JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
As she sits at the table during a leadership meeting, Maj. Nicole Bermudez-Beck is surrounded by commanders, flight chiefs – and her father.
It’s not often you find a father and daughter serving in the military together, especially in the same unit. But that’s the reality for Bermudez-Beck, a physician assistant with the 559th Trainee Health Squadron. Her father, Lt. Col. Luis Bermudez, is a dentist with the 59th Dental Squadron. Both often work together as the 59th Medical Wing supports the basic military training mission at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
“It wasn’t until a few months ago that we were in a meeting together, and that was awkward,” Bermudez-Beck said. “You don’t ever want to call your dad by their rank and last name, and always respond with ‘sir,’ but you have to respect the rank.”
“It was the first time we were together in an important meeting,” Bermudez said. “We kept it quite professional, and no one knew about it until the end of the meeting.”
Whether it’s consulting at meetings or bringing his daughter her favorite Puerto Rican food for lunch, Bermudez has always put family first.
No one understands the importance of family more than he does. He left his home in Puerto Rico to join the Air Force 18 years ago.
“Having a special needs child, the military was an option to help my family,” he said. The Air Force was a change of pace from the six-day workweek he was accustomed to as a civilian dentist. “This gave me the opportunity to spend more time with my loved ones.”
His daughter eventually followed in his footsteps, starting her career as a space operations officer 12 years ago.
After seeing how her father cared for patients, she made the switch to the medical field.
“I’m a very empathetic individual,” Bermudez-Beck said. “My father was the one who introduced me to being a PA. I started shadowing, and I just felt an immediate connection.”
Their devotion to family and patients is the reason they serve.
As unique as their situation is, an unfortunate circumstance brought Bermudez-Beck to JBSA-Lackland. She applied to be stationed there through the Air Force’s humanitarian reassignment program, which allowed them to be together while navigating the terminal illness of Bermudez’s wife – and Bermudez-Beck’s stepmother.
In those difficult times, both depended on each other for strength.
“We give each other support,” Bermudez said.
“Venting,” Bermudez-Beck added, with a look of relief on her face. “Just knowing that you’re able to talk to someone, express everything, and then redirect.”
As for her father, Bermudez said he has become more of an emotional leader.
“When I’m dealing with lower-ranking officers, I often treat them as my own kids, because when I see their face, I see my daughter. I can be a little nice, but other times I am demanding.”
Reflecting on how the military has impacted their relationship, Bermudez-Beck held back tears.
“It’s brought us closer. He is the reason why I joined.”
Her father shared his advice for anyone considering a career path similar to a family member’s: “Just go with your heart, and life will take you there.”
Although their time serving side by side at JBSA-Lackland is nearing its end, they leave knowing that no distance can break the bond they’ve strengthened through loss, resilience and a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.