Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz | For Airman 1st Class Xavier Rodriguez, 47th Communications Squadron client systems...... read more read more
Airman 1st Class Xavier Rodriguez, 47th Communications Squadron client systems technician, is new to the U.S. Air Force and new to the base honor guard.
As his primary job at the 47th CS, Rodriguez helps maintain computers, software and networks on base.
“Currently, working communication focal point, I am the hub for information for the base if computers or networks are down or need to be fixed,” Rodriguez said. “If something cannot be fixed, we reach out to other bases and find a way to make sure our cyber domain is 100 percent functional.”
From Orlando, Fla., Rodriguez recently decided to join the base honor guard—an additional duty to his daily mission with the 47th CS.
“I wanted to be in the honor guard since I joined the black ropes (students who lead other students in drill) in technical training,” Rodriguez said. “I performed at my first funeral last week and it really is a humbling feeling knowing that we get to send a veteran away with an honor guard performance and seeing how thankful everyone was.”
Rodriguez explained not every hero gets to be remembered for generations; however, it is his goal as a member of the honor guard, to give every veteran a memorable farewell.
Another aspect Rodriguez appreciates about the honor guard is that it gives Laughlin Airmen something different from their daily duties to do.
“Since we are a small base, I think not many people know we can take on extra duties,” Rodriguez said. “I [believe] this is a chance to prove this base does indeed have options for Airmen who are looking to do something different and what better option than joining the honor guard.”
Honor guard is a performance-based activity, and honor guard members are continually demonstrating drill before crowds of all sizes. Rodriguez, an introvert by nature, hopes to inspire others to be willing to leave their comfort zones and grow.
“I am terrified of being in front of crowds, but I still joined the honor guard to overcome that fear and do something I enjoy,” Rodriguez said. “Sometimes people avoid doing the things they [want to try], like learning how to dance, because they are too afraid of failing.”
It is through experiences such as these the Air Force has become a place for Airmen to learn, grow and contribute to others. Rodriguez continues to immerse himself in Air Force culture—not only through on-the-job training—but through additional duties like honor guard, which cause him to grow as an Airman.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2018 17:53 |
| Story ID: | 284921 |
| Location: | LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US |
| Hometown: | ORLANDO, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Airman’s Spotlight: Airman 1st Class Xavier Rodriguez, by SSgt Anne Ortiz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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