JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Minority is defined as a group of people whose practices, race, religion, ethnicity and other characteristics are fewer in numbers than the main groups of those classifications. When we hear minority we think those who are of Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American and the list goes on, but do you know there is another minority group that brings about new practices and lifestyles? Military members.
Less than 1% of Americans serve in the United States Military today. Military members are also minorities. Imagine being a minority in American, and being a part of the small extended family that you gain from joining the service. It can cause some culture clashes and new lifestyles that many may not be used to.
Senior Master Sgt. (ret) Jose E. Rijos, is from Bayamon, Puerto Rico and joined the Air Force even though his family served in the Army. Growing up, his parents instilled the importance of family, following rules and having morals and making your own decisions.
“I remember my parents were very strict and ensured we lived by good values. As a male, we pretty much chose our own path and was supported by all,” Rijos said. “At the same time though, my father would tell us “you have the option of not going to school or college, you just might end up as a bum but if that’s how you would like to live, then it’s up to you.”
When joining the military in 1993, Rijos was not meant with the same welcoming and family friendly feelings he grew up around in Puerto Rico. It was a new beginning, culture, lifestyle and an eye opener to how the rest of the world is off of the small island.
“I was extremely naïve to racism and discrimination as the island life teaches you to love everyone no matter what. I was called derogatory names and thought they were just joking,” Rijos said. “It was friends who would actually explain to me what was being said or I would finally put the pieces together later on, like months later.”
Although he was treated differently by peers, SMSgt. Rijos, never lashed out or took it personal. Instead, he made the moves necessary to ensure the Airmen and Guardians who came after him, never had to go through what he did. Especially those who did not have the courage or confidence to stand up against their peers and chain of command.
“I became a whistleblower for those Airmen who came behind me that had no voice and were just taking it. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program was right there to support me in my journey of recovery and made sure things were done right at my location,” Rijos said.
Sergeant Rijos’ culture is all about happiness, resilience and helping others. That is how they lived life on their island, and that is what he wanted to bring to his journey in the military and for Airmen and Guardians. Although it was a rough road for him, he never gave up and persevered through all of the trials that being different brought about. Being a minority can be difficult in itself, being a minority amongst other minorities and trying to all fit in can be a life-long challenge. But it can also be overcome.
“The resilience it took to take punches from all sides, recover, mentor and still manage to be the first to come back from a board fit for duty provided an environment of diversity and inclusion for others to follow and reach their goals. It also provided higher Air Force leadership the tools and viable options to address and mitigate toxic leadership within my career.”