Filipino Heritage and American Pride

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, UNITED STATES

05.11.2017

Story by Senior Airman Delano Scott 

316th Wing

Tech. Sgt. Kaela Wood, 11th Wing commander’s administration section chief, can vividly recall memories of a childhood filled with uncertainty, hunger and worry. Born in the Philippines, having never met her parents, Wood grew up in an orphanage. Fortunately, at age two, Wood was taken in by a mother, father, two brothers and two sisters, all looking to call her family.

After spending the next seven years in the Philippines, Wood and her family eventually moved to the U.S. in pursuit of a better future.

The move presented a new challenge as Wood was introduced to a very different culture and environment than the one she was previously accustomed to.

“I didn’t know any English,” Wood exclaimed. “Going to school was very difficult for me. I was surrounded by all of these kids and I didn’t know what they were saying.”

However, by staying persistent in her studies, she was able to speak English fluently after two years.

Upon entering the 5th grade, her mother feared Wood was losing her Filipino heritage and sent her back to the Philippines to go to school.

“She didn’t want me to forget about my culture,” Wood said.

At her new school in the Philippines, teaching English to students had become a priority since it was in the process of becoming their second national language.

“All of our talking was done in English, including ordering food at lunch,” Wood said. “I didn’t want to speak English; the whole reason my mom sent me back was to not forget about my culture. I would get in trouble a lot. The principle would tell me that, because I had come from the U.S., I should be able to speak in English. Even though he was right, I didn’t want to do it.”

Looking back, Wood said that her reaction to the pressure to speak English might have stemmed from a fear of losing her identity.

“When I spoke with my friends in Tagalog, [the national language of the Philippines], they told me that I sounded ‘Americanized’ because of my accent,” Wood said. “I didn’t like that. I didn’t want anyone to distinguish me from any else.”

After two years in the Philippines, Wood moved back with her mom, and, like many teenagers, became rebellious. Wood mentioned that because of her hardheadedness, that her mom would constantly suggest joining the military as a way to get straightened out.

“I always responded saying ‘no, I would never be caught doing that.’ However, as a junior in high school, the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, awakened me. I wanted to help.”

Wood, who officially became an American citizen at 14 years of age, explained that her patriotism toward the U.S. was not something that had been suddenly awakened, rather, something that developed over time.

“The older I got, the more patriotic I became,” Wood said. “I was loving being an American. Everyone was willing to help one another. I felt like I had control over my destiny.”

While deployed in Qatar in 2011, Wood and her fellow coworkers started the 379th Asian Pacific American Association. The goal of the APAA was to build morale by bringing people together through diversity. To keep the spirit of celebrating Asian Pacific American heritage alive, Wood started the JBA APAA.

Throughout her now 13 year career serving in the military, which began right after high school, Wood has never lost sight of her culture.

“The Air Force works so well because it is so diverse,” Woods stated. “We are all unique and bring something valuable to the table. Learning and knowing your own heritage and culture gives you perspective and a respect for others.”

Wood, who has recently remarried and has two children of her own, continues to share her heritage with her family. By doing so, she hopes to give them a better understanding of their own identity.

“I love the Philippines as it’s part of what’s made me who I am today” Wood said. “I plan to take my kids to visit there. It’s important for me to show them where I came from.”

• Date Taken: 05.11.2017
• Date Posted: 05.11.2017 16:32
• Story ID: 233552
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, US