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Devotion and Duty in the Armed Forces
By Gloria Romano
They have welcomed a new whole world into their lives, have experienced endless possibilities and have excelled in one of the most demanding careers, the U.S. military. On September 8th, LATINA Style presented meritorious service awards to each one of them for their distinctive achievements in their respective branch. Meet 12 Latinas and Latinos whom with pride look beyond their horizon and follow their dreams. Whether it’s the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Air Force, the National Guard or the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, they all have one purpose: to serve and protect the nation.
Ms. Irma Finocchiaro
The Department of the United States Army
With almost 44 years of civil service experience, Irma P. Finocchiaro, deputy chief of staff, G8 for the United States Army in Europe (USAREUR) is recognized for her steadfast loyalty to the Hispanic community, exceptional dedication to duty, and unparalleled selfless service to the Army and the nation. Sworn into Civil Service at 18 years of age, Finocchiaro knew she wanted to make this a career when she was selected as the first female budget analyst intern by the U.S. Southern Command in Panama in 1973. Finocchiaro has led the coordination and deployment of the Army’s General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS) throughout Europe and led the development of the strategic 5-year program for inclusion on the Army’s FY 13-17 Program Objective Memorandum, ensuring USAREUR’s unique requirements were fully represented. She also oversaw the highly visible Continuous Process Improvement program, the Cost Savings Task Force, and the Manager’s Internal Control Program for USAREUR, and much more. Today, as Finocchiaro prepares to retire, she asserts to have experienced many rewarding opportunities. “Becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service has been both an honor and allowed me to be a role model for Latinas,” she says. “The opportunity to work in foreign countries and experience multicultural and multinational environments, have made me a better person. In the end, those experiences gave me better perspective of other views and a more tolerant approach to life or situations.”
Sergeant Andrea Chica
The United States Army
Sergeant Andrea Chica, training noncommissioned officer and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 19th Military Police Battalion, Criminal Investigation Command, has been recognized for her meritorious service and selfless support of the Soldiers, family members, and civilian workforce of the 19th Military Police Battalion (CID). Joining the Army in July of 2006, her achievements, dedication to duty, and proficiency during her assignment as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment CBRN NCO are unparalleled. Her professionalism and unmatched warrior skills were critical to the unit’s mission success while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as the S-3 Air Operations/Training NCO. Her strong and restless advocacy for Soldiers’ equality and justice has genuinely served as a motivation and inspiration for a diverse military and civilian workforce. Sgt. Chica recently graduated from the Advanced Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree.
Ms. Erika J. Colon
The Department of the United States Navy
“After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Industrial Engineering, I wanted to utilize the knowledge and skills I acquired to service the community that has always supported me,” states Ms. Erika J. Colon. “My career within the federal government has provided me the opportunity to achieve that ambition.” As the Navy and Joint expert in HSI Acquisition requirements and policy, Ms. Colon’s exceptional analysis was pivotal in validating HSI and MPTE requirements and resources for future capabilities identified for the Department of Defense. Her proactive acquisition guidance and comprehensive MPT requirements validation for various Acquisition Category programs was instrumental in optimizing manpower, improving training, and reducing total life cycle costs. “What I do actually matters and makes a difference,” she states. “I support a Navy that is a force for peace, and in the event that peace is not possible, a force that wins wars in order to support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today, Colon is constantly humbled by the energy, enthusiasm, and level of professionalism that the sailors and officers of the U.S. Navy display. “The more doors that we open for minorities and women, the more opportunities will be available to others in the future,” she asserts. “One of the most rewarding assignments I’ve had has been going back to Puerto Rico to recruit graduates into the same program that I went through. I could look people in the eye and honestly tell them how I have grown working for the Navy and recommend that they consider it as a career option.”
