BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For one U.S. Air Force Major, family isn't just her anchor, it’s the driving force behind everything she does, both in her personal life and as a dedicated Family Practice Nurse Practitioner at Buckley Space Force Base. The journey that led her to her position today is a testament to her service, and the support of those who mean the most to her.
Maj. Gabrielle Aragon, Flight Commander of the 460th Medical Group's Dependent Care Clinic, grew up immersed in Air Force life, but her story extends far beyond her uniform.
“My mom did a full Air Force career,” Aragon explains. “Both of my parents moved to the United States from the Philippines, so I always knew I wanted to give back to the country that I felt had offered so much to us. It was also kind of a way to follow in their nursing footsteps since that was all I really knew my entire childhood.”
Growing up, Aragon watched her parents become nurses, her mother doing so while serving in the Air Force, and this sense of service planted the seeds for her own path. With her parent’s examples and the strong values instilled in her, it was a natural progression for Aragon to commission. But it wasn’t just her parent’s influence that motivated her—it was the desire to make a difference.
Aragon transitioned from being surrounded by military culture to becoming a part of it. After being accepted to the prestigious Air Force Academy, Aragon faced a rigorous and demanding academic environment, one that tested her limits and pushed her to grow both personally and professionally.
At first, she was unsure of her future direction, but over time, she realized that nursing is her true calling.
“At the academy, you get sucked into the culture of wanting to be a pilot, but throughout my time there I realized the way I wanted to serve was by helping others,” Aragon explained. “So that's what made me excited about becoming a healthcare provider.” This became the foundation of her mission, and it’s clear from her work today that this passion remains as strong as ever.
Aragon’s dedication to serving Air Force families—active duty members, retirees, and dependents—has been a driving force throughout her career. As a nurse practitioner, she provides essential care to those who need it most. However, her motivation goes beyond the clinic walls.
“My family is my biggest motivator to keep going,” she shares. “That’s why I hang pictures of my kids and my family at my desk. If I’m ever having a hard day, I look at the pictures of my kids and my family, and they give me strength.”
Aragon’s children, ages three and four, inspire her every day. She explains that she likes to treat her patients like she would her own family. This deep sense of empathy ensures that military families at Buckley SFB can have peace of mind, knowing their dependents will receive the highest level of care.
When she’s not busy caring for others or managing her Air Force duties, Aragon cherishes time spent with her family. Whether it’s exploring local playgrounds with her children, hiking in the mountains, or bonding over anime with her husband, she values these moments of joy and connection.
Aragon believes that being a provider both at work and at home requires a certain balance because relationships on both sides of the coin hold equal value in her heart.
“Why I love doing what I do stems from the relationships I build with my Airmen,” says Aragon. “I love being a part of patient care and taking care of people, but I also love my team, which is pretty unmatched. I love seeing them reach their goals,” she says, her excitement evident.
For Aragon, serving in the Air Force isn’t just about fulfilling a duty, it’s about doing so with purpose, integrity, and a heart full of love for the people she serves. Whether it’s in the clinic, with her Airmen, or in her own home, she is driven by the desire to care for others, rooted in the values passed down by her parents and amplified by the family she’s built for herself.
Aragon is a living example of how the bonds of family, legacy, and duty come together to create a career driven by passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to others. In every aspect of her life, she remains steadfast in her belief that service is the greatest gift she can give, not only to the country that welcomed her family but also to the families who serve alongside her.