Airman Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Valerie Vasquez Published Jan. 16, 2012 By Staff Reports 51st Fight Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Name: Staff Sgt. Valerie Vasquez Unit: 51st Aerospace Medicine Squadron - Health Promotions Job title: Diet Therapy Technician Job description and its impact on the overall mission: Therapeutic inpatient feeding, subsistence management, administration, resource management, and clinical dietetics allow us to promote and improve the health of the Osan community. This is done through comprehensive wellness, nutrition, and fitness programs that maximize combat readiness, improve morale and enhance individuals' awareness and maintenance of healthy behaviors. Time in the military: Five years Time at Osan: Four months DEROS: Sep 12 Hometown: Pensacola, Florida Hobbies: Music, writing, working out, and traveling Why did you join the military? I joined the military because of my Dad. Never have I met someone that I look up to more, and the fact that he was more than willing, and nearly did give his life for this country, made me respect him more and want to follow in his footsteps of service. Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? In 10 years I plan to still be in the military. Whether I'm commissioned or still enlisted; only time will tell. In 20 years I will be retired from military service and hope to have a government job. I just want to continue serving my country in any way that I can. What do you do for fun here? I am part of the 51 FW Honor Guard, so whenever I have spare time I like to get involved in ceremonies. Rendering honors is one of the best feelings I have ever had, and I get to feel that way each and every time I go out on a job. I also like to go on the trips offered by the base. We get the opportunity to see so much more here than most people ever will. What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? When you're in Basic Military Training you have tunnel vision and don't really see all the things going on around you. In August of 2011, I did a TDY to the 326th TRS at Lackland AFB, Texas. For a week I participated in the Shadow Program. I followed the Instructors around and got to see the BMT world from their side of the fence. I was especially lucky because I was with a seasoned Instructor and a student, so while most only get one point of view, I got two. Everything the MTIs put into training is amazing. My longest day was 18 hours, but it was absolutely 100% worth it. What accomplishment are you most proud of? When I was stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, I ran the 322nd AEW Honor Guard. Since it was a joint base, I wanted the team to be a joint force as well. Toward the end of my 6 month tour, the team consisted of roughly 3 Soldiers, 1 Marine, 1 Sailor, 20 Airmen, and even one Coast Guardsman. It demonstrated how well we can all work together and what the future will bring with these joint endeavors. Who are your role models? In a military regard my role models are Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis and Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Hirsch. On a more personal level, my role model would be my dad, Master Sgt. Billy R. Dix, Ret. These three men taught me more than I think any of them will ever realize. Each morning I get up to see what uplifting words Chief Lewis shared. When I get down about work, I think about the day when MSgt Hirsch pulled me to the side, and told me a story about making the most out of the worst. As for my Dad, each new task I take on or new assignment I go to is for him. My Dad not only taught me about life, but also what it means to serve. Family isn't solely based on birth, but just a group of people that care for and support one another through good and bad times.