HARB reservist receives Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce honor

  • Published
  • By Ross Tweten
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce honored Master Sgt. Francisco Gonzalez by naming him one of their Person's of the Year for the Air Force during their 25th Annual Military Service Person of the Year Awards at Jungle Island in Miami, July 11.

Gonzalez, a Miami native, is the 482nd Force Support Squadron first sergeant and received the award as a result of his distinguished service and daily commitment to maintaining the principles on which the nation was founded.

In addition to his military achievements, Gonzalez finds time to give back to his community in several ways. He is a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the National Fire Protection Association, Volunteer Broward and the Fire Officers Association of Miami-Dade. 

According to Gonzalez, he attributes his success to abiding by the standards and values he was raised on.

"My parents always preached that hard work, to include education, are the keys to success," said Gonzalez. "My mother really encouraged me to complete my college degree to, as she put it, 'stay ahead of the pack.'"

Gonzalez's dedication to his country and love of the Air Force runs deep. The experiences the Air Force has provided him give him pleasure on an intrinsic level.

"The best part about being in the Air Force is the ability to travel and see the world, gaining knowledge from the experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to take part in," he said. "But most importantly, knowing that my country can depend on me to defend our values and our freedom is priceless to me."

Giving back and ensuring his Airmen have the tools and skills necessary to complete their objectives is a huge part of Gonzalez's job and he relishes any opportunity he gets to lend a hand.

"The best part of my job is helping people; assisting our airmen with everyday issues," said Gonzalez. "I take pride in being able to take an Airman with an issue and helping them resolve that issue. I very much appreciate knowing I was able to help my fellow Airmen get over a hurdle."

Gonzalez was recognized earlier in the year as the 2011 482nd Fighter Wing and Tenth Air Force First Sergeant of the Year award winner.