What is your fondest memory of Tobago?  Do you travel back to T&T from the U.S.?

My fondest memory of Tobago was going to RC School in Scarborough.  It wasn’t until years later that I realized how much I enjoyed the experience.  I also loved going to the beach, eating crab and dumpling, playing with my cousins and running freely in the yard.  I have not traveled back to T&T for many years.  Much of the family I grew up with now live here and the others visit regularly.  Time doesn’t afford me the opportunity to visit as often as I would like.

Many young women in T&T would view you as a role model of strength and accomplishment.  What would you say to young people living in Trinidad?  How would you encourage them to educate and develop themselves?

I would say, you can be and do whatever you want in life.  I came from humble beginnings and who would have imagined this?  You need to put forth the effort to get results. Not all things come easy. Education is very important but we are not all meant for college, it takes all kinds to make this world turn.  So learn your gifts and talent, maybe you are good at plumbing or building things.  Do what you enjoy.  I would also tell them how proud I was of anything they accomplished.  Finally, respect yourself and others.  Listen; there are people that really want to help and support you, just listen.  That’s some of what my mom always told us and I know it resonated with me. 

Who was a role model for you? 

My mom!  She is one of the smartest, most talented, kindest and strongest people I know.  Her faith and sense of humanity inspired me every day to be a better person, so I wouldn’t disappoint her or my dad.  There were also many, many other role models at different times along to way.

Did you know early in life that you wanted a military career?  We understand that you joined the service soon after high school.

I didn’t know that military life would be my career until years after starting it.  I initially joined with the idea to stay three years and get out.  Somehow I kept getting offered different opportunities, each more challenging than the last.  Next thing you know, it’s 29 years later.  It’s been very rewarding.

How would you describe your feelings at being named the first woman and first African-American to lead the Maryland Air National Guard?

I feel honored and blessed to be a “first.”  Being a “first” comes with a great deal of responsibility and scrutiny.  Everyone is looking to see how and what you do.  However, the expectations remain the same whether you are the first, second or hundredth, you have a job to do.  In this case, leading the Maryland Air National Guard and the challenges that go along with that are my focus. I do look forward to the day when we no longer need to count. 

How would you describe the relationship between the U.S. and T&T?

T&T is part of the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP).  The SPP links US states with a partner country for the purpose of improving bilateral relations with the US. The program's goals reflect an evolving international affairs mission for the National Guard, to promote regional stability and civil-military relationships in support of US policy objectives. The State Partners actively participate in a host of security cooperation activities ranging from bilateral familiarization and training-like events, to exercises, fellowship-style internships, and civic leader visits. All activities are coordinated through the Theater Combatant Commanders and the US Ambassadors' country teams, and other agencies as appropriate, to ensure that National Guard support is tailored to meet both US and country objectives.  The activities allow foreign nationals or militaries to interact with the Army or Air National Guard.  The Delaware National Guard is partnered with T&T.

Do you see your service to your country as something of a family tradition, since several of the men in your family were T&T police officers?  How did your family influence you?

Service to country is definitely a family tradition.  My family certainly influenced my orderly sort of personality.  I had younger brothers who also served in the United States Air Force and maybe my participation influenced them as well.