FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Female Army Mechanic Paves Way for Others
By Army Sgt. Thomas Duval
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
FORT KNOX, Ky., Oct. 15, 2013 - Silhouetted by the shadow of a 38,000-pound M978A2 military fuel truck, Army Spc. Tiffany Willand is a long way from home.
Once a city girl from Tacoma, Wash., Willand is now a light-wheeled mechanic assigned to the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division here.
As a mechanic with the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd IBCT, Willand is one of a dozen soldiers who specialize in servicing, repairing and maintaining more than 400 pieces of rolling equipment ranging from Humvees to generators.
Through hard work and dedication, Willand is helping lead the way for future females aspiring to be mechanics in the Army.
"Most people are surprised when they find out we have a female working as a female mechanic that can hold her own," said Army Staff Sgt. Timbya Whitted, senior floor mechanic for Company B, 201st BSB. "Willand is one of the best soldiers that I have turning wrenches, and among the best that I have worked with."
Since arriving to the unit, Willand has earned the respect of her fellow soldiers.
"Specialist Willand knows her job inside and out, and can keep pace with all of the other soldiers," Whitted said. "She is our battle buddy-in-arms, and I wouldn't trade her for the world."
"There is a good chance she might know more about vehicles than me," said Army Spc. Demetrius Griffin, a fellow light-wheeled mechanic assigned to Willand's unit.
Although her work ethic has won the support of her battle buddies it wasn't always easy to come by. After graduating high school, Willand's career path wasn't in line with what her family had in mind.
It took a lot of back-and-forth talking, she said, but once everyone understood how she felt about joining the military, they were OK with her decision. Her family just didn't want her to deploy to a bad place, Willand said.
"When I talk to them now they still worry, but I remind them that someone has to fight for the right of freedom and liberty," she said.
Like most soldiers, fighting for that freedom means sacrificing much more than just time. In addition to working long hours, Willand has traded in many luxuries like manicures, pedicures and fancy clothes for greased-stained gloves and oily coveralls.
"I enjoy being a female mechanic," Willand said. "I see it as an honor and privilege to serve alongside my male counterparts even if it means I have to get a little dirty sometimes."
With the supply of Army vehicles needing serviced in high demand, Willand's days working underneath warfighting equipment are far from over.
"I plan on making the Army a career, and if I stay a mechanic I want to learn all there is to know about all military vehicles and maybe even go warrant officer," she said.
Regardless of where she finds herself in the future, Willand plans to inspire as many young females as she can while wearing the Army uniform.
"I want to let young females thinking about joining the Army know -- don't limit yourself, always push yourself and always prove you can do anything you put your mind to," Willand said.
Showing posts with label PERSONAL STORY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PERSONAL STORY. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
THE EXPERIENCE OF A MARINE CONVOY GUNNER
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Marine Gunner Shares Convoy Experience
By Marine Corps Cpl. Paul Peterson
2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Oct. 10, 2013 - As he nestled his cheek against the stock of his machine gun, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin Dunseith hoped the man on the motorcycle would heed his warning.
Dunseith, a Blue Point, N.Y., native and turret gunner with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command - Southwest, called out a possible threat shortly after his convoy halted along an isolated desert road in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.
A motorcyclist made a sudden turn toward his vehicle and failed to halt its approach on the convoy's flank when Dunseith waved for him to stop. Now the two met eye to eye as the man dismounted his bike and took a package off the back.
"It's a huge burden," Dunseith said. "You have to make sure you make the right choices and follow the rules of engagement. It's a big responsibility, but I like it."
Dunseith was the rear gunner and last line of defense for a large convoy in Afghanistan conducting a recent four-day patrol between Camp Leatherneck and Camp Dwyer. The dusty, jarring ride passed through empty landscapes pockmarked with dried out riverbeds capable of trapping even the Marines' large trucks.
"It gets tiring," said Dunseith, a Marine reservist. "It's uncomfortable. You're legs are tired. It's really hot, and you get tossed around easily. The dust kills you. You can't really breathe."
He wrapped his face in a scarf for protection from the worst dust clouds and shielded his eyes with a pair of protective sun glasses. Like a modern cowboy, Dunseith rode the bucking vehicle by flowing with the motion.
The metal turret walls provided protection for the price of a few good bumps.
"You force yourself to do it," he said. "You want to take a break as much as possible, but you have to do what you have to do. It's a very important job. That keeps me going."
