A graduate of Mustang High School, Alexis Aguinaga is now a student and cheerleader at the University of Central Oklahoma and a cadet in the ROTC program. Aguinaga is majoring in political science with two minors in pre-law and military science. Once she graduates from UCO, Aguinaga will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the National Guard.
“I decided to join the Oklahoma National Guard because I have grown up in Oklahoma and I love the state I live in and wanted to be able to serve my state and it is a way I can do that while also pursuing my college degree. It really is the best of both worlds. I am able to attend college and be in the military,” said Aguinaga.
Aguinaga was working as a 13J or Fire Control Specialist alongside an artillery team.
“We took calls on the radios and assured that everyone hits their target. We had to be efficient on radios and AFATDS (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System). I am currently an SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) cadet in the UCO ROTC program, so I am considered an 09R which is a placeholder MOS until I complete my degree in May and my job at the moment is to shadow an officer at my current unit at Fort Sill until I commission,” said Aguinaga.
The future officer comes from a family of military veterans. Two of her great grandfathers and one grandfather served before she was born.
“The person who was most influential to my career was my great grandmother who served as a riveter working on planes during WWII,” said Aguinaga.
Aguinaga said the recruiting process was smooth.
“I had a very great recruiting experience. I received my basic training date and had to attend a readiness program once a month until I shipped out for basic,” said Aguinaga.
This soldier is proud to serve her state and her country.
“I love the feeling of serving something bigger than me and the routine and standard is something I have always enjoyed. I love serving the state because it feels good knowing if there is an environmental or a domestic threat I am there and ready to defend and protect. I love serving my country as well because I feel honored to be part of a country that as a woman has given me the opportunity to serve and I look forward to putting on that uniform,” said Aguinaga.
