Local teen awarded trip to Air Force Space Camp

  • Published
  • By Lisa Macias
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  After a competitive selection process, local teen Christina Ortiz, 16, has been selected to attend the Air Force Advanced Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. from July 30 to Aug. 4.

Daughter of Manny Ortiz, a civilian with the 482nd Fighter Wing's Communications Squadron, she was in contention for the award among 50 other youths.

Christina had to prepare a portfolio which consisted of recommendations, school grade point average, and leadership activities.

Sponsored by the Air Force Services Family Membership Program, this opportunity is open to family members of active duty assigned to or living on an Air Force installation, Air Force retirees, Air Force civilians, Air National Guardsmen and Air Force Reservists.

"This is a great example of how the Air Force continually strives to support its families and create opportunities for them," explained Jeff Carney, 482nd Service Squadron Marketing Director.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany while her father was in the Army, Christina is familiar with military life.

"I moved around a lot and basically lived the life of an Army brat," she says.

According to her father, Christina did not become interested in flying or anything military related until high school, when upon entering Felix Varela high school, she joined the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp and Civil Air Patrol.

"It was a total surprise to me," said Manny, "We never pushed her into it. On the contrary, we tried girl scouts and soccer."

Christina remembers always being in planes and telling her mom she wanted to be a stewardess. Her mom responded by telling her she could be the one to fly the plane instead.

Christina believes being in CAP and her dedication to JROTC definitely helped her get selected for space camp.

Staying busy this summer, she is currently attending the National Flight Academy, Power Track in Ashland, Nebraska, to begin introductory pilot lessons with CAP. She has already completed two touch-and-go landings in a Cessna 172P.

"It's amazing. It's a whole different world up there," says Christina. "However, it's definitely not a vacation, but more like basic training."

Shortly after this, she will head to Space Camp to see what it is like to be an astronaut. She says she doesn't know what she's gotten herself into, but wants to experience a little of it.

As a military parent who served with the Army's 101st Airborne division, Manny feels blessed and very proud of Christina.

Christina's advice to others who want to fly, "If they look up and reach out with their hands, they will realize there is no limit. We can all do anything if we want it."