Strength in Diversity

  • Published
  • By Capt. Adrian V. Herrera
  • 48th Fighter Wing
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  “Diversity” has become a buzz word. It has come to a point where whenever the word comes up as a topic of conversation, individuals tune out. We sit through those mandated “diversity” trainings. But, I don’t believe that this is an effective way for anyone to value what “diversity” is. For myself, I feel that “diversity” can be best influenced and understood with personal stories.

As an F-15E Strike Eagle Weapon Systems Officer, the Air Force has trained me to designate weapons to kill. You may think, how is “diversity” related to this? In this line of work, you have to be very direct. So I’ll be candid: my distinct background helps others, as well as myself, excel in our job. This is because all of the adversity I have been through has taught me to experience life in every way imaginable. It has taught me an extremely powerful work ethic, and that a positive attitude is everything. It has taught me to never let opportunities pass me by. This promise comes from the people around me that have literally given up everything for me to succeed. It has taught me to always take perspective that would allow me to walk in someone else’s shoes, and to never write someone off before getting the complete picture. After all, if that had been done to me, I never would be where I am today.

When my mother gave birth to me, she suffered from postpartum depression. Maternity leave was not an option, and with my dad being shipped off with the US Navy, she wasn’t able to cope. Her depression worsened… into schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She is recovering today, and her strength and resolve motivates me. All of the accolades I’ve ever received have been a testament on what she’s been through. She has taught me to never take anything for granted, and she’s the main reason I decided to pursue my goal and apply for the USAF. Together with my father we pressed forward. He only joined the United States military in order to provide his family with a better life. With resilience and fortitude, despite periods of unemployment and low wages, he raised his three sons. As with many immigrants, he devoted his whole life to making sure his family could have a better life.

In college I began struggling with my sexuality; I came out as a gay man to my friends, family, and to myself. Being away from my family who has always been there to protect and support me in the past, I had to deal with these struggles myself. I struggled with acceptance. Eventually, I developed a foundation and support structure through my fraternity. I was determined to prevail and finish my degree, but at the same time, share my story of adversity. I kept working hard and graduated with my engineering degree, and became a licensed Engineer. I even became the first openly gay InterFraternity Council President and had my coming out story published, which propelled me to become a speaker on diversity and acceptance issues on a national stage.

Meanwhile, I always wanted to serve my country and give back everything that the United States has given to my family – the only reason that we overcame poverty in that story was due to a military pension from retirement. I’m the first Officer in the family. Though as a gay man, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was another obstacle for me. I’d have to give up my identity if I wanted to serve. After some serious introspection, I decided that serving my country had to trump my personal life. However, I was determined to find a way to serve without forgetting my past.

By sharing my story, I teach acceptance and humility without needing a classroom. By sharing my story outside of work, I’m recruiting more “diversity” in the ranks of the military aviator. None of this can happen if we don’t acknowledge the importance of having different perspectives when making tough decisions.

The adversity I have experienced has given me a unique perspective which helped me to excel in my Air Force flying career. My background gives me a huge advantage in being able to gather different points of view and make a calculated, deliberate, crew coordinated decision in the jet. Being a military aviator was a compliment to my already cultivated strength and courage. The empathy I’ve gained makes me a great wingman and a great leader in the jet. Most importantly, being a military aviator has enabled me to show my strong will and determination through the three years of training, the crew coordination, and the mission briefs. Flight training became natural to me. I’ve learned to face very daunting challenges in combat and solve them rapidly. If I can make it, so can you.