AAPI Heritage Month - Lt. Col. Christine Estacion

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Lofton
  • 175th Wing Public Affairs

 

Name: Lt. Col. Christine Estacion

Age: 54

Location: Maryland

Unit: 175th Medical Group

State you serve in: Maryland

Awards:

Meritorious Service Medal – 2
Air Force Commendation Medal – 4
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award – 5
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal – 3
National Defense Service Medal – 2
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service – 3
Armed Forces Reserve Medal – 3
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon – 2
Air Force Training Ribbon - 2

Date joined: 19 May 1995

Military Occupational Specialty:
41A3 - Health Services Administrator, secondary is 17D3Y – Warfighter Communications Operations; prior enlisted AFSC was 2T251 Air Transportation Journeyman

Why did you decide to join?

I felt called to serve. I had always thought of joining the military in some capacity. No one in my family was in the military yet I was drawn to it. My parents were born and raised in the Philippines and went through World War II there so held the military in high regard. I was already finished with college and working as a software engineer and wanted something different but wasn’t ready for an active duty commitment. I wanted to work on aircraft so I decided on the Air Force and the Air National Guard since it fit my life at the time. I was enlisted for a few years before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. I believe my enlisted years made me a better officer.

What has been your favorite moment or part of serving?

I’m currently deployed domestically as part of the Federal emergency response to vaccinate the population for COVID-19. It has been very rewarding and I am proud to be able to use all of the years of training I’ve had to contribute to such a tremendous effort. I have also been part of two Innovative Readiness Training missions funded by DoD to provide medical, dental and optometric services to underserved populations in Hawaii and Missouri.

What does this observance mean to you?

This one is important to me as it is the one I best identify with.

Anything else we should know about you?

I am passionate about ensuring every airmen feels valued and has a place in the Air Force. The Air Force has service before self as one if its core values and that is one of mine as well. I’ve spent the last 21 years as a USO volunteer (over 3000 hrs) and am also an Honor Flight volunteer. The military and its veterans are part of my extended family and I believe in serving them.