Portraits of Wolf Pack Women: Silva-Garza

  • Published
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affair
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Name: Angelica R. Silva-Garza
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
Duty Title: 8th Fighter Wing deputy chief of wing plans and programs
Job Description/mission statement: Develops operational readiness and emergency management exercises; prepares and integrates more than 3,000 Airman for wartime operations
- Trains and directs 323 personnel for eight wing programs in support of Higher Headquarters Operational Plan
- Oversees 26 Installation Plans, Operational Security and Defense Readiness Reporting Sys execution
- Directs C2 for 7th Air Force, Installation Control Center and Crisis Action Team during crisis operations

Years in Air Force: 3
Female inspiration and why? Romana Acosta Bañuelos, the first female Hispanic treasurer (#34) of the U.S.

Although born in Arizona, she was deported at age 8 during a Mexican Repatriation initiative. In Mexico, she worked as a farmer and sold baked goods for extra money. She married at 16, by age 18 was deserted by her husband (who she would later divorce) leaving two young children in her care.

Bañuelos returned to the U.S. at 18 with her children, $7 dollars in her name, and no English language skills. By age 21, she had saved $400 from her wages as a blue-collar worker. With her savings, she opened her own tortilla factory, transforming her into a business owner. In 1963, along with other businessmen, she opened the Pan-American Bank which helped finance start-up businesses for Latinos. By 1973, as chairwoman of the board of directors, she handled more than $41 million in assets.

Her philanthropic endeavors, led her to develop scholarship programs for poor Mexican -American high school graduates hoping to pursue higher education. Her success, along with awards as business woman of the year and commendations from the city and mayor, drew attention from then president, Richard Nixon.

On Sept. 20, 1971, President Nixon released a statement announcing his nominee: It is with special pleasure that I have today nominated Romana A. Banuelos to be Treasurer of the United States...The post of Treasurer of the United States is one of high honor and high responsibility. Mrs. Banuelos will bring to it a high measure of distinction.
(http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=3148)

After her tenure as treasurer, she returned to run her business along with her children and grandchildren which boasted annual sales of $12 million. In 2011, she was awarded the Latino Business Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award. Her business, bank, and philanthropy efforts continue uninterrupted. In short, she turned obstacles into opportunities (faced strife and transformed it into perseverance).Her diligence and determination made her stand-out in her community and country, and her lifetime achievements are now legacies.