SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Tech. Sgt. Robert Guerrero was born and raised in San Antonio.
"I am proud to be a native Texan and a God-fearing Christian," he said. "I am also proud of my American Indian roots. I'm Modoc Indian on my father's side and Wichita Indian on my mother's side."
For Guerrero, there was little choice in his mind when it came to deciding to dedicate his life to military service.
"My grandfather served, my father served, and it just came natural to pay it forward and to be of service for my faith, my family and this great country," Guerrero said.
That call to duty took root in 1995 when Guerrero signed on the dotted and enlisted into the active duty Air Force for four years until entering Reserve status in February 1999. One year later, Guerrero signed up to serve with the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in the Air National Guard where he has continued to serve for the past 19 years.
During his time in the Air Force, Guerrero has served in various capacities including hydraulics, crash recovery, wheel and tire, fuels, F-16 crew chief, hydrazine, egress and aircraft fleet production.
Today, Guerrero's skills as an F-16 fleet maintenance manager play a vital role in maintaining, repairing and servicing sortie capable fighter jets for the 149th Fighter Wing's flying mission.
"The most rewarding part of my job is the people, just being of service to my country" Guerrero said. "I've never been one to ever feel the need for such recognition of things like this, but I have come to realize its importance and the pride in the sum of who I am in this world."