Rubalcava holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical
Engineering, and is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement
Act Level II certified in Engineering.
Captain Marisa J. King
United States Air Force
“It has been a dream of mine since the
second grade to become an Astronaut.
This initial dream drove me to join the
Air Force, not only for the wonderful
opportunities it provides but also for
my love of this country,” shares
Captain Marisa J. King.
Capt. King is an Evaluator Pilot for
the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron,
Barksdale AFB, LA. Capt King holds
a Bachelor of Science with a focus
of Astronautical Engineering. She
completed Undergraduate Pilot Training
in 2011 and began her aviation career as a Mission Pilot in the
4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, Bagram AB, Afghanistan.
Her advice is to put your best foot forward every day and maintain
balance in life. “When you self-reflect, you know whether or not you
are really giving your all or just enough for the task at hand,” she
says. “I am grateful for this honor, I am grateful for this country, and
I’m proud to be a member of the long line of successful Latina
women who continue to do great things making it the norm.”
Master Sargeant Lucero Stockett
United States Air Force
“I joined the military because I wanted
to fly,” shares MSgt. Lucero Stockett.
“I have always admired aviation and
wanted to give back to my country
by serving in the United States Air
Force. The USA has given me many
opportunities that I don’t think I
would have had in Mexico. My purpose
was to pay back and pay forward the
amazing opportunities (free school,
free housing, free food) I had received
as a child.”
Born and raised in Juarez, Chihuahua,
Mexico, MSgt Stockett and her family moved to El Paso, TX at
the age of six.
Enlisted in the Air Force in May 2001. After Basic Military Training,
reported to tech school and received the Distinguished Graduate from
Basic Boom Operator Course.
“My advice would be to stay true to who you are,” she shares.
“Never forget where you come from because that made you who you
are today. Stay humble in everything that you do and remember that
we all need help. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, don’t be afraid to
fail, and most importantly don’t be afraid to fight back.”
Technical Sergeant Carmen C. Washington
United States Air Force
“I joined the military soon after
graduating High School in 2007
because I wanted to continue to help
my family as well as improve my quality
of life,” shares Technical Sergeant
Carmen Washington.
She enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in
September 2007.
She recently celebrated her 10th
anniversary, which also coincides
with the 70th anniversary of the United
States Air Force. “I couldn’t be more
proud to be able to serve in the world’s
greatest Air Force, where Airmen aim
high and break barriers every day,” she says.
Washington’s job entails a wide range of administration duties and she
is responsible for overall organizational management functions such as
Office Management, Executive Support, and Human Resources. Sergeant
Washington has a four-year-old daughter, Jasmine Skye.
Yeoman First Class Ainara Farin
United States Coast Guard
A native of Zaragoza, Spain YN1
Ainara Farina enlisted in the U.S.
Army and was stationed in Babenhausen,
Germany as a Pharmacy Technician. In
2004, she enlisted in the U.S. Coast
Guard and was assigned to Massachusetts,
where she solidified her interest in the
Coast Guard.
She was advanced to YN3 in 2005 and
assigned as an independent Yeoman in
Marine Safety Office East Provide, East
Providence, RI. Advanced to YN2 and
reported to Miami Military Entrance
30 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 23, No. 6, 2017