Lieutenant Lisseth C. Calvio
The United States Navy
It was 15 years ago, when LT. Lisseth C. Calvio decided to join the Navy. Enlisted in the Navy in 1996 as a Nuclear Power Machinist Mate, LT. Calvio is currently serving as the Clinical Psychologist at the NATO Role 3 Multi-National Medical Unit, Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Role 3 hospital serves as the tier three trauma hospital for all of Southern Afghanistan. With this mission, the staff is exposed to high volumes of traumatic injuries from coalition forces and the Afghan population. Dr. Calvio also serves as the head of the Role 3 Care for the Caregiver program that is designed to target burnout, compassion fatigue and other trauma-work related phenomena within the Role 3 staff. LT Calvio is stationed at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH), Yokosuka, Japan. Calvio has been involved in promoting higher education and educational opportunities through the Navy within the Hispanic community. “The Latina community is increasing in population, financial and political influence. This growth and influence will continue over the next decade and beyond. However, with this growth comes great responsibility to our younger generations,” she says. “The current generation of adult Latinas needs to continue to seek out the higher degrees and positions and break those barriers that once upon a time, appeared to be enormous. We need to provide the younger generations with positive role models, as well as direct them towards educational opportunities. Nurturing and leading our next generation of Latinas towards attaining higher education should be a priority in order for our community to prosper in the next decade and beyond.”
Dr. Heidi R. Ries
The Department of the United States Air Force
A former professor of Physics and director of the Center for Materials Research at Norfolk State University, Heidi R. Ries, Ph.D., joined the Air Force Institute of Technology as a civilian in 1999, in order to take on more responsibility as the Associate Dean for Research. “After several years at AFIT, I decided to stay since AFIT’s education and research mission is critically important to maintaining our nation’s technical superiority on the battlefield,” she states. “I have been very fortunate to work with men who are focused on accomplishing the mission, and with managers who are willing to reward contributions from women and men equally. My mentors at Norfolk State, many of whom grew up in the South during the Civil Rights era, were amazing examples of strength in the face of adversity.” Heidi R. Ries has distinguished herself as Dean for Research, Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from September 1st, 2009 to August 31st, 2011. Ries has been working through the LEADER consortium as part of the National Science Foundation ADVANCE program to improve the campus climate for women faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. This initiative will yield better working conditions for all underrepresented faculty, and therefore may lead to higher college success rates for future Latino students who will have more accessible role models available. “Seek mentors who can help you reach your highest potential – look for those who have achieved much, yet recognize how much they have been helped by others along the way,” she advises. “No achievements are beyond reach.”
Major Elaine M. Bryant
The United States Air Force
“When I was growing up I wanted to be an astronaut,” states Major Elaine M. Bryant, USAF. “My parents both supported my dreams and when my brother-in-law joined the Air Force we learned about the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) and all the astronauts that had been Air Force officers. I applied when I was in high school and I was accepted to attend the USAFA Prep School in the summer of 1995.” Maj. Elaine M. Bryant distinguished herself by exceptionally selfless service from September 1, 2009 to present. During this period Maj. Bryant developed the first ever United States Air Force Academy Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Educator Workshop. Maj. Bryant also led United States Air Force Academy cadets in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math outreach to the local high schools. She and the cadets briefed students on current engineering projects at the Air Force Academy and she was key to promoting science and engineering to students of all backgrounds, specifically female Hispanics. Maj. Bryant’s commitment is to serve a cause greater than her, taking the daily leadership challenges that come from developing the future officers of the Air Force. “They are young, full of ideas and it is a daily conscience effort to remember that our job is to teach them, lead them and prepare them to lead.” Her advice is to “do your best at whatever job you have, network and get to know people,” she says. As Air Officer Commanding for Cadet Squadron 24, I want to know that I have led and impacted the lives of my cadets in a positive way and that I have helped them become Excellent Officers of Character!”
