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9/11 and a mother's sacrifice inspires Airman to improve self, others

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Twelve years ago, America witnessed the loss of approximately 3,000 lives as images of the twin towers destruction played on news channels across the nation.

"I remember I was in college at the time," recalled 1st Lt. Martin Caluag, 77th Fighter Squadron chief of intelligence. "When it happened, I was in the study room and someone said 'hey turn on the TV, something is happening.' I was dumbfounded and shocked. They were saying it looked like a plane crashed into a tower."

"I remember feeling angry after I realized this was a terrorist attack," he added.

The Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy inspired Caluag to join the military, and improve his life and others.

"A friend of mine said that a few of them were joining the Marines (U.S. Marine Corps) and he asked me if I ever thought about joining the military," he said. "Up until that point I had never considered it. After talking to the guys, I realized I could do this and be a part of something bigger. I wanted to be part of the United States response to what was happening."

Caluag's desire to help and improve others' lives is a trait that was inspired by his hero and mother; Maria Victoria "VJ" Caluag. As a nurse she influenced his passion for self-improvement, he said.

Caluag and his family are from Manila, Philippines. Shortly after he was born, VJ was granted a visa to come to the U.S.

"She gave up a lot when she applied for her nursing visa," Caluag said. "She was able to go to the United States and study to be a nurse, but my brother and sister and I had to stay behind with my grandparents for about five years. It took an incredible amount of strength for her to be able to do that. She is probably the most resilient person I know."

When VJ became a citizen, she brought her children to live in Queens, N.Y., as U.S. citizens.

"I have this opportunity because of my mother, and I (want to use) it to do as well as I possibly can and improve myself," he said. "I want to be as good as I can, so my mom can feel that what she did was worth it because she gave up a lot."

Caluag chose to show appreciation for his mother's sacrifice by joining the military. The March following 9/11, Caluag left home for Air Force basic military training.

"I realized the military was an opportunity for me to improve myself," he said. "So, I wrote down long term and short term goals for myself like: learn guitar, play chess, get a degree and commission."

The Airman proceeded to work to each goal; teaching himself to play chess and earning a math degree.

Caluag took his new-found knowledge and passed it on. He would call local schools, offering his skill set and tutoring experience.

"I always felt like I could understand math and explain it," Caluag explained. "Naturally, this led to tutoring; I have tutored more than a half a dozen students over the years."

In addition to the half a dozen students he has tutored, Caluag also helps co-workers prepare for various exams and tests.

"I met Caluag in technical school," said 2nd Lt. Ian Hartin, U. S. Air Forces Central Command chief of tactical ballistics analysis. "I was in class with him and he helped me and some of the others get through the course."

The first lieutenant also volunteers time with Habitat for Humanity, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, base honor guard and local churches.

"He is a mentor and someone you can go to," Hartin said. "He is 100 percent reliable and will always do the right thing. He doesn't let anyone down."