Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Air National Guard: A family affair By Capt. Vince King Jr.
                455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
 BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) - It continues to be seen that the Air Force remains to be a family-oriented force and three brothers deployed here can say just that. A family within itself, the Muniz Air National Guard members from Puerto Rico continue to be a self-motivating force with families working with each other to make sure the mission is accomplished in all shapes and forms. Currently deployed here in support of the war on terrorism, brothers Master Sgt. Jorge Cantres, a flight engineer; Tech. Sgt. Armando Cantres, an engine mechanic; and Senior Airman Jean Audiffred, a crew chief; are a clear example of a military family working together every day. "The guard is actually family oriented," said Jorge, the oldest brother. "There are cousins, uncles, dads and moms, serving in the same (unit) if not the same Guard." The Guard, like others in the states, has families working with each other contributing what they can to get the mission accomplished. Natural to them, the brothers said this isn't their first deployment together, but the first to an actual war zone. "We have deployed several times together with our entire family," said Armando talking about his father, stepmother and other brother in Puerto Rico. "But this deployment is unique because this is our first one to (Afghanistan)." Stemming from a long line of families in the Guard, the brothers saw and learned what they know about the Guard from their grandfather, father and each other. According to Jorge and Armando, their grandfather, retired Chief Master Sgt. Jorge Cantres, was the first member of their family to join the National Guard and retired as the senior enlisted advisor for the wing. He is currently working in the retiree's office at Muniz ANGB. Jorge and Armando's father, Col. Jorge Cantres, 156th Airlift Wing commander, worked his way up both sides of the force. "My father enlisted in the Air Force in 1969 and worked his way to getting commissioned and becoming a pilot," said Jorge. "I've seen him go through the ranks from being a pilot to becoming the wing commander for the base." According to him, both his father and grandfather were part of the reason why he joined the Air Force and now the Air National Guard. "Out of my entire family, I was the only one to join the active Air Force," he said, serving five years before joining the Guard. "Being in the Guard is like having an extended family," said Jorge. "To this day there are still people in the Guard that know me from when I was 4 years old." In fact, all the brothers had similar experiences seeing the various missions of the Guard while growing up. The youngest of the three joined the Guard in 2001, and said he could see why his brothers and brothers' father loved what they were doing and wanted to try it for himself. "I was in high school and knew I liked mechanical engineering, so I started to talk with my brothers about the Guard. They told me about the various jobs it offered, so I joined," said Jean. "We are a very close family" said Armando. "My family cannot be more supportive than they already are." According to the brothers, being together helps to make the deployment easier. "It's almost as if we never left home, especially since I know my brothers, who are my best friends are here with me," said Armando. "I see my fellow Airmen and I just enjoy it," he said. When their schedules allow them too, the three brothers spend their free time catching up, talking and participating in the various activities offered on base. "We talk a lot and provide each other with a lot of (mental and stability) support," said Armando. "We talk about our family and how they are doing, trying to keep each other informed of what's going on," said Jorge. "And when needed, we are able to provide the needed pep talks." Being away from home is time the brothers can spend together, keeping the Air Force mission moving while knowing their fellow Airmen and families at home are supporting them 100 percent.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Champions Repeat at NH National Guard Marksmanship Match
 By Master Sgt. Charles Johnston,
  West Virginia Air National Guard Wing Conducts ’Super Drill’
 By Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle,
  Idaho Medical Airmen Train in Field to Boost Readiness
 By Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur,
  More
 Champions Repeat at NH National Guard Marksmanship Match Guard News • 4 hours ago
 West Virginia Air National Guard Wing Conducts ’Super Drill’ Guard News • 7 hours ago
 Idaho Medical Airmen Train in Field to Boost Readiness Guard News • 11 hours ago
 Alaska Air National Guard rescues 6 plane crash victims Guard News • 11 hours ago
 Wisconsin Guard Black Hawk Unit Conducts Mass Casualty Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (188)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil