Little Rock Airman supports family in Puerto Rico from MacDill AFB

Photo By Staff Sgt. Mercedes Taylor | Airman 1st Class Kenny Rivera Rojas, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, has volunteered to go to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., to support missions flying to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Rivera Rojas is of Puerto Rican descent and his family is among the 3.4 million U.S. citizens affected by Hurricane Maria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor)  

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

10.04.2017

Story by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor 

19th Airlift Wing

In times of adversity, many turn to their families for emotional support. Loved ones become safety nets when one of their own faces strife. But what does a person do when his family is in jeopardy on an island thousands of miles away?
Airman 1st Class Kenny Rivera Rojas, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, responded to his family’s pleas – and the entire population of Puerto Rico -- for aid by offering his helping hands. While not able to physically be there to help, as a crew chief, he supported them by maintaining aircraft delivering aeromedical evacuation response and delivering supplies following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Rivera Rojas’s family is part of the 3.4 million people in Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Maria. They reside in the city of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, 30 minutes away from San Juan. Rivera Rojas’s only way to contact them is through his sister, who works at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Airport.
“They mean the world to me,” Rivera Rojas said. “I’m very close to everyone, even my extended family. Although my sister hasn’t gotten the chance to talk to them, I try to call at least once a day. Since there isn’t electricity, all I hear is the phone ring. They don’t know I’m here.”
The challenges his family is facing is the same as other Puerto Ricans who are struggling to find food, water and gas. So far, the U.S. territory has received support from federal and private agencies.
“It’s heartwarming to see people donate to help so much,” Rivera Rojas said. “I didn’t think there was going to be the amount of support there is.”
Rivera Rojas has contributed to maintenance operations of responding aircraft by conducting flight pre-checks and loading supplies onto aircraft headed to Puerto Rico. Every day, he wakes up with the resolve to do as much as possible stateside to help his family and others in need and will continue to do so as long as he can.
“Until I see my family again, I’m willing to do anything in my power to make sure they’re okay,” he said. “I’m here. I’m doing my best to help out and be there. I love you.”

• Date Taken: 10.04.2017
• Date Posted: 10.04.2017 17:25
• Story ID: 250592
• Location: MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US