F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- A family with both parents pursuing a successful career can be challenging. Add the military as that successful career and it becomes the epitome of our core value of excellence in all we do.
Recently celebrating their nine-year anniversary, Staff Sgt. Miguel Guajardo, 90th Medical Group dental clinic NCO in charge of logistics, and Senior Airman Isabel Guajardo, 90th MDG dental clinic dental assistant, prove it is possible to pursue success together at home and work.
Success for this couple means putting family first, followed by friends and sports.
“Our kids are most important to us,” said Miguel. “I want them to have the best relationship with us, that’s why we are so involved in their life.”
Although the Guajardos keep a busy schedule after work, they dedicate time to stay active in their kids’ lives. Miguel coached his son’s soccer team during the previous season, and looks forward to coaching again this year.
Their busy schedules motivate the Guajardos to make sacrifices to balance in their lives.
“Often Isabel will be found at the gym way too late at night, and I will be at home studying for a test,” said Miguel.
“Despite everything, we would not be where we are today without the support of each other,” said Isabel.
With hard work and the support of her family, Isabel received a spot on the All Air Force softball team during the 2017 season, and trained away from home at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas for several weeks.
“If it were not for my husband, I would not have been able to go,” said Isabel. “While I was training every day, Miguel was back home taking care of the family; but, I’m sure the kids enjoyed it because he’s the fun one.”
Miguel is preparing to step into the role once again in April when Isabel leaves for prophylaxis training, which will allow her to enhance her dental skills and cleaning services offered at the dental clinic.
The support they give each other has allowed them to pursue further education to develop their career. Miguel notes he is close to finishing a bachelor’s degree with hopes to commission in the Air Force.
The success this couple has found at work is not always solidified in awards, but through encouraging words from supervisors.
Tech Sgt. Brett Manz, 90th MDG dental clinic NCO in charge of the support element, is Isabel's direct supervisor and speaks highly of her.
“There is the old saying that you always learn more from the bad ones,” said Manz. “With her, I can just sit back and let her run. She excels in a majority of what she does at work and especially in softball.”
The Guajardos strive every day for success, not allowing the challenges of life to hinder their relationship or goals. They have excelled in their careers and received awards for the efforts put forth. But, above all else, the Guajardos have succeeded in putting family first.
This pair prove it is possible to pursue success together at home and at work.