Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Schultze | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Diego Jarquin, Airman 1st Class Julio Jarquin-Sierra,...... read more read more
A common refrain across the Air National Guard is “this is my Guard family”, in the case of the 216th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, they really mean it. During the past and present the unit has had a lengthy list of familial connections within its ranks. Six of those Airmen who are currently serving have a strong bond around shared service.
2nd Lt. Alfred Samson, space operations officer, 216th EWS, his daughter Airman 1st Class Cheyenne Giordani, space systems operator, Senior Airman Diego Jarquin, cyberspace systems operator, his brother Airman 1st Class Julio Jarquin-Sierra, RF systems technician and Airman 1st Class Adrian Andrade and his cousin Airman 1st Class Angel Martinez-Barraza, both RF transmission operators, bring different paths and motivations for arriving at the 216th EWS.
“We joined because we both felt a strong desire to serve and give back to our country. For us, enlisting was also a way to challenge ourselves and step out of our comfort zones,” said Diego Jarquin. “The opportunity to be part of something larger than ourselves, support an important mission, and step into leadership roles was a powerful motivator.”
Coming from previous service in the Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Samson saw new opportunities and new ways to serve.
“I am prior service Marine Corps and I ended up at the 216th because of the career field I chose and I am very glad I did, It is a great unit,” said Samson. “Cheyenne was choosing between the 148th Space Operations Squadron and 216th EWS and in the end she decided to join the 216th EWS because of the things I've told her about the unit and it's mission.”
Airmen Andrade and Barraza-Martinez had previous family members who served in the unit and that lineage appealed to them and sharing in that service.
Another positive aspect of these six members experience at the 216th EWS is the working together in day to day operations and working towards a shared goal.
“It is great working with members of our family. It keeps a comfortable and less stressful environment and makes it a lot more fun to be in the unit together,” said Andrade.
Samson echoed a similar sentiment on life at the unit and a culture that allows for different perspectives and personalities to unify to accomplish the broader mission.
“I enjoy how everyone has their own distinct personality and that everyone is very accepting and including of everyone else. No one is left out, no one is left behind, and if someone needs help everyone helps, we trust each other,” said Samson. “We are not only together at work but we also choose to hang out after work as well to build on the camaraderie.”
Jarquin reflected on his service, experiences and future goals while at the 216th EWS and in the Air National Guard.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of our service is the profound sense of purpose that comes from contributing to something much larger than ourselves. Serving our country and being part of a dedicated team makes our work incredibly rewarding and meaningful,” said Jarquin. “ It has also been a remarkable experience to serve our nation alongside my brother. We have thoroughly enjoyed our learning experiences, which have inspired us to embrace the evolving future of our space mission.”
Although these Guardsmen have varied backgrounds, connections and motivations for serving, they have come together to serve this country, state, wing, squadron and enhance the defense of the nation.
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2025 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 492431 |
| Location: | VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Space operations a family affair at 216th EWS, by SMSgt Jeffrey Schultze, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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