JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet Master Sgt. Julio Enrique Vizcarrondo Jr., spouse of Master Sgt. Ana Maria Vizcarrondo with the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Expeditionary Support and Innovation Directorate. Julio is our March spouse of the month.
He’s been “surrounded” by the military his whole life since his father served on active duty at Fort Hood, Texas, and then served 30 years as a Department of Defense civilian. His mother also supported DOD in the civilian sector. Julio was part of a Junior ROTC program at his high school and became the youngest to earn the lieutenant colonel “rank” for the program. He enlisted in the Air Force in August 2002.
We asked him to tell us a little more about his time as an Air Force spouse.
What’s your first memory as the spouse of an Airman?
My first memory of being married to another military member was the feeling of understanding and partnership. It was great knowing that my wife understood what it is to wear the uniform and be able to support and uplift each other in our careers.
What’s your best experience as the spouse of an Airman?
Living mil-to-mil has some pretty sweet benefits, but comparing our careers and sharing temporary duty/deployment stories is so much easier and more fulfilling when your spouse gets it.
What’s a challenge you and your spouse overcame as a team?
Truthfully, there have been two challenges. The first was marrying a surviving spouse which was tough to navigate. My wife experienced the greatest loss three years before I showed up in her life. Being a military member, I knew the great sacrifice she and her daughters were dealt with. But having never experienced that myself, I had to quickly adapt with understanding and empathy. There are still tough days ... but for them, I've slowly figured my way through it and will continue to do so. The second challenge was blending our families and co-parenting. I have three kids of my own -- all teens-- and she has two daughters. I never expected to have five kids but we worked hard and I like to think we are doing a damn good job of it.
What’s your best advice to other AFIMSC spouse?
Dig deep to understand their spouse’s role at the unit. I didn't really know what AFIMSC was when she was assigned since it was a fairly new unit. However, learning the aspects of her job has allowed us to have meaningful conversations and lets us share perspectives of how her role affects not just her functional community but the rest of the Air Force as well.
Do you have a mantra that you live by and how does it help?
My mantras (I have two) are: "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity," by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and "I need more cowbell," by Bruce Dickinson aka Christopher Walken. Dr. King’s quote is a reminder to always seek factual information when developing an opinion and to recognize when I really don't know what I'm talking about that sometimes not saying anything is the best answer. The famous Saturday Night Live skit quote always reminds me that sometimes more of something is exactly what you need. Also, a little humor always helps.
What’s something you cherish from your time as a spouse and why?
My wife will be retiring soon after serving almost 21 years. I will always appreciate wearing the uniform together and celebrating military successes together. My favorite memory was working directly with her on Hispanic Heritage Month events and discussing diversity and inclusion initiatives.