SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized annually Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.
Since America’s birth in 1776, Hispanics have helped make the U.S. the country it is today.
Hispanic Heritage Month helps recognize the heritage, culture, and contributions put forth by the Hispanic community. Some people see a deeper meaning in the month.
“It’s a time to reflect on what my family has done, and all the sacrifices they made for me,” said Senior Airman Juan Cruz, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “It gives me honor to do what I do, so I do it to the best of my ability and I can thank my family for that.”
At 1 year old, Cruz and his sister were sent to live with their grandmother in Mexico after their mother became ill. They stayed there for a few years before finally returning back to the U.S.
“My family has never shied away from helping others, and my grandma didn’t shy away when taking in two young children,” Cruz said. “I try to live up to my family’s actions and encouragement every day.”
When Cruz gets deployed, he takes the time to seek out young Airmen who never left home. He said he knows some Airmen struggle while being alone for the first time, even if they don’t want to mention it.
Cruz explained his family instilled many principles in him, which made Cruz strive to be a great Airman.
“Besides showing me how to be a hard worker, they always made me do the right thing,” said Cruz. “They helped me get here into the Air Force, always supported me, taught me to not slack off, and to treat others the way I want to be treated.”
A lot of this, Cruz explained, is extremely common in Hispanic culture.
“It’s who we are,” Cruz said.
The success of the U.S. and the Air Force can be traced to the extreme diversity of the population and its members.
“It takes groups of people from different walks of life to stand out and be great,” said Cruz. “We do that. Thankfully the Air Force takes the time to honor all of our differences and cultures. It’s who we are and it’s what makes us great.”