LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Alexander Valdez, 47th Flying Training Wing occupational safety specialist, was a soldier before he became a civil service employee, and he is proud of his roots. Thumbing through his collection of print pictures from a 2003 deployment, it’s easy to see his passion for serving; that’s why he chose to continue his service on the civilian side of the house. Now, Valdez has been serving Laughlin Air Force Base; Del Rio, Texas; and the United States of America for more than 15 years. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Benjamin N. Valmoja)