Dunseith managed to halt the motorist and convinced him to place the package on the ground. The relief in his voice was palpable as the convoy finally pushed on with the mission.
The space below Dunseith's turret represented more than a crew compartment, and his position as gunner meant more than a job. His Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicle was his shelter and home on convoys.
And the MRAP's crew was his family.
"It's necessary to protect everybody," he said. "It's cool to be part of the crew. We try to keep the same guys and the same truck. You get to know everybody even better because you're stuck in there for days at a time."
Dunseith volunteered to deploy with other Marine reservists from New York. The rigorous work schedule forged a bond amongst his teammates over the past three months.
The work pace with CLR-2 resulted in a mission nearly every week for the rear-guard trio. They passed the time sharing stories about home and teasing each other.
"They're loopy," Dunseith said of his comrades. "I'm probably the wackiest one out of them."
Dunseith joined the Marines after visiting a recruiter with some of his friends back in New York. He felt the lifestyle seemed a good fit with his personality.
"I grew up in a pretty quiet town," said Dunseith, who brashly referred to his deployment as a vacation. "I was never inside. I was always outdoors getting lost in the woods. There was just something I liked about it. It's about going on an adventure. I never liked sitting still."
His love for adventure hasn't made the deployment easy -- far from it.
It took a while for Dunseith to adapt to the climate in Afghanistan and his role in the turret. A single shift behind the gun often lasts longer than an average American's work day. There are no breaks.
A bottle of water and a smooth patch of road are about as good as it gets until the convoy stops.
At night, the crew alternates guard duties while the others sleep inside the truck.
"It's cramped, but you get so tired you eventually fall asleep," Dunseith said. "Even though it's not the best sleep, all you need is a little rest so your body can recover for the next day. It's not bad."
Dunseith said he prefers to be on missions. In spite of the stress and exhaustion, it gives him a chance to see Afghanistan and makes the time go faster.
Face of Defense: Marine Gunner Shares Convoy Experience
By Marine Corps Cpl. Paul Peterson
2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Oct. 10, 2013 - As he nestled his cheek against the stock of his machine gun, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin Dunseith hoped the man on the motorcycle would heed his warning.
Dunseith, a Blue Point, N.Y., native and turret gunner with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command - Southwest, called out a possible threat shortly after his convoy halted along an isolated desert road in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.
A motorcyclist made a sudden turn toward his vehicle and failed to halt its approach on the convoy's flank when Dunseith waved for him to stop. Now the two met eye to eye as the man dismounted his bike and took a package off the back.
"It's a huge burden," Dunseith said. "You have to make sure you make the right choices and follow the rules of engagement. It's a big responsibility, but I like it."
Dunseith was the rear gunner and last line of defense for a large convoy in Afghanistan conducting a recent four-day patrol between Camp Leatherneck and Camp Dwyer. The dusty, jarring ride passed through empty landscapes pockmarked with dried out riverbeds capable of trapping even the Marines' large trucks.
"It gets tiring," said Dunseith, a Marine reservist. "It's uncomfortable. You're legs are tired. It's really hot, and you get tossed around easily. The dust kills you. You can't really breathe."
He wrapped his face in a scarf for protection from the worst dust clouds and shielded his eyes with a pair of protective sun glasses. Like a modern cowboy, Dunseith rode the bucking vehicle by flowing with the motion.
The metal turret walls provided protection for the price of a few good bumps.
"You force yourself to do it," he said. "You want to take a break as much as possible, but you have to do what you have to do. It's a very important job. That keeps me going."
Dunseith managed to halt the motorist and convinced him to place the package on the ground. The relief in his voice was palpable as the convoy finally pushed on with the mission.
The space below Dunseith's turret represented more than a crew compartment, and his position as gunner meant more than a job. His Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicle was his shelter and home on convoys.
And the MRAP's crew was his family.
"It's necessary to protect everybody," he said. "It's cool to be part of the crew. We try to keep the same guys and the same truck. You get to know everybody even better because you're stuck in there for days at a time."
Dunseith volunteered to deploy with other Marine reservists from New York. The rigorous work schedule forged a bond amongst his teammates over the past three months.
The work pace with CLR-2 resulted in a mission nearly every week for the rear-guard trio. They passed the time sharing stories about home and teasing each other.
"They're loopy," Dunseith said of his comrades. "I'm probably the wackiest one out of them."