Ms. Nadine Santiago
The Department of the United States Coast Guard
“As a college student, I applied and was accepted to work in a student clerical position when I was 20 years old. One day I was in the local recruiting office, and learned of the U.S. Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) program,” recalls Nadine Santiago, program manager for the U.S Coast Guard’s Trademark and Licensing program at Coast Guard Headquarters. Joining the military in 2003, Santiago’s family was not surprised with her career choice since she had informed them of her interest when she was in high school. On active duty for seven years, she performed many jobs that she would not have been able to do anywhere else. She was the team leader for the Ports Waterways and Coastal Security division and with her team, performed hundreds of at-sea vessel boarding’s and security patrols. She also qualified as an Intelligence officer, where she had the opportunity to work with other countries. When she rotated to Washington to become a Public Affairs officer, she realized this was her calling, and decided to become a Coast Guard civilian. Upon her transition to civilian life one year ago, Santiago assumed the position of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Trademark and Licensing Program manager and is proud of the accomplishments and milestones the program has achieved. “I learned how to be a leader, and to listen to what others need. I found my identity and grew stronger both physically and mentally,” she says. “I learned to be comfortable in my own skin. That my opinion is important and to that sometimes, things will crumble, but there is always a solution.”
Lieutenant Commander Angelina Hidalgo
The United States Coast Guard
“It was the night before returning after my very first at sea deployment on my first ship, with the wind blowing in my face and the sound of the ship slicing through the ocean, that I thought ‘this is way too cool-who wouldn’t want to do this for the rest of their lives.’ I just knew at that moment that I was in for the long-haul on my Coast Guard journey,” described Lieutenant Commander Angelina Hidalgo. “Each Coast Guard rescue or major operation that I have been a part of since then, has only re-affirmed that this is what I want to do.” Today, LCDR Hidalgo has distinguished herself as a leader and mentor at her unit through exceptional performance and in her community through contributions to public service and equal opportunity. “During my time in the military I have had the invaluable experience of making numerous life-long friends and being a part of networks who share in the same vision of service over self,” she asserts. Her advice is to always “take opportunities to stretch yourself and to always keep learning because you never know when that small ounce of newly acquired knowledge is going to help you get through a challenging situation or overcome an obstacle,” she asserts. “Also, make time to listen to the perspective of others and network with various groups. You would be surprised at how the experiences and lessons learned by others can help us be more reflective about the kind of person or leaders we want to be.”
Ms. Frances R. Quiñones
Defense Logistics Agency
Ms. Frances R. Quiñones is a Hispanic Employment Program (HEP) coordinator, a DLA Land & Maritime civilian and community leader. After working for the Puerto Rico government, Quiñones applied and was hired to work for the Federal Government under the Outstanding Scholars Program in 2002 at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in Columbus, Ohio as part of the DLA Local Intern Program (LIP). She graduated from the LIP in 2004 as an Inventory Management specialist. Now as an EEO specialist she is able to listen to employee concerns and assists them with solutions. “I like what I do,” she asserts. “I want to remain working for the federal civilian workforce by eliminating employment barriers that limit women, minorities and individuals with disabilities from achieving equal employment opportunity and their career ambitions.” “Latinas have contributed through their community stewardship, remarkable service, volunteerism, and altruism across each step in the struggle for equal rights and equal opportunities. Latinas are the future of the Hispanic population because we bare the children and are the foundation of our families as key decision makers of our households and self-described ‘women with talent”, inspired by what we have already accomplished,” she says. “My parents taught me about the importance of “giving back to the community and to serve with dignity”; what you did in the past makes you who you are now, and what you do at the present, marks you who you will become. My mark is my kindness, love and generosity toward others. I want to leave a legacy of success stories of how I achieved against the odds; and be a role model and symbol for other Latinas.”
Gunnery Sergeant Dr. Marisa Bryant
The United States Marine Corps
Dr. Marisa Bryant joined the Marine Corps June 26, 1995, exactly 12 days after graduating from high school and after her second enlistment she realized she wanted to make the Marine Corps a career. In 2004, Bryant started fulfilling a goal by getting an education. Bryant is currently an instructor at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where she instructs senior enlisted Marines in administration, physical fitness, war fighting, and communications. As a multi-talented instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Bryant is responsible for the instruction of as many as 500 students per year. These students are stationed throughout the east coast of the nation and come from more than 72 different units. “There is nothing more thrilling than watching students gain a sense of clarity and understanding. I love teaching, and I not only do it as a Marine on active duty, but I am also an adjunct faculty at two online universities,” she states “Teaching adults keeps me on my toes and it is a constant reward for me.” Today, she admits to not imagine herself anywhere else. The military has instilled in her lifelong traits and principles that she will take and use for the remainder of her military career as well as carry into her post-military life. Words like discipline, structure, foundation, come into mind when assessing what the military has done for her. She will continue to excel in her career with the support of her family, friends and her husband, whom are very important to her.
