“My parents have taught me to always be positive,” said Salazar. “My mom always looks for the good and my dad is a very humble guy. They raised me to look at what I can do for others and make sure that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it right.”
Her family has been serving in the armed forces for three generations and finding a career in a company that supports troops and their families made sense to her.
“When I was 22, I said, ‘I’m going to AAFES and getting a job,’ and they hired me as an ID checker,” said Salazar. “I fell in love with it and stayed. It’s going to be 28 years now that I have worked with them. It’s a great honor and a great blessing that I work for this company, especially when my dad and grandpa were in the military and my daughter is active duty in the Army.”
Over the years, Salazar has held a variety of positions in different Exchange locations. Now she oversees four locations: Keesler, Camp Shelby, Thompson Field and Gulfport National Guard.
“I think our culture is unique, we are very tight-knit and family orientated,” said Salazar. “Growing up in the Puerto Rican culture has shaped my values and who I am today. Not only am I proud to be Hispanic, but Puerto Rican too.”
Airman 1st Class Trenten Walters is a writer for 81st Training Wing Public Affairs at Keesler Air Force Base.
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