For many military members stationed in Korea, being close to family is impossible.
For Airman 1st Class Rocio Rey-Nunez, 51st Communications Squadron cyber transport technician, coming to Korea was different because she found out that she would be stationed with her father, Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Clemente, 2nd Infantry Division NCOIC of the CBRN Battalion.
“When I first found out I was getting stationed in Korea, I wasn’t very excited, but then I realized my dad was here, and I was going to be stationed with him for a good seven months,” said Rey-Nunez. “We first met here in the Turumi Lodge lobby my first weekend. We hugged, and he asked me if I got shorter.”
Clemente joined the Army about 19 years ago, a few years after Rocio was born and has since been overseas multiple times.
“It was exciting for me because I get to be with her at her first duty station, and I know how tough it is to be overseas. In the states, it’s easier to talk with mom and dad, but overseas it’s a lot harder to do,” said Clemente.
Being stationed together has given them both opportunities to grow professionally and in their relationship as a family.
“We saw each other just about every weekend,” said Rey-Nunez. “I tell him just about everything and he gives me a lot of advice. He encourages me to do the right thing and always keeps me in check.”
“It’s hard to maintain a balance because you still have to have the mentality to be an NCO, but a dad at the same time,” said Clemente. “This has opened up more opportunities for me to explore Korea. I don’t really like to go out. She likes to explore and go out and see other cities, so it gave me more reason to go see more of Korea.”
Even before deciding to join, Clemente was supportive of the options Rey-Nunez had chosen.
“It’s not something I really thought about when I was younger,” said Rey-Nunez. “I just had the plan to go to college and live my life. I realized that school wasn’t for me right now though, and I decided to try the military. Growing up, my dad always told me if I joined the military to join the Air Force, so this was a logical step for me. He even gave me pamphlets.”
Despite walking a path now that she never expected, Rey-Nunez has embraced the opportunity to serve.
“Even though it’s not something I had considered earlier, I am very proud to be serving in the military with my dad,” said Rey-Nunez. “Growing up, I always thought what my dad did was pretty important, and now that I’m a part of that, I feel pretty proud of myself and feel like he respects me even more.”
Rey-Nunez hasn’t been in very long, but Clemente is excited to see what the future holds for her.
“I’m incredibly proud of her,” said Clemente. “Since I’m in the military, I’m glad she is able to continue the tradition.”
Date Taken: | 08.15.2017 |
Date Posted: | 08.15.2017 00:49 |
Story ID: | 244878 |
Location: | PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR |
Web Views: | 24 |
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