PHOTO BY BOBBY JONES

‘‘I am originally from Santiago-Isabela, Philippines. I came to America when I was seven. My step-father received orders to Texas then to Norfolk, Va. A few years later, my step-father retired in Virginia and so it became home to me. I owe a lot to my step-father because of his good heart. He cared for me and my brother as his own children and gave us the opportunities we would not have had. One of my reasons for joining the Air Force was to show my appreciation to our country for allowing me to have a great and successful life. If it werenít for the military, I donít think I would be here in the US today. As a full blooded Filipino, I not only refer to myself as Filipino, but a Filipino American. Living here in America, I am thankful for having the choice of higher education, various job opportunities, freedom to pursue whatever my dreams may be and more. Being in the Air Force has allowed me to share my culture with others and also experience theirs.”