Behind the Uniform – Capt. Miguel Rosario

By Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office

U.S. Air Force Capt. Miguel Rosario is a member of the 175th Cyber Operations Group based at the Air National Guard Base in Middle River, Maryland. He is currently a Cyber Warfare Officer but originally enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 before commissioning in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer.

“I used to watch a lot of History Channel shows about World War II and I very much wanted to belong to the comradeship at arms of the U.S. Military. I also wanted to earn money for school, learn a trade, and earn the right to wear the Marine Dress Blue Uniform.”

Now 49 years old, Rosario is a devout Christian, father to a 10-month old son, and has earned medals, badges, and awards in three different military components. Some of his awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia.

“My favorite part of serving was being able to serve my country in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. My favorite moment of serving was performing high altitude parachute operations at night.”

What does the Hispanic Heritage observance mean to you?

“My family has a long and proud heritage of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces starting with my great grandfather who served in the U.S. Army in Puerto Rico during the WWI era. My uncles also served with the Puerto Rico Army National Guard during the Korea [War, one of whom were] injured in battle and [received] the Purple Heart. I have many other cousins who have served proudly at home and overseas. It brings me great pride as a Hispanic American to have served my country during time of war and peace.”