Patriotism from afar

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The man remembered walking into an American electronic store for the first time and seeing stereos, televisions, cameras and computers galore. He had a sense that the doors of heaven opened. As he looked around at all the objects of his desire, he thought the room had a yellow glow and was sure he heard angels singing.

Seventeen years later Master Sgt. Aris Villamayor, 442nd Mission Support Group information specialist originally from the Philippines, is still surrounded by electronics as he provides solutions and training to Airman.

"In the Philippines, everybody wants to come to the U.S. for job security," Villamayor said. "Even flipping burgers is better than most jobs back home, but I wanted a job that gave me meaning, and ever since I was a kid I loved wearing a uniform."

Villamayor said he remembers driving just North of Kansas City on Interstate 29 talking to his father about joining the military.

"He told me the Air Force could be difficult to get into -- intellectually," Villamayor said. "That was a challenge for me, so I did it."

Villamayor said he was appreciative that the U.S. adopted him, and he had a sense that he needed to give back. In 1997 he joined the active-duty Air Force.

"Every time someone does something good for me, I give back to them," he said. "I couldn't think of any better way to give back to this country than to serve it."

Villamayor hoped to be a pararescue jumper, but could not because he did not have his permanent residence, which prevented him from getting the necessary security clearance.

"I was so disappointed, but when you come from a third-world country where every day is about survival, it takes a lot for something to really bother you," Villamayor said. "I got a job in administration where I got to work with computers."

"I was fascinated because we didn't have them in my country so I learned everything I could."

Villamayor completed his active-duty tour and was honorably discharged from the Air Force a few months before 9/11 and said when the towers fell he had a sense of weakness.

"That's the reason I came back to the Air Force Reserve -- I felt helpless, and I knew I needed to do something," Villamayor said. "I worked a help desk in the civilian world and figured it'd be natural to do the same thing here."

Villamayor said what he likes most about his job is how it impacts the overall Air Force mission.

"When I train someone, I want them to be able to do the job better than me when I am gone," he said. "When an Airman grasps the technology he helps others do their job, which ultimately leads to an Airman somewhere eliminating bad guys."

Villamayor is multi-talented with strong people-skills, but truly shines as a trainer, said Col. Alan Teauseau, 442nd MSG commander.

"He's very passionate about training and executes it in a timely manner," Teaseau said. "He motivates people in a way that makes them feel obligated to get to a desired level that achieves success."

Villamayor said the key to helping people through whatever problem they're having is to have a welcoming attitude.

"Just smile and go beyond your personal mission," Villamayor said. "Everyone is entitled to respect, and if I don't have an answer I'll point an Airman in the right direction."

Senior Airman Billy Francis, 442nd MSG information specialist, has had the opportunity to work with and train with Villamayor on multiple occasions.

"Villamayor exemplifies selfless service by making those around him his first priority," Francis said.

"He always puts everybody first," Francis said. "Whether it's customers, troops or a team of inspectors you can count on him to be there until the job is done -- regardless of when the duty day is suppose to end."

Villamayor said it is important to remember the people who supported him in the past by visiting the Philippines once a year. He said visiting his family and friends help maintain his future perspective.

"They brag about my Air Force career, like I'm a hero or movie star," he said. "It boosts your morale when you taste how proud they are of you."

Villamayor appears to be savoring the flavors of the Philippines with the smile that accompanies the uniform he takes tremendous pride in.

"Once you put it on, you're hooked -- it's in your blood."