Dunseith joined the Marines after visiting a recruiter with some of his friends back in New York. He felt the lifestyle seemed a good fit with his personality.
"I grew up in a pretty quiet town," said Dunseith, who brashly referred to his deployment as a vacation. "I was never inside. I was always outdoors getting lost in the woods. There was just something I liked about it. It's about going on an adventure. I never liked sitting still."
His love for adventure hasn't made the deployment easy -- far from it.
It took a while for Dunseith to adapt to the climate in Afghanistan and his role in the turret. A single shift behind the gun often lasts longer than an average American's work day. There are no breaks.
A bottle of water and a smooth patch of road are about as good as it gets until the convoy stops.
At night, the crew alternates guard duties while the others sleep inside the truck.
"It's cramped, but you get so tired you eventually fall asleep," Dunseith said. "Even though it's not the best sleep, all you need is a little rest so your body can recover for the next day. It's not bad."
Dunseith said he prefers to be on missions. In spite of the stress and exhaustion, it gives him a chance to see Afghanistan and makes the time go faster.
Friday, October 11, 2013
MAN FROM CONGO TALKS ABOUT MILITARY CAREER AND JOB AS AIRMAN LEADERSHIP SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Congo Native Expands Horizons in U.S. Military
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
31st Fighter Wing
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy, Oct. 8, 2013 - At 15 years old, a young man who spoke no English left Africa on a journey to America that would change his life.
Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Air Force Staff Sgt. Alain Mukendi, an Airman Leadership School instructor here, grew up speaking French and three African dialects. In 1999, his father won the Diversity Visa lottery, allowing his family to move to the United States. Two years later, Mukendi and his family made St. Louis their new home.
"I hated it for the first six months," Mukendi said. "It was extremely difficult, because it was a complete 180-degree change. From the culture to the language, everything was different. I was afraid to speak, because I did not want to be made fun of."
Two weeks after arriving in St. Louis, Mukendi was enrolled in school where he managed to learn enough English to graduate in two years. A few months later, he enlisted in the Air Force, a decision he said was steered by the benefits. At the time, he added, he didn't know how much more the Air Force would give him.
"I needed a root canal, and it was going to cost me about $500 to get it done," he said. "By chance, I came across a recruiter. He explained the benefits, and then I made one of the best decisions in my life."
As he progressed through basic training, Mukendi said, he learned to speak loudly and clearly despite the language barrier. He built the confidence needed throughout basic and technical training as he learned to be a leader among his peers.
"I was forced to speak in basic training, but it was good for me," he said. "I had no choice but to execute and do my job as an airman. I even became a [designated leader] and helped to lead 300 students."
As his confidence grew, so did his ability to effectively communicate with his peers. This newfound skill eventually helped him transition from being the student to being the teacher.
"I was inspired to share the experiences and background and give back to the Air Force as much as he could," Mukendi said.
Mukendi now uses his 11 years of military experience helping lead future noncommissioned officers as an Airman Leadership School instructor. He also is learning to become a regional expert through his Language Enabled Airman Program selection.
LEAP helps the Air Force to meet its global requirements by developing and maintaining cultural and language capabilities. Mukendi, who is fluent in French, was given the opportunity after his selection to go back to Africa to further develop his language proficiency to help the Air Force.
"I am blessed with the aptitude of a different language, and I am happy that the Air Force recognizes that," he said. "This is a great opportunity, as I am able to give back to the Air Force through my cultural experience."
On his return to Africa, Mukendi and several other LEAP selectees stayed in Lome University in Togo. Throughout the stay, interaction among the students, the local civilians and military personnel helped to immerse them in the culture every day.
"It was great learning new things -- the locals took good care of us," Mukendi said. "I learned a phrase while I was there -- 'C'est gratuit' -- which means 'It's free.' They were basically telling us that whatever deeds they did for us were free, and we did not have to worry about giving anything back."
The 30-day stay in Togo gave him lot more back than expected, Mukendi said.
"As a young boy, I was always taught that it's all about giving back," he said. "I am finally giving back to the Air Force, who has given so much to me. I am able to share my experiences with my students, coworkers and future airmen."
Face of Defense: Congo Native Expands Horizons in U.S. Military
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
31st Fighter Wing
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy, Oct. 8, 2013 - At 15 years old, a young man who spoke no English left Africa on a journey to America that would change his life.
Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Air Force Staff Sgt. Alain Mukendi, an Airman Leadership School instructor here, grew up speaking French and three African dialects. In 1999, his father won the Diversity Visa lottery, allowing his family to move to the United States. Two years later, Mukendi and his family made St. Louis their new home.
"I hated it for the first six months," Mukendi said. "It was extremely difficult, because it was a complete 180-degree change. From the culture to the language, everything was different. I was afraid to speak, because I did not want to be made fun of."
Two weeks after arriving in St. Louis, Mukendi was enrolled in school where he managed to learn enough English to graduate in two years. A few months later, he enlisted in the Air Force, a decision he said was steered by the benefits. At the time, he added, he didn't know how much more the Air Force would give him.
"I needed a root canal, and it was going to cost me about $500 to get it done," he said. "By chance, I came across a recruiter. He explained the benefits, and then I made one of the best decisions in my life."
As he progressed through basic training, Mukendi said, he learned to speak loudly and clearly despite the language barrier. He built the confidence needed throughout basic and technical training as he learned to be a leader among his peers.
"I was forced to speak in basic training, but it was good for me," he said. "I had no choice but to execute and do my job as an airman. I even became a [designated leader] and helped to lead 300 students."
As his confidence grew, so did his ability to effectively communicate with his peers. This newfound skill eventually helped him transition from being the student to being the teacher.
"I was inspired to share the experiences and background and give back to the Air Force as much as he could," Mukendi said.
Mukendi now uses his 11 years of military experience helping lead future noncommissioned officers as an Airman Leadership School instructor. He also is learning to become a regional expert through his Language Enabled Airman Program selection.
LEAP helps the Air Force to meet its global requirements by developing and maintaining cultural and language capabilities. Mukendi, who is fluent in French, was given the opportunity after his selection to go back to Africa to further develop his language proficiency to help the Air Force.
"I am blessed with the aptitude of a different language, and I am happy that the Air Force recognizes that," he said. "This is a great opportunity, as I am able to give back to the Air Force through my cultural experience."
On his return to Africa, Mukendi and several other LEAP selectees stayed in Lome University in Togo. Throughout the stay, interaction among the students, the local civilians and military personnel helped to immerse them in the culture every day.
"It was great learning new things -- the locals took good care of us," Mukendi said. "I learned a phrase while I was there -- 'C'est gratuit' -- which means 'It's free.' They were basically telling us that whatever deeds they did for us were free, and we did not have to worry about giving anything back."
The 30-day stay in Togo gave him lot more back than expected, Mukendi said.
"As a young boy, I was always taught that it's all about giving back," he said. "I am finally giving back to the Air Force, who has given so much to me. I am able to share my experiences with my students, coworkers and future airmen."
Monday, September 30, 2013
MEDIC MAKES SURE PRISONERS RECEIVE GOOD MEDICAL CARE
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Medic Ensures Prisoners Get Good Treatment
By David Vergun
Army News Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 - After treating sick and injured soldiers in Haiti, Somalia, Colombia and twice in Iraq, an Army medic has applied his skills to the nation's only military maximum-security facility.
Master Sgt. Gregorio Villanuevaochoa, operations noncommissioned officer at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., received the Army's Corrections Professional of the Year award, presented by Maj. Gen. David Quantock, commander of Army Corrections Command, for ensuring that prisoners receive quality health care.
Villanuevaochoa saved the Army about $300,000 in contract health care costs through greater efficiencies without cutting staff. He supervises about 60 soldiers, civilians and health care providers.
He also checks up on hundreds of prisoners -- some serving life sentences and some on death row -- to ensure they are all getting proper care and treatment. In addition, he looks out for the health and well-being of the soldiers on his staff.
While he has seen his share of horrific war wounds, Villanuevaochoa said, the most common types he sees at the prison are shoulder, knee and ankle injuries suffered during recreation, when prisoners are allowed to play basketball, football, lift weights and so on.
The medics interact daily with all the prisoners, he explained, seeing them every morning for checkups and on an as-needed basis. The prisoners also have access to all of the doctors who work at nearby Munson Army Health Center: clinical psychologists, optometrists, psychiatrists, podiatrists, social workers, surgeons, dentists, physical therapists and other specialists.
Although the prisoners are being confined because they've done wrong, Villanuevaochoa said, they're also receiving high-quality medical treatment and individual or group behavioral counseling, improving their lives and reducing their chances of recidivism once released. And while work details are a traditional part of corrections, he added, they also have the opportunity to learn a trade or skills in metal or woodworking, tailoring, graphic arts and other specialties.
