Flight surgeon reflects on career during Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo By Maj. Linda Gerron | U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Sylvia M. Alvarado, the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade flight surgeon, poses outside the brigade headquarters on Fort Carson, Colorado, Oct. 6, 2019. Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the U.S. Army reflects upon and recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Army and our nation.  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

10.10.2019

Story by Maj. Linda Gerron 

11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

FORT CARSON, CO -- Hispanic Americans have deep roots embedded in our Army's history. Today, more than 142 thousand Hispanic Americans make up more than fourteen percent of the Army's Total Force.

Maj. Sylvia M. Alvarado, the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade flight surgeon, is an example of one of many Hispanic Americans who serve our nation's military.

Her Army story began in 2009 when the Pueblo, Colorado native was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of Colorado School of Medicine from the Health Professions Scholarship Program.

The HPSP subsidizes doctors and other specific programs, paying for tuition, books, and fees for up to four years of school in addition to providing a monthly stipend.

"At first, it was a financial decision," Alvarado said. "Postgraduate education is costly. So, I looked for ways to help pay for medical school and found HPSP. But now, it's about working with Soldiers."

After graduating as a doctor in 2011, Alvarado commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Her first medical assignment was at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she completed her internship requirements. Later, she served under the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), as a battalion flight surgeon. While assigned to the 10th CAB, Alvarado deployed with 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I love being a part of the aviation community," Alvarado said. "Being able to practice medicine while flying in a helicopter allows you the opportunity to learn and influence medical operations."

"The medevac mission with 1-10 taught me there's always something new to learn. It reinforced the belief that you have to work as a team and that you must always do right by the Soldier," she added.

Describing her experience as a Hispanic American in the Army, Alvarado said she never felt judged on the color of her skin or ethnicity.

"In the Army, I was always viewed as 'Doc.,'" Alvarado said. "And this was a unique experience compared to civilian life; where I had people ask where I was from or what my ethnicity was. Of course, I would answer Mexican-American."

Alvarado said her mother immigrated to the United States in the 1960s. "She came here looking for a better life and wanted to build a home for her mother," she said.

On her father's side, Alvarado said he is a first-generation American and an Army veteran.

"My father served in the Army Honor Guard sometime in the late '40s or '50s," she said. "I also have an uncle who served during World War II and landed on Utah Beach, and another who served in Korea."

Alvarado's military experience captures the connection that unites our Army and brings our nation together. Growing up, however, proved to be a little more challenging.

"In my home, I was immersed in the Mexican culture. However, the minute I stepped out, I had to be American. There was no guidance on how to merge the two worlds, which often left me feeling like I could not relate to either culture," she explains.

"What I learned from my experience was that in life, there will always be challenges. And if you don't have strong values and faith in yourself, you will get lost," she added.

In 2019, after having been in the Individual Ready Reserve for three years, Alvarado transitioned into the U.S. Army Reserve Troop Program Units. As a TPU Soldier, she trains on select weekends and performs two-week-long annual training events with the 11th ECAB.

Alvarado credits her decision to serve in the Army Reserve to the many opportunities and Soldiers she has met through her career.

"My entire time in the Army has been rewarding," she said. "And I would like for my Soldiers to feel the same sense of achievement from their military career."

"My plan, in the Reserve, is to pass my medical knowledge and skills to my medics and flight medics; in hopes that it prepares them for combat situations," she added.

For anyone considering the military as a career, she says, "the military provides many opportunities. You get to see distant lands, enjoy great benefits, and learn many things about yourself. Challenge yourself, discover who you are, and follow your passion."

In commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this year's theme - "Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our nation" - celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our nation and Army.

From the American Revolution through Iraq and Afghanistan, Hispanic Americans have fought bravely for our nation. Their teamwork and unity contribute to our Army's readiness; which is the cornerstone that enables the Army to accomplish a full range of military operations in defense of our nation.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2019
• Date Posted: 10.10.2019 20:24
• Story ID: 347365
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US