In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Technical Sergeant Juan Salazar, a current member of the United States Air Force and an Aircraft Armament Technician.

TSgt Salazar explains what an aircraft armament technician does—from loading bombs, bullets, and missiles onto aircraft to maintaining and repairing the systems that carry and fire those weapons. He shares how his mother’s service in the Air National Guard and the events of September 11, 2001, especially living near the Pentagon, deeply influenced his decision to join the military.

Juan takes us through his Air Force journey, including basic training in 2002, deployments to Saudi Arabia during the lead-up to the Iraq War, and later service in Afghanistan. He talks about working on iconic aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) and the A-10 Warthog, explaining their missions, capabilities, and why they hold such an important place in military aviation history.

He also brings a powerful show-and-tell collection—coins, patches, and even different ammunition calibers—to visually explain his career, TDYs (Temporary Duty Assignments), deployments, and the units he served with across the world.

This episode dives into pride in service, being part of something bigger than yourself, and the importance of setting goals and finding your path—whether through the military or beyond.

🌟 Topics Covered:
✈️ What an Aircraft Armament Technician does
🇺🇸 Inspiration to serve after 9/11
🔥 Air Force basic training and early career
🌍 Deployments to Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan
💣 Working on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Warthog
🎖️ TDYs, deployments, and military terminology explained
🪙 Coins, patches, and memorabilia from around the world
💡 Life advice on goals, discipline, and building your future

If you enjoy real stories from those who served and learning history directly from the people who lived it, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

📩 Know a veteran or service member who should be featured? Reach out—or contact my chief of staff (aka my mom).

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Michael Raigoso, a U.S. Marine who served from 1989 to 1993 and took part in operations connected to Desert Shield, the Gulf War, and Somalia (Eastern Exit / Mogadishu).

Michael shares what inspired him to join the Marine Corps after immigrating from Cuba at 13, why he wanted to give back to the country that gave him new opportunities, and what life was really like preparing for war—the “hurry up and wait,” the fear, the drills, and the reality of serving on ships near minefields and under threats of chemical attacks.

He also talks about his unique role in water supply, using reverse osmosis systems to produce drinkable water in extreme desert heat, and what it meant to support the mission even when you weren’t the one on the front line.

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Michael ’s story of injury—how a boot camp ankle break kept returning, how it affected his career, and how he reflects on it today with honesty and perspective.

Finally, he brings in his Marine Dress Blues and explains the medals and ribbons that represent his service.

🌟 Topics Covered:

🇨🇺 Growing up as a Cuban immigrant and choosing to serve the U.S.

🦅 Joining the Marine Corps (May 10, 1989) and serving 1989–1993

🌍 Deployments and missions across the world

⚓ Desert Shield & Gulf War: ship life, drills, mine threats, and the amphibious “fake landing” strategy

💧 Water supply operations: reverse osmosis purification and chilling water in 125° desert heat

☣️ MOPP gear and chemical/biological threat alerts

🇸🇴 Somalia / Eastern Exit: evacuating civilians from the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu

🩼 Injury and discharge: repeated ankle breaks and long-term impact

🎖️ Marine Dress Blues: ribbons and medals explained

💡 Life advice: getting “1% better than yesterday”

If you enjoy real veteran stories and personal history, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Stay tuned for more Living History with Alex.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Hansel Perez—a United States Marine Corps veteran whose call to serve was sparked by September 11. Trained as an 0352 Anti-Tank Missileman (later a machine gunner on a Mobile Assault Platoon), Hansel deployed to the Fallujah–Ramadi corridor, running MSR (Main Supply Route) security, route reconnaissance, and convoy escort. After a combat injury and medical retirement (2009), he used the GI Bill to build an Information Systems career, helped launch SVA and a Veteran Alumni Chapter at FIU, and co-founded Miami Military Trucks to preserve rolling history and mentor the next generation.

🌟 Topics Covered

• 🧭 9/11 as the catalyst to enlist in the USMC

• 🎯 MOS 0352 Anti-Tank Missileman → Machine gunner, Mobile Assault Platoon

• 🚧 Fallujah–Ramadi: MSR security, route recon, convoy escort—“highway patrol” in a combat zone

• 💥 Training, teamwork, and staying alive under pressure

• 🩹 Injury, medical retirement (2009), and rebuilding with the GI Bill

• 🎓 From uniform to campus: starting SVA and a Veteran Alumni Chapter at FIU

• 🚚 Miami Military Trucks: Humvees, parades, Touch-a-Truck, and community outreach

• 🛡️ Show-and-tell: flak vest with Level III plates & Kevlar helmet—what they’re built to stop

• 💡 Advice for young people: faith, family, service—and be the change in your community

This is more than a war story—it’s about purpose, recovery, and turning history into living outreach.

If you enjoy real stories of history, service, and mentorship, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

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