Two Air Force firefighters born and raised on Guam were recently featured on the Instagram account @usaffirefighters in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
“For today’s #AAPIHeritageMonth feature, we’re highlighting (Senior Airman) Raymond Tenorio, left, and (Airman First Class) Joshua Celeste. Both born and raised in Guam, they are currently firefighters with the 60 CES at Travis Air Force Base, California,” the caption on the account states.
The account also shared their perspectives on how their Guam heritage shaped who they are today and who they are as Air Force service members.
“As a child growing up, my family shaped me to be a family man. And still now, those values still hold true. As I meet people along my career, my family gets a lot bigger, finding people with same morals,” Tenorio was quoted as saying on the account.
Celeste was quoted as saying, “My heritage made me very humble, from how I was living prior to being in the Air Force. I always tell myself to not take anything for granted and always take every opportunity that knocks on your door and just be grateful about everything.”
In response to the question what about their heritage and culture bring them joy, Tenorio said, “Sharing it with people. And it goes both ways, because I love learning other people’s cultures too.”
