Highlighting Hispanic Americans in Army South

Photo By Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye | Mely Childs sits at her desk at Orion Partners Management, U.S. Army South headquarters, ready to face and tackle any challenges that comes her way. Childs is a first-generation Hispanic American immigrant from Mexico who crossed the boarders with a hope of a better life which she is accomplishing with the support of family and friends.  

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES

09.29.2015

Story by Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye 

U.S. Army South

Mely Childs, a first-generation Hispanic American immigrant who works at U.S. Army South headquarters, came to the United States of America in 2006 with her mother and younger brother from Mexico hoping for a better life. At the time, Childs, her married name, did not speak english, which she said was “the biggest challenge I had to overcome.”

Childs lost her older brother, Spc. Sergio Diaz-Varela, in 2004 in Iraq when a homemade bomb exploded near him during a mission. Diaz-Varela, who she calls her ‘hero’, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and was awarded his U.S. citizenship as a result of his death. Childs said, “he left us too soon. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, but did what he loved most: a Soldier.”

Childs is grateful she had a support system she calls “family” from her brother’s old Army unit and members in U.S. Army South, who supported her in her journey in becoming a U.S. citizen and in every aspect of her life in America. Robert Pelegreen, Deputy Chief of Regional Affairs Directorate, Army South, is part of Childs’ support system. Pelegreen sponsored and helped Childs and her family settle in America. “Mely is a hard working person who came to America as a family and is working her way to the American dream,” said Pelegreen.

Every day, Childs remembers her older brother’s advice to her “to face her challenges and keep fighting” which she uses daily to push herself to accomplish her dreams. Childs continues pursuing her dreams and has advanced from working at Blimpie’s to an office assistant at Orion Partners Management. She hopes to pursue work in the medical field in the future.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2015
• Date Posted: 09.30.2015 10:35
• Story ID: 177623
• Location: FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, US