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Keeping culture alive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As Airman 1st Class Jacob Mendoza enters the room, a smile appears on his face as he talks with coworkers.

With an optimistic personality, dark short hair, brown eyes and a Hispanic complexion, he wears his Airman Battle Uniform proudly, knowing each day that he is following in the footsteps of his relatives, "and living his American dream," he said.

Mendoza, 20th Operations Group aircrew flight equipment technician, was recently named Aircrew Flight Equipment technician of the quarter for the first quarter.

When he is on the job, he must be precise in ensuring the accountability of all equipment that the pilots use in flight. It is his responsibility to keep the pilot safe and connected to the jet with this equipment that he prepares and inspects.

"I like being able to work with the pilots one-on-one," Mendoza said. "It's not something that everyone gets to do."

According to Staff Sgt. Melissa Nucome, also a 20th OG aircrew flight equipment technician and Mendoza's supervisor, Mendoza is an outstanding technician with a great work ethic.

Mendoza has been assigned at Shaw for a year, and entered the U.S. Air Force 18 months ago.

"My dad (Raphael Mendoza) is the most influential person in my life," said Mendoza. "He started with nothing when he was younger and worked hard, and now he owns his own house, his cars and he is successful in his career as a diesel mechanic."

According to his father, he has seen positive changes in his son since joining the Air Force.

"I am very proud that he is serving his country," said Raphael Mendoza, father of Airman 1st Class Jacob Mendoza. "It has helped him grow."

Throughout his childhood and his adolescence, Mendoza lived in El Paso, Texas, where his father taught him to work on cars, which according to Mendoza became his true passion.

"I consider myself a grease monkey," Mendoza said. "I've been working on cars since I was 13. My dad started teaching me when I was 15."

In his free time, Mendoza works on his friend's cars, free of charge.

"I do it for free, because I enjoy it," he said.

When he is not hard at work at the 55th AMU, Mendoza enjoys the outdoors and staying fit-to-fight.

"I love being outdoors," said Mendoza. "I am only indoors when I sleep."

His love of the outdoors started at a young age. For most of his childhood, Mendoza was a baseball fan and ball player.

"I have been playing since I could play tee-ball," said Mendoza with a nostalgic smile.

As well as being active and keeping up with his auto hobby, Mendoza grew up spending a lot of time with his family.

"I come from a large close-knit Mexican family," Mendoza said.

All 50 of his closest relatives will always make it a priority to spend quality time together.

"We can always find a reason to get together, even if it's just sunny outside, we will have a huge cookout," he added.

"Family is very important to me," said Mendoza. "Both of my parents and grandparents have really made me who I am. They taught me that no matter how hard times are, just keep smiling. They would do anything to help my brother and I succeed in life."

Just like his family taught him, Mendoza continues to smile through the ups and downs of his Air Force career.