JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Fiesta is around the corner and this year, the 2023 Air Force Military Ambassadors are looking forward to their chance to represent the U.S. Air Force in the 11-day Fiesta celebration held April 20-30.
Every year, each service branch selects two members to represent their branch and this year's Air Force Fiesta Military Ambassadors are Staff Sgt. Kayla Serrano from the 802nd Security Forces Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Vicente Velazquez from the 690th Cyberspace Operations Group.
Serrano, a San Antonio native, remembers as a child going with her family to Fiesta and watching the day and night parades.
“I grew up going to all the local events like the rodeo, fiesta, strawberry festival, etc. and there were always military members representing their respective bases,” Serrano said. “They looked so proud to be in uniform.
“Now, I’m able to be part of the same group of people I saw growing up. It is a way of the giving back to the community that raised me,” she added. “I’m excited for the opportunity to meet new people and represent the Air Force in my own city. I hope to inspire others like someone once inspired me.”
Velazquez, who is from Ohio, never knew how much San Antonians love their Fiesta and how big of a celebration it becomes every year.
“It has been a huge honor and very humbling since finding out I was selected as an Air Force Ambassador for JBSA,” Velazquez said.
“I knew about the military ambassador program from my time here previously, but I did not fully understand the magnitude until after my selection.”
The military ambassadors attend a wide variety of events throughout the 11-day celebration and experience a cultural diversity during Fiesta.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our Airmen and build bridges to strengthen the bonds between our military and civilian communities across the San Antonio metro,” said Col. Heather Uhl, 38th Cyberspace Engineering Group commander.
“I am immensely proud of the Military Ambassadors for representing the Airmen today and inspire others into future service.”