185th recruiter cited with Hispanic service award
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Staff Sgt. Hiliana P. Suarez, a production recruiter assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, was recently recognized as one of only 11 military members worldwide to received the ''Salute to Hispanics in the Military'' meritorious service award.She was the only member of the Air National Guard to be given this prestigious award, which acknowledges service members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Hispanic Americans and the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity in their unit and their community. | Posted: Sunday, July 02, 2006
As a recruiter, Suarez works closely with area schools, focusing on motivating minority students and letting them know they can go as far as their hard work and vision takes them. Suarez's translating skills became critical on March 22, 2005 while on a routine school visit in Sioux City. Suarez and MSgt. Larry Blair took charge in a critical medical emergency. They applied emergency first aid to a student who severely injured himself in a shop class. The problem was exacerbated by the student's inability to fully comprehend English. Suarez acted as interpreter, calming the student in his native language. She coordinated with the student's mother, and helped transport them both to the local hospital for treatment of the injury.
According to Air National Guard officials, Suarez acted calmly in a chaotic and potentially life threatening situation, and ensured quick treatment for this serious accident. The school principal felt that Suarez and Blair were ''definitely the right people at the right time'' with the training to take charge, and they went above and beyond to help this student.
For her quick and decisive actions,Suarez was awarded the Iowa Medal of Merit for heroism.
"Staff Sergeant Suarez demands nothing short of excellence of herself and in the process, inspires her peers and supervisors to do the same,'' Col. John Janson, 185th Commander, said. "Not only has she set the standard at the 185th she continually displays her outstanding leadership qualities in our community.She serves as a mentor to the area's young Hispanic men and women.''
Before she could legally vote, Suarez was already serving her adopted country. She joined the 185th Air Refueling Wing in 2000. Suarez became a naturalized American citizen on Sept. 19, 2003. Her story, which was outlined in the Sept. 24, 2003 edition of the Sioux City Journal, with a photograph of Hiliana showing her citizenship papers to her husband and other friends with a huge smile on her face, moved former Journal publisher Dean Krenz to write about U.S. citizenship in his weekly column in the Journal. In 2004, Suarez was highlighted as the Siouxland Woman of Excellence in the category of ''Women Taking Risks.''
Suarez is married to Staff Sgt. Brian Chancey, who is also a member of the 185th Air Refueling Wing. They are expecting their first child in early September.
According to Air National Guard officials, Suarez acted calmly in a chaotic and potentially life threatening situation, and ensured quick treatment for this serious accident. The school principal felt that Suarez and Blair were ''definitely the right people at the right time'' with the training to take charge, and they went above and beyond to help this student.
For her quick and decisive actions,Suarez was awarded the Iowa Medal of Merit for heroism.
"Staff Sergeant Suarez demands nothing short of excellence of herself and in the process, inspires her peers and supervisors to do the same,'' Col. John Janson, 185th Commander, said. "Not only has she set the standard at the 185th she continually displays her outstanding leadership qualities in our community.She serves as a mentor to the area's young Hispanic men and women.''
Before she could legally vote, Suarez was already serving her adopted country. She joined the 185th Air Refueling Wing in 2000. Suarez became a naturalized American citizen on Sept. 19, 2003. Her story, which was outlined in the Sept. 24, 2003 edition of the Sioux City Journal, with a photograph of Hiliana showing her citizenship papers to her husband and other friends with a huge smile on her face, moved former Journal publisher Dean Krenz to write about U.S. citizenship in his weekly column in the Journal. In 2004, Suarez was highlighted as the Siouxland Woman of Excellence in the category of ''Women Taking Risks.''
Suarez is married to Staff Sgt. Brian Chancey, who is also a member of the 185th Air Refueling Wing. They are expecting their first child in early September.
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