Many people in their lifetime face obstacles that leave them in despair.  It takes strength and will to continue going and succeeding in what you wish to accomplish–whether it be a career, sport, relationship, etc. Finding this strength in times of despair is important to accomplish your goals, and the determination of Master Sgt. David Moroyoqui is something many people should use as inspiration and a reminder when they feel hopeless.  

Moroyoqui became one of AFJROTC’s instructors during the 2020-2021 school year under the direction of Capt. Jesus Acuña-Perez. Make no mistake, although Master Sgt. Moroyoqui is a newer addition to staff, he is not short of experience, as the rank of a Master Sgt. is no small feat. Out of three categories of a chain of command, first being Airmen, second being non-commissioned officers, Master Sgt. are in the highest rank. To advance to that rank, an investment must be made–of time, effort, or rather, your whole livelihood.   

As an adolescent, Master Sgt. Moroyoqui juggled a job while attending school and going out as any young adult would. 

“Something wasn’t going because I was also young, I wanted to hang out still. Partying, working a full-time job as a mechanic, and then going to school, something was going to give,” he said.

He realized it might be nice to follow in his father’s footsteps as a retired Air Force and joined for the purpose of having his college paid for. 

However, education wasn’t always a priority for him.  

“I was always told that I was a very bright person, but I just made the wrong decisions,” said Moroyoqui. Although he did not value education in high school, his priorities shifted later on in life. As he matured, he learned the value of education and the things you can do with it.

“You’re only going to be a mechanic for a little bit. You can’t turn wrenches forever because your body’s going to start getting hurt,” he said.

From the time Moroyoqui enlisted in the Air Force, he was stationed in Louisiana, deployed to Kuwait, then came back to the U.S. and moved to North Dakota, Arizona, California, and was deployed once more to Africa. Officially, he was a diesel vehicle mechanic in the Air Force and has been a teacher to Navy and Air Force personnel. He ended up as a fleet manager and had about 90 people under him and about 500 vehicles to manage. 

Now an AFJROTC teacher at West Covina High School, Master Sgt. Moroyoqui explains what his teaching values and philosophies are.  

“I’m all about mistakes,” Moroyoqui said, “I like it when people make mistakes. However, I like when they make mistakes, recognize them and then understand and then correct them. I’m not about perfection. I’m not perfect either. I allow my students to correct me and I want them to.”  

Here at West Covina High School, he wishes to achieve the goal of affecting at least one person and helping others without receiving anything in return.