Why I Wear the Uniform: A1C Beatriz GuitronGonzalez

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Beatriz GuitronGonzalez
  • 35th Maintenance Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Every day of my life I was told education is very important to be successful. My mother always pushed me to go to school and get a degree, but she didn't want me to be far away from her. I would see her struggle to support three children and work more than one job. When I was old enough to work, she only wanted me to work part time and to continue to go to school.

I attended Fullerton College in California and worked toward a liberal arts degree but never was sure what I wanted to do. I mainly went through rigorous mathematics and art courses hoping to find the right direction.

While in college, I noticed my math class teacher was always extremely excited to teach us new material. I loved his energy at 7 a.m. every morning. It was then I realized I wanted to find similar enthusiasm in my future career; I wanted to look forward to work every day.

While I was working part-time and going to school, my husband lost his job. He considered enlisting in the military but could not join due to past experiences. He told me to look into it since I was paying for school out of pocket and would eventually be disqualified for grants, so I decided to talk to a recruiter.

When my recruiter asked why I wanted to join, I told her I wanted to work in a financially stable job and do something that made a difference. She said every job in the Air Force makes a difference, contributes to the mission and protects the people of this country. 

She asked me what kind of future I wanted and I told her I was unsure but wanted to be part of a family that works together. She told me I would be perfect for the maintenance group. I was excited and interested in mechanical engineering and felt it would set me up for a successful future. She was right, and ever since I enlisted in the Air Force, it's never been a question of why I wear the uniform, but how. It all started with seeing my math teacher being ecstatic about his job, and now, after becoming an Airman, I can say I've found the same thing.