Goodfellow | Hispanic Heritage Spotlight: Master Sgt. Mickey Bretado Published Sept. 22, 2022 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing recognizes and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, and how every members’ diversity make the force stronger. Each week from September 15- October 15, the 17th TRW highlights members of different Hispanic backgrounds and experiences. This week’s spotlight is on Master Sgt. Mickey Bretado, 313th Training Squadron flight chief. Hispanic Heritage Spotlight: Master Sgt. Mickey Bretado U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mickey Bretado, 313th Training Squadron flight chief, poses for a photo next to a RF-4 aircraft static display at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Sept. 12, 2022. The RF-4 was equipped with a variety of film-based and side-looking radar, and it was an unarmed photographic reconnaissance version of the F-4C aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res What is your job? I am the flight chief for the 313th Training Squadron. I oversee curriculum development for the targeting fundamentals course, cyberspace intelligence professional 100, and cyberspace intelligence formal training unit. I have also instructed for TFC, CIP 100, and CIFTU for 18 years. Tell us about your Hispanic Heritage. My father was born in the city of Lerdo in Durango, Mexico. My mother was born in the small village of Santa Lucia in Coahuila, Mexico. Most of my family was raised in Coahuila, but I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. My parents raised me in the traditions of our Mexican heritage, and I grew up speaking English and Spanish. My father's interest in history and religion taught me about the history of Mexico from pre-Columbian history, up to the last distribution of lands. My mother taught me how to cook all the holiday dishes. I am always happy to share my traditions with my family and friends. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to pay respect and homage to those who paved the way for other Latinos. It is also a time to show future generations the examples set before by people who came from where we came. It is a time to show that Latinos are a part of America, and we live the dream our ancestors dreamed. What's one aspect of your heritage that you feel very strongly about? I feel the importance of family is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture. There is always a place to call home, where you can that feel you belong. I think it's so much a part of Hispanic culture that it extends out to those who just need a place to call home. Even if you don't share the same blood, you can always share kindness and a meal. What Hispanic public figure, past or present, inspires you and why? There are two important people who inspire me. Cesar Chavez who was an American labor leader and civil rights activist. He became an icon for organized labor and migrant workers in the United States. Though I don't agree with all of his viewpoints, I respected his pride in the power of the community and his ability to make change with the strength of the people. Also, I come from a family of braceros, migrant workers, and farmers, so his message has always spoken to me on a personal level. My father is not a public figure outside of my hometown, but he has always inspired me. He came to the states when he was 15, and after marrying my mother, he joined the U.S. Army at 18. He spent 20 years in the Army and through the service, he earned his bachelors degree. He was an educator for 25 years and served to help the local community through organizations like the Boy Scouts and the local Veterans Affairs office. Even after retiring, he still volunteers to help veterans through the 82nd Airborne Division Association in El Paso. He inspired me to join the military and to help others whenever I can. I still look to him for guidance in my career and in my home.