition team.

As Chairperson for the Larimer County Democratic Party, he led the effort that resulted in Democratic voter registration surpassing Republican registration for the first time in the county's history.

Gil managed the successful campaigns to run and operate the Larimer County Ranch/ Fairgrounds, and the Larimer County Longview Behavioral Health Center. Their passage resulted in over $400 million for the behavioral, mental, and physical health resources in Larimer County. For the Behavioral Health Center Campaign, he directed a Telly Award Winning ad featuring students and their experiences with behavioral health.

Gil currently lives in Loveland Colorado with his girlfriend Andrea Samson and her daughters Jaqueline and Penelope who join his daughter Jennifer, son Adam, and grandchildren Mario, Bella, Avery and Kylee in celebrating him and his achievements.

Gil is recognized for his service to humanity, particularly for his passion and dedication to serving marginalized communities, families, and those facing hardships. Gil’s work has affected tens of thousands of people’s lives to help them secure employment, access education and mental health services, feed their families, and better their station in life. Gil’s distinguished humanitarian service embodies the heart of the East Eagles.