The command chief for Air University, Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, sat down recently with Defenders assigned to the 42nd Security Forces Squadron to invite them to share their perspectives as a young, same-sex married couple in the Air Force.
Having served their entire time at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Airman 1st Class Jaydee Figueroa and Airman 1st Class Tatiana Figueroa were married while Jaydee was in technical training, and Tatiana enlisted shortly thereafter. During their time in college, both knew that they wanted to be members of Security Forces in service to the Nation.
The New Jersey natives met while in high school, and in this Pride Month podcast, they share their reasons for serving, how they overcame some of the struggles they faced as a military married-to-military couple and their views on how far the Air Force has come with diversity, equity and inclusion to help all members - regardless of orientation - feel comfortable and committed to wearing the uniform and focusing on the mission.