Tech. Sgt. Javier Castro, retirements technician, Directorate of Personnel Services

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ARPC Spotlight --  Tech. Sgt. Javier Castro, retirements technician, Directorate of Personnel Services, is the ARPC Spotlight of the week.

Sergeant Castro enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard in June 2002. He said he felt it was his duty after 9/11 to help his country in any way he could.

Sergeant Castro grew up on a ranch in south Texas, but lived in Sioux Falls, S.D. for 12 years before coming to Denver in September 2007.

He enjoys playing softball, volleyball, breaking horses in, four-wheeling, camping, hunting, entertaining and cooking. 

What is your most memorable Air Force experience?

My first Air Force Specialty was civil engineering. I was part of a Rapid Runway Repair Team and went to combat training with the Norwegian and Italian police. 

We were trained on small and heavy artillery, including: AK-47s, rocket propelled grenade launchers, sniper training, 50 caliber machine guns and heavy explosives. We learned convoy training, rapid runway repair and prisoner containment. I trained for four months, and it was the most stressful but rewarding experience ever. Also I got to ride in an F-16 -- that was awesome too.

Why did you join the Air Force?

I joined the Air Force just shortly after 9/11. I was still young and felt I wasn't doing my part as a citizen. I needed to do my part, so I joined. 

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?

I would never BRAC a base if I was in charge. When we take away jobs from military members and contract them it hurts recruiting and re-enlistments. The Air Force needs strong numbers. What are we telling our Airmen. Please join the armed forces, but someday your job might be cut, much like the economy today. We need a strong foundation, and I believe it starts with having a secure job with professional Airmen. The best feeling a person can hold is having a job. We, the Air Force, need to preserve that. 

If you were not in the military, where would you be?

I would be a lobbyist or advocate for the military. I would fight to better each and every member's benefits and entitlements. Only 1 percent of this nation's population wears the uniform, and I think they need to be rewarded for their sacrifice and their families' sacrifice. I would fight to preserve that.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I would like to own my own salsa and chip company and be my own boss. Also, give my spare time back to the military or some organization like a veterans association or disabled veterans. I never want to let my spirit go away from the military.