MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- “I wanted to do something bigger and better, something that all my friends and the people around me didn’t have the initiative to do,” said Senior Airman Luis Cintron, vehicle maintenance technician assigned to the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Cintron, a native of Puerto Rico, enlisted in the world’s greatest Air Force after two years of college in hopes of serving the country that brings him so much pride.
After joining the Air Force, Cintron immediately knew that his decision was the best choices he could have made.
“Puerto Rico’s economy is not so good,” said Cintron. “Even a college degree doesn’t guarantee your future.
“When I first went home and my family and friends saw me in uniform they looked at me and told me that what I am doing as an American Airmen is not something everyone does. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just about me looking at my future, it was also about serving the United States and being a role model.”
Not being raised in the continental United States, Cintron is subject to many obstacles that could prevent some from achieving their dreams and accomplishing their goals. This cultural experiences also bring an atmosphere of diversity to the Air Force and to this vehicle maintenance shop.
“Communicating is so important in society and in the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Rene Anderson, superintendent of the 6th LRS, vehicle maintenance flight. “Airman Cintron came into the Air Force with limited understanding of the English language. He has not allowed that to bring him down, instead inspires other Airmen in this shop to strive for success.
“He brings style and form to this shop, not only as an excellent Airman, but he brings a perspective to the shop that allows him to mentor the new members coming in.”
To Cintron, the Air Force is the best decision of his life to date.
“If you have the opportunity to do something for yourself, go the extra mile,” Cintron said. “Although there are struggles with many hard decisions, nothing worth doing should be easy.”