TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. —
Workers Sgt. Tyneshia Uscanga, 601st Air Operations Heart joint interface management cell observe information coordinator, celebrates her household’s linked previous and cultural consciousness via her actions and dedication to her occupation.
Uscanga comes from an Afro-Latina heritage, that means Latin with African first rate, and has seemed as much as her maternal grandmother who immigrated from San Blas, Panama, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when she was very younger. Whereas not in Panama, her grandmother handed down the traditions of her tradition to the household, together with gown types and customs. The household grew their roots beneath their grandmother who served because the matriarch of the household.
“She paved the best way for my household,” stated Uscanga. “The whole lot began together with her coming right here and he or she was a really sturdy lady that labored in factories [and as a seamstress], discovered the [English] language and taught me Spanish… I’m one of many grandchildren that may learn, write, and communicate fluently.”
Uscanga’s life led her to Norfolk, Virginia, the place she claims residence. Her father retired from the U.S. Navy and her mom additionally served for 11 years. As an grownup, Uscanga attended Norfolk State College. She enlisted within the Air Drive in 2016 as energetic responsibility and transitioned to the Lively Guard Reserve Program in 2020. Uscanga stated that becoming a member of the navy made her grandmother, father and mom very proud.
“A whole lot of instances in different international locations, and generally even right here within the States, a serving [service] member is checked out, or categorised as, a male,” stated Uscanga. “Girls serving, girls of coloration serving, girls of various ethnic backgrounds serving… that’s very highly effective.”
Not solely did she observe in her guardian’s footsteps, she completed one thing that’s seen as distinctive in her tradition.
“Historically in our tradition, most ladies do not actually must work, and this isn’t for all girls as a result of we do have working girls, however most will keep residence with the youngsters to look after the house,” stated Uscanga. “It is positively a proud and glowing second when you have got a lady that is ready stability each worlds; that is in a position to handle the house, the youngsters [because I have two children] and likewise work… and proceed to be the energy and spine for my household.”
Every year, the Division of Protection celebrates Nationwide Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This years’ theme is “Unidos, inclusivity for a stronger nation.” Unidos, a phrase rooted in Hispanic tradition means united, linked and shut. This idea speaks to Uscanga and her expertise in serving on the earth’s best Air Drive.
“All of us look totally different and communicate totally different dialects, however we come collectively to assist one another and make the [Air Force] what it’s at the moment,” stated Uscanga.
Managing variety and fostering inclusion on the unit stage permits the mission to maintain shifting ahead as successfully as doable.
“Lots of people…do not actually perceive an individual’s tradition nor traditions… or why they do issues the best way they do,” stated Uscanga. “Educating permits for understanding from both aspect of whichever tradition you come from. Whenever you perceive why somebody is means… you then get that mutual understanding. It makes for a more healthy work surroundings.”