Sergeant David Bravo-Martinez
The United States Army National Guard
“I joined the military in February of 2007 because since I was little I wanted to be a Soldier and it is also a way for me to give back to the country that has given me so much,” states Sgt. David Bravo-Martinez. “I knew that I wanted to make a career out of the Army since the first day that I put the uniform,” he states. “That day was one of the greatest achievements of my life and it made me proud to wear it since it represents something bigger than me.” Joining the army at 23 years old, SGT Bravo-Martinez has been presented with the National Organization for Mexican American Rights Award in recognition of his efforts in promoting a positive image to support civil/human rights in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the country of Iraq, and the Massachusetts Army National Guard. “In the military I have learned respect, trust, honor and discipline,” he states. “It is something that many other workplaces do not always enforce and it is what makes the military so unique because it makes you trust one another, respect one another, do the right thing even when no one is looking since you represent something greater than you and have the discipline and mental fortitude to persevere through anything.” The life lessons he has learned in the Army “are to never take anything for granted no matter how big or small, too appreciate everything. My advice to someone entering the workforce is to never give up when the times are rough because it is how we get through them that truly defines who we are. Also give 100 percent in everything you do because it is what always makes a difference since there are no shortcuts in life.”
Captain Jose Salcido
The United States Air National Guard
It all began in 1981 when Captain Jose Salcido came to the U.S. hidden underneath a mattress. “I was nine years old and comparing where I had come from to the abundance and the good people here in Wichita, Kansas I felt a debt to this country,” he states when asked why he joined the military. “The amnesty law of 1985 (Simpson-Rodino Act) allowed us to obtain work permits and upon graduating from High School I decided to enlist in the Kansas Air National Guard as a medic.” Joining the military on October 2nd 1989 was an accomplishment to Capt. Salcido, and today his commitment beyond the standard duties and requirements of his position as a Medical Group Officer has been visible within the Kansas National Guard. As a member of the Kansas National Guard and as a Wichita Police Officer, Capt Salcido is involvement in the “Walk Against Gang Violence” event which he designed, initiated by partnering with the Kansas Air National Guard and the Wichita Police to help the community heal from the wounds of gang violence. With Capt. Salcido’s motivation and desire to succeed and to help others succeed, he has inspired other members within his unit and community to become role models and mentors. He believes one can push beyond what is considered normal for everyone else, “That being on time, rising early, and working hard is ninety percent of what it takes to be successful. The other 10 percent is a positive attitude,” he asserts. His advice to anyone is to “work hard, be on time, and be positive at work,” he says. “It will be exciting times for Latinas in 10 years. The Latino population has become the biggest minority group in the country and I believe Latinas are poised to capitalize on that fact.”
According to “The Progress of Hispanic Americans in the Department of Defense” report by the DoD, the share of Hispanic Americans is increasing across the board.
In 2011, the share of Hispanic Americans is increasing across the board:
Hispanic Americans constitute 11.01% of the Active Duty force: 5.62% of Officers and 12.08% of Enlisted.
Hispanic Americans constitute 6.21% of the total DoD Civilian population.
The share of Hispanic Americans in senior-level and leadership positions is rising:
4.84% of Officer Leaders, 9.71% of Enlisted Leaders, and 4.05% of Civilian Leaders.
DoD Civilian Hispanic Americans are demonstrating increasing educational qualifications, while the Active Duty Hispanic Americans are showing decreasing educational qualifications. These trends are similar to those in the remainder of the population.
The share of female Hispanic American Civilians is decreasing, while the Active Duty female Hispanic American population increases.
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