Texas Border Business –
Special to McAllen ISD by Javier Epinosa
Overcoming obstacles regarding her first language and her gender, Hilda Szabo shared her story of achieving her dream with students at McAllen ISD’s Jose De Escandon Elementary on Veterans Day.
“I was inspired to pursue a career in the military, where I served as a command post controller for 12 years,” Szabo said. “Because of the love I have for this country and our people, I felt a duty and responsibility that was selfless.”
A 1982 McAllen High School graduate and Air Force veteran, Szabo shared her story with about 400 impressionable young minds at the Veterans Day Assembly Nov.11. Students also sang patriotic songs.
“I believe it is very important for our students to hear from role models like Mrs. Hilda Szabo because she is a ‘hero’ they can relate to,” Escandon Librarian Mireya Sepulveda said. “She is someone that grew up in our town, with many challenges similar to the ones our students have.”
Szabo, whose maiden name is Trevino, joined the Air Force after high school at age 19. Reluctant to let their daughter go at first, her parents agreed after realizing her passionate interest.
“My mother supported my decision and told me that is where I belong, so I joined,” she said. “I didn’t know how much I loved this country until I joined the military.”
Getting the courage to take on such tasks stemmed from a special moment of inspiration, an A+ Moment, from her PE Coach who took the time to work with her after she had trouble mastering one particular exercise one day. It was her freshman year at McAllen High and her coach told her to keep trying and to never give up. Eventually, she mastered it.
At first glance, the event seems small, almost insignificant. But it lit a tiny spark in young Hilda. For the first time in her life, she realized barriers of all sorts can be scaled with the right amount of determination. The embers within her now glow brightly.
“My perception changed because, when you’re not very secure with who you are, coming from another country, having problems with the language, and somebody’s telling you ‘you can do anything you want and you can do this,’ that just encourages you,” she recalled. “The world was open to me.”
It wasn’t easy. There were obstacles
“Racism was something I had to overcome early and throughout my military career, especially being Hispanic and a female,” she said. “Through hard work I overcame and exceeded at proving I could be just as good as the men in our unit.”
She attributes her faith in God as having an overarching influence on her dedication and commitment for the love of her country, and even more for her military career.
“She is a symbol of strength, perseverance and national pride for all,” Sepulveda said. “She was an immigrant from Mexico, could not speak a word of English, born to honorable parents that would strive to provide for the family.”
Now a mother of two young men, ages 21 and 22, Szabo hopes to be an inspiration to her sons and the younger generation of school children.
“I hope and pray to have encouraged the children at Escandon as I related my story of service and my gratitude for this country,” she said after the speech to the students. “Even to this day, if I was asked to, I would put on my shoes and uniform and serve my country again. On a personal note, the thing that I miss the most about my service in the military is wearing my military uniform.”
She told students military people are here to help and to protect. She also reminded them that thanking veterans is quick, easy and meaningful.
“I just wish everybody would recognize veterans,” she said. “So they know that they (citizens) do care.”
She retired from the Air Force after 12 years and, in 2009, graduated from the University of Houston with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.
She now works for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in the McAllen Veterans Center as a marriage and family therapist serving veterans and their families.
“Now, I’m back here where I belong, helping my veterans,” she said.
