Flores completes Air Force training

On June 27, 2008, the U.S. Air Force 737th Training Group out of San Antonio, Texas held its graduation ceremony for over 700 new Airman recruits from across the United States. Among the proud and newly sworn in Air Force recruit was Airman Basic Joseph S. Flores Jr. of Saipan.

Flores is the eldest son of Joseph Arriola Flores and Larissa Sablan Flores of San Antonio, Saipan. Attending the graduation ceremony that day included relative Walter F. Villagomez of Washington, D.C.

As part of the 320th Training Squadron, Flores completed training as a Basic Airman and will continue his advanced military occupation as Security Force Personnel in the Air Force. The 737th Training group, consisting of eight squadrons, provides Air Force Basic Military Training for all enlisted personnel entering the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve recruits.

The Airman training covers the task and fundamentals of an Airman, which includes military discipline, drills and Air Force protocols. The training also instills in recruits core values, physical fitness and comprehensive range of classroom training related to the Air Force life and career.

“It has definitely been a challenging and exciting time for me as a U.S. Air Force recruit. The weeks of rigorous and demanding physical and mental training develops and transforms you to a level you never thought you had. The Air Force training helps you to understand the value of leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, and sustaining a positive attitude,” said Flores. “I highly recommend the Air Force for anyone interested in serving our country with pride and excellence in training and service and also helping to protect our country’s interest around the world.

“Also I would like to extend thanks to my entire family in Saipan, and most especially my parents, aunts, uncles and siblings for their untiring support while away from home for training,” he added.

CNMI Resident Representative Pete Tenorio said he is “deeply proud of Airman Joseph Flores and honor him in his commitment and dedication to serve our country during time of need.

“I wish to congratulate Airman Flores in his completion of training and the beginning of a future career in our nation’s Air Force. He joins the honored ranks of hundreds of our men and women from the Northern Marianas defending America’s freedom, its democratic ideals, and our way of life,” added Tenorio.

Upon graduation from Air Force Basic Military Training, Flores will continue his Advanced Technical Training at Lackland Air Base in San Antonio, Texas. Following advanced Training at Lackland, Flores may likely be transferred to either Hawaii or Guam Air Force Base for his first duty assignment.[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]