Air Force civilians among top 50 Hispanics

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology magazine has included two Air Force civilians among this year’s Top 50 Hispanics in Business and Technology.

Michael L. Dominguez and Michael Montelongo were selected from among hundreds of workers in government, academia and corporate America for their leadership responsibilities, impact on science and technology, and contributions to education and community involvement, officials said.

Mr. Dominguez is the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, and Mr. Montelongo is the assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and the comptroller. Both men graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Mr. Dominguez said he credits his father for any success he has enjoyed, and the Air Force for providing people of all backgrounds a place where everybody makes their way on their own ability and talent.

“The Air Force gave my father an opportunity to leave a south Texas farming community and enter a world where his achievements were limited only by his imagination and abilities,” Mr. Dominguez said.

“This isn't merely the world's greatest Air Force,” he said, “it's also the world's greatest meritocracy. There is much the Hispanic community has to give to the nation and the Air Force, and much that we Hispanics can benefit from in return.”

Mr. Montelongo said his award is a tribute to both a country and an Air Force that values cultural diversity.

“I'm proud to be included on this list and pleased that Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology recognizes the role the Air Force plays in supporting minority opportunities, particularly in these all important fields," he said.

Despite the progress recognized and celebrated by this award, Mr. Montelongo said he believes more needs to be done to increase Hispanic and other minority representation in the nation’s science and engineering work force, particularly in public sector environments like the Air Force.

“I think the fact that they've chosen Mr. Dominguez and me demonstrates that the Air Force is a great place for any citizen, especially Latinos, seeking excellence and an opportunity to contribute substantially to society in meaningful ways,” he said.

The magazine is published by a minority-owned media services company founded to promote careers and educational opportunities for minorities in engineering, technology and science.