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IN FOCUS: Staff Sgt. Jorge Razo, 419th MOF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal Charriere
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Joining the military is a family tradition for some Airmen, but someone needs to start that tradition. Staff Sgt. Jorge Razo, a weapons system coordinator in the 419th Maintenance Operations Flight, started his family's trend of serving in the military. Public affairs recently sat down with Razo to learn more about him and why he serves.

What did you do before joining the Air Force?

I was getting ready to graduate high school and I was weighing college options. Most students in my school were afraid of joining the military because they didn't want to deploy and never come home. I'd never given the military any serious thought until the recruiter came to my school.

Why did you want to join the Air Force?

After 9/11 I was feeling patriotic, and that's what got me in the door. Then the recruiter really sold me on everything. All the benefits sound great to an 18-year-old fresh out of high school. I served six years on active duty, but I wanted to stay in Utah because my wife's family lives here. The Reserve allows me to plant my roots and stay in one place for my family, while also serving my country.

Do you consider yourself to be a trendsetter?

I guess in regards to joining the military, I was a trendsetter. My friends thought I was crazy for joining, and I only know of two or three other guys in my school that chose to serve. My mother wasn't fully on board with my decision at first, because I was the first in my family to join. Now, she and my father proud of my service and supportive.

What do you do in the Reserve?

I work directly for Col. Patrick Webb, commander of the 419th Maintenance Group. He wants to know the status of the aircraft at all times, so I am the one who verifies with flightline Airmen which aircraft are operational. When I was on active duty, I was a crew chief, and it really helped me in the job I have now. I don't think I'd be able to do the job as well if I didn't have knowledge of what happens on the flightline.

What are some of the differences between active duty and the Reserve?

It's like night and day. I really enjoy being in the Reserve because I'm closer to my supervisors than I was on active duty. I have all their phone numbers, and reservists stay in one place longer. The people in the 419th make it worth coming in on the UTAs.

What does your wife do?

My wife works in the419th Logistics Readiness Squadron as a supply technician. She is the first in her family to join the military, as well. We actually just had a little girl about five months ago, and I would be more than happy if she wanted to join the Air Force, too.