Villanuevaochoa said he's proud of the Army's new medics, who receive about twice the training he received years ago during an eight-week course. "Today, our combat medics are better trained and qualified," he said. They are truly force multipliers to all units deployed."
He added that all of his soldiers take great pride in being professionals and ensuring good order and discipline are maintained at all times in the facility.
Face of Defense: Medic Ensures Prisoners Get Good Treatment
By David Vergun
Army News Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 - After treating sick and injured soldiers in Haiti, Somalia, Colombia and twice in Iraq, an Army medic has applied his skills to the nation's only military maximum-security facility.
Master Sgt. Gregorio Villanuevaochoa, operations noncommissioned officer at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., received the Army's Corrections Professional of the Year award, presented by Maj. Gen. David Quantock, commander of Army Corrections Command, for ensuring that prisoners receive quality health care.
Villanuevaochoa saved the Army about $300,000 in contract health care costs through greater efficiencies without cutting staff. He supervises about 60 soldiers, civilians and health care providers.
He also checks up on hundreds of prisoners -- some serving life sentences and some on death row -- to ensure they are all getting proper care and treatment. In addition, he looks out for the health and well-being of the soldiers on his staff.
While he has seen his share of horrific war wounds, Villanuevaochoa said, the most common types he sees at the prison are shoulder, knee and ankle injuries suffered during recreation, when prisoners are allowed to play basketball, football, lift weights and so on.
The medics interact daily with all the prisoners, he explained, seeing them every morning for checkups and on an as-needed basis. The prisoners also have access to all of the doctors who work at nearby Munson Army Health Center: clinical psychologists, optometrists, psychiatrists, podiatrists, social workers, surgeons, dentists, physical therapists and other specialists.
Although the prisoners are being confined because they've done wrong, Villanuevaochoa said, they're also receiving high-quality medical treatment and individual or group behavioral counseling, improving their lives and reducing their chances of recidivism once released. And while work details are a traditional part of corrections, he added, they also have the opportunity to learn a trade or skills in metal or woodworking, tailoring, graphic arts and other specialties.
Villanuevaochoa said he's proud of the Army's new medics, who receive about twice the training he received years ago during an eight-week course. "Today, our combat medics are better trained and qualified," he said. They are truly force multipliers to all units deployed."
He added that all of his soldiers take great pride in being professionals and ensuring good order and discipline are maintained at all times in the facility.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
AN AIRMAN'S THOUGHTS ON DIVERSITY
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Airman Embraces Diversity During Hispanic Heritage Month
By Air Force Senior Airman Aubrey White
4th Fighter Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., Sept. 25, 2013 - "Diversidad estimula la creatividad, facilitando el desarrollo de ideas y soluciones para resolver desafíos complejos. La creatividad es impulsada por nuestras características únicas, apoyadas por experiencias personales, antecedentes sociales y culturales, y nuestra fortaleza educativa y filosófica. Estas características facilitan múltiples puntos de vista, ideas y soluciones; y es lo que nos permite superar cualquier reto."
Translation: "Diversity enables creativity, facilitating the development of ideas and solutions to resolve complex challenges. Creativity is driven by our unique characteristics, supported by personal experiences, social and cultural backgrounds, and educational and philosophical strengths. These characteristics enable multiple perspectives, ideas and solutions, allowing us to overcome any challenge," said Air Force Maj. Nelson AvilesFigueroa, commander of the 4th Communications Squadron here.
As a young man who grew up on the island of Puerto Rico, AvilesFigueroa embraces the values that made him the airman he is today.
"Honesty, humility, loyalty and a hard-working mentality, all values deeply embedded in my culture, make me a better airman," he said. "That foundation has helped me progress in my career and most definitely helped me become the airman I am today."
AvilesFigueroa said he is proud to be Puerto Rican. He employs Hispanic Heritage Month, he said, as a time to reflect on where his career began.
His journey to serve in the Air Force started after he graduated from the University of Puerto Rico. With a degree in mathematics and a wife and two children to care for, he felt his only options for a stable income were to become a math teacher or join the military.
"I grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and although Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, we don't speak English," he recalled. "My first words in English were actually at Basic Military Training, when the military training instructor was in front of me, yelling at me, as I was trying to digest everything."
