Looking back, moving forward: Airman reflects on heritage, family and career

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NORTH CAROLINA --  Growing up, all Senior Airman Janna Harina, 4th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, wanted was to be a doctor so she could help those in need. By joining the Air Force, she took the first step to making her dreams a reality.

For Harina, the road leading to the start of her AF career was far-traveled.

In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, the 4th Fighter Wing is recognizing Asian Americans who serve and their contribution to the overall mission and diversity of the Air Force.

Harina's story begins in a tiny Philippine town called Pasig City, Manila.

"Our neighborhood was really small and our street even smaller," Harina said. "The houses were built really close together, and everybody knew each other."

Due to growing up in a close knit community she developed a strong set of morals and values.

"I was raised to be respectful of others, persevere in the face of adversity and appreciate the importance of education," said Harina. "All these attributes were practiced in my home and I live by them to this day."

She also believed that her Filipino heritage and upbringing prepared her for any change that may come her way.

"I think being Filipino means you're always ready for any changes," said Harina. Filipinos are very cheerful, friendly and thoughtful, which helps with meeting new people or adapting to changing places or events."

Those were beliefs were soon tested when her journey took a sudden turn, when she learned that she and her family were leaving her native country for America and a better life.

"When I was 14, my family and I moved to San Diego, March 7, 2005," Harina explained. "It was sad because I didn't know anyone or any of my neighbors like back home. We frequently moved from one small apartment to another."

Harina added that the living conditions were only a fraction of the struggles she had adapting to her new environment.

"The transition was difficult," added Harina. "Even though I took English classes back in the Philippines, I was still picked on in school and it was hard to make friends. Luckily, I met some other Filipinos and am still good friends with today."

After she completed high school, Harina attended San Diego State University to pursue a career as a doctor.

"Going to SDSU was a great experience," said Harina. "Because I lived in the dorms, I learned how to rely on myself and live independently. I studied there for a year until I decided to join the AF."

Harina said members of her family also influenced her decision to join the AF due to their military ties.

"I have two uncles who joined the Navy back when Clark Air Base was still open in the Philippines," said Harina. "When we came to San Diego, my two older brothers joined the Navy in 2006. My youngest brother joined the Navy right before I joined the AF in 2011."

That was when Harina traveled to San Antonio for basic military training (BMT).

"BMT was a fun and rewarding experience," said Harina. "It taught me how to be strong willed and to never give up. It also taught me how to be strong physically, mentally and emotionally."

After completing both phases of technical training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, she qualified as a medical technician.

"Technical school was the best experience for me," said Harina. "I spent a lot of time studying and making new friends. It was a great getting to know the other medics from every branch of service."

With the knowledge to perform her job as a medical technician, Harina received orders to her first duty station, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

"I've really enjoyed my time here so far," said Harina. "When I arrived here my goal was to further my education. In order to do this, I finished my six career development courses and took college classes. All my hard work paid off when I received my Community Collage of the Air Force degree in 2013."

Harina also dedicated much of her time to improving the base community.

"I volunteered a lot," Harina said. Some of my favorite times were spent serving as the vice president of the Exceptional Airmen Gaining Leadership & Expeditionary Skills (EAGLES) in 2012."

For her exceptional service and dedication to duty, Harina was chosen as the 4th FW 2012 Airman of the Year.

During her time stationed here, she also gained her U.S. citizenship. She went on to express her pride in finally being naturalized for a country that has been dear to her heart. However, she will never forget her past heritage as she embraces a new one.

"Finally getting my citizenship felt great," said Harina. "I feel a strong sense of pride to be a citizen of the country I'm serving. I will cherish being a part of two nations that molded me into the person I am today."

Currently, Harina deployed to an undisclosed location to support a humanitarian mission.

"I'm part of a deployed medical team that provides support the Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE)," explained Harina. "I have prevented dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I've also sutured lacerations, treated lime burns, cuts, scrapes and scratches. Since coming here, I've been recognized by my commander and was made an honorary REDHORSE member."

As she continues her career in the Air Force, Harina wants to apply to the Air Force Physician Assistant Program, to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor.