MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE Ala. -- When Senior Airman Elizabeth Figueroa Quinones first joined the Air Force, it was the fulfillment of a long-held desire, a dream that started back in high school. However, it wasn’t just the dream of service that drew her in. It was the hope of something more, something bigger than herself.
“I always wanted to join the Air Force. From a very young age, it was a goal. But life happens, and for different reasons, I didn’t make the leap,” said Figueroa.
By the time she was 30, Figueroa had a daughter and a family in Puerto Rico, but the desire to serve never left her. “It wasn’t until shortly after Hurricane Maria that I made the decision. I decided it was now or never. I finally enlisted in 2021,” she said.
Figueroa’s early days in the Air Force weren’t easy. Coming from Puerto Rico, where English isn’t as widely spoken, adjusting to the language barrier was one of her biggest challenges. She recalls those initial days of basic training, where she often stayed quiet, trying not to draw attention to herself. Another challenge she later faced was working as a public affairs specialist, a job that required writing and effective communication. Over time, Figueroa began to see how much she had grown.
“At first, it was difficult for me to have confidence communicating and performing at work,” Figueroa said. “Looking back now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I can see how much I’ve improved, and how much confidence I have gained. I still have a lot to learn but when I see how much I have improved, I feel proud,” she reflected
Figueroa’s Puerto Rican heritage is more than a part of her past; it’s woven into everything she does in the Air Force. She carries with her the values instilled by her family: respect, responsibility, and accountability, and she sees those traits reflected in her daily work.
“The Air Force is a culturally diverse branch, so we are constantly communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds, which provides us the opportunity to expand our knowledge and share our backgrounds with others,” Figueroa said.
Figueroa’s decision to join the Air Force wasn’t just about fulfilling a personal dream; it was also for her daughter. "I did this for my daughter, for her to have a better life," she shared, reflecting on how her service has impacted her family. At the time, her daughter was 12, and moving from Puerto Rico to Ohio presented its challenges. "She was sad because she left friends in Puerto Rico, but then she got some friends in Ohio," Figueroa recalled. "Now she’s sad because she left friends in Ohio!"
As a mother, Figueroa emphasizes the importance of communication. "Always talk with your children, keep track of how they feel," she advised, understanding the challenges that come with moving and adjusting to new environments as part of military life.
As Figueroa continues her journey in the Air Force, she has clear goals for the future. She hopes to earn her master’s degree during her time in service and is also considering commissioning as an officer.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Figueroa recognizes that joining the Air Force wasn’t just about achieving a long-standing goal; it was about becoming part of something larger. “If I hadn’t joined, I’d probably still be thinking about it, wondering ‘What if?’” Figueroa said. Now, instead of wondering, Figueroa is living out her decision, contributing to the Air Force mission and looking forward to what comes next.
Senior Airman Figueroa’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the power of heritage. As she continues her service, she brings with her the pride of her Puerto Rican roots and the determination to make a lasting impact within the Air Force.