Although he somewhat understood simple terminology and instructions, AvilesFigueroa said he had the pleasure of meeting a bilingual Hispanic trainee from New York who was eager to help him.
"BMT was all about teamwork and determination," he said. "When the language barrier made things 'interesting' for me, he translated the more complex instructions and actions [so] I dedicated all of my limited free time during BMT to improving my English skills."
AvilesFigueroa said his determination was essential to completing basic military training in hopes of providing a better life for his family. His family is what drives him to be successful, he said, and he couldn't let them down.
Upon completion of BMT and technical school, AvilesFigueroa entered the communications career field as a radar maintainer. His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., where AvilesFigueroa said he and his family were completely out of their comfort zone.
With a new lifestyle, he found a new way to connect to the people around him using his culture.
"[Hispanic Heritage Month] is an opportunity for me to share my heritage with my co-workers," he said. "I use this month to educate peers about Puerto Rico and about what being Puerto Rican means. A lot of people actually don't know that Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, or how our economy developed, so I use this opportunity just to share a little bit about the uniqueness of our culture."
He believes it's also important for other airmen to share their heritage because the diversity they bring to the Air Force is integral in finding solutions to daily challenges.
AvilesFigueroa plans to be involved with as many aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations on base as possible and encourages all to use this time to reflect on the significance of diversity.
Airman Embraces Diversity During Hispanic Heritage Month
By Air Force Senior Airman Aubrey White
4th Fighter Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., Sept. 25, 2013 - "Diversidad estimula la creatividad, facilitando el desarrollo de ideas y soluciones para resolver desafíos complejos. La creatividad es impulsada por nuestras características únicas, apoyadas por experiencias personales, antecedentes sociales y culturales, y nuestra fortaleza educativa y filosófica. Estas características facilitan múltiples puntos de vista, ideas y soluciones; y es lo que nos permite superar cualquier reto."
Translation: "Diversity enables creativity, facilitating the development of ideas and solutions to resolve complex challenges. Creativity is driven by our unique characteristics, supported by personal experiences, social and cultural backgrounds, and educational and philosophical strengths. These characteristics enable multiple perspectives, ideas and solutions, allowing us to overcome any challenge," said Air Force Maj. Nelson AvilesFigueroa, commander of the 4th Communications Squadron here.
As a young man who grew up on the island of Puerto Rico, AvilesFigueroa embraces the values that made him the airman he is today.
"Honesty, humility, loyalty and a hard-working mentality, all values deeply embedded in my culture, make me a better airman," he said. "That foundation has helped me progress in my career and most definitely helped me become the airman I am today."
AvilesFigueroa said he is proud to be Puerto Rican. He employs Hispanic Heritage Month, he said, as a time to reflect on where his career began.
His journey to serve in the Air Force started after he graduated from the University of Puerto Rico. With a degree in mathematics and a wife and two children to care for, he felt his only options for a stable income were to become a math teacher or join the military.
"I grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and although Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, we don't speak English," he recalled. "My first words in English were actually at Basic Military Training, when the military training instructor was in front of me, yelling at me, as I was trying to digest everything."
Although he somewhat understood simple terminology and instructions, AvilesFigueroa said he had the pleasure of meeting a bilingual Hispanic trainee from New York who was eager to help him.
"BMT was all about teamwork and determination," he said. "When the language barrier made things 'interesting' for me, he translated the more complex instructions and actions [so] I dedicated all of my limited free time during BMT to improving my English skills."
AvilesFigueroa said his determination was essential to completing basic military training in hopes of providing a better life for his family. His family is what drives him to be successful, he said, and he couldn't let them down.
Upon completion of BMT and technical school, AvilesFigueroa entered the communications career field as a radar maintainer. His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., where AvilesFigueroa said he and his family were completely out of their comfort zone.
With a new lifestyle, he found a new way to connect to the people around him using his culture.
"[Hispanic Heritage Month] is an opportunity for me to share my heritage with my co-workers," he said. "I use this month to educate peers about Puerto Rico and about what being Puerto Rican means. A lot of people actually don't know that Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, or how our economy developed, so I use this opportunity just to share a little bit about the uniqueness of our culture."
He believes it's also important for other airmen to share their heritage because the diversity they bring to the Air Force is integral in finding solutions to daily challenges.
AvilesFigueroa plans to be involved with as many aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations on base as possible and encourages all to use this time to reflect on the significance of diversity.
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