Edrianne Dianna Flores: Serving her country, remembering her roots

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Edrianne Dianna Kahiau F. Flores is making history as the first woman of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage to receive a dual promotion as the interim 5J MAJCOM functional manager and the Command Law Office Manager for Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

Today, as we remember all women of the world for their achievements as well as their continuing efforts to achieve parity and equality, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Edrianne Dianna Kahiau F. Flores has more than one reason to celebrate.

As a month dedicated for women throughout history, Flores herself is making history as the first woman of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage to receive a dual promotion as the interim 5J MAJCOM functional manager and the Command Law Office Manager for Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Quite a feat indeed for this diminutive firebrand who commands respect from her superiors and colleagues but, most importantly, the love of her friends and family. It was a momentous occasion not just for her, but for women and people of color throughout the military.

“I am honored to be given the privilege to be of service to our country. This new assignment has its challenges, but I know, with the help of our legal team and support of my friends and family, I can be successful,” Flores said.

Aside from becoming a lawyer, joining the U.S. Air Force had always been a part of Flores’ plan since her teens. To prepare herself for the armed forces, Flores actively participated in Marianas High School’s JROTC program, where she was one of its officers. Influenced by her JROTC mentors, Flores signed up for the U.S. Air Force and entered active duty on May 21, 2007.

With all her accomplishments and accolades, SMSgt. Edrianne Dianna Kahiau F. Flores also makes time for competitive Polynesia dancing to keep her grounded and close to her roots as an island girl.

SMSgt. Edrianne Dianna Kahiau F. Floreshas her picture taken with her family.

In her 16 years of service, Flores has won numerous accolades recognizing her work, her leadership and her volunteer activities. Some of the awards she has received are the Meritorious Service Medal, which is a military award presented to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States; the National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; 2022 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy 22-E Flight Leader award by CMSAF#19 JoAnne Bass; and the 2022 Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and Senior Enlisted Leader Top Performer award for March), to name a few in her long list of achievements.

But for Flores, the awards and recognition are but mere icing on the cake. What is more important to her is she is able to forge friendships and build relationships and create understanding for the betterment and welfare of society.

Throughout her long career, Flores faced challenges but remained steadfast and committed to her mission and her fellow service members as she led by example. “The Air Force is generally accepting of my leadership style and especially being a woman in the military. Adversity has been a part of my journey in a male-driven profession; however, because I have been blessed to be surrounded and mentored by amazing mentors and leaders who are phenomenal human beings and subject matter experts in our legal expertise in military law, I have been able to challenge the status quo, pursue rare and impactful opportunities, and hone my skills to be excellent in my craft. As I focused on being the best in my job, this leveled the playing field when it came to advocating for change, remaining resilient, and helping more people in the process,” she said.

Through her hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks and climbed to master sergeant 1 on May 1, 2019, until she was promoted to her current position—which is the most difficult enlisted promotion to attain in the Air Force.

As a senior master sergeant, Flores is responsible for overseeing the training and development of the next generation of Air Force leaders. She works to ensure that her team is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their missions.

In addition, she is humbled to be in the Air Force’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Flores serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the PACAF Staff Judge Advocate and senior leaders, while also directly leading a 16-person staff of experts from the JAGC’s three mission domains of military justice, civil law, and operations and international law.

Additionally, Flores aids in supervising the activities of more than 260 legal personnel in 15 legal offices supporting PACAF commanders and more than 100,000 PACAF airmen and dependents.

Flores started as an airman assigned to the security forces. She was approved to cross-train into the paralegal career field in September 2010 and completed the Paralegal Apprentice course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in April 2011. At the moment, Flores is pursuing her law degree at the University of Hawaii in Manoa.

With all her accomplishments and accolades, Flores also makes time for competitive Polynesia dancing to keep her grounded and close to her roots as an island girl. “Ultimately, I love serving my diverse team and especially taking care of my No. 1 priority, my family, while also staying true to my roots as an island girl through competitive Polynesia dancing.” Given free time that has now become a luxury, considering her duties and tight schedules, Flores dotes on her 14-year-old terrier, Stitch, and her nieces, Kara Monroe, 3; Tula Linla’a, 5 months, and her 1-year-old nephew, Molokai.

For Flores, all her successes are just icing on the cake, rewards given for a job well done. But what is important is that she is able to take care of her family’s needs. As she continues to climb the ladder of success, Flores is grateful and thankful for the support she has received through the years from everyone who saw her through. “I will always be thankful for those whom I have crossed paths with. Whether they are my family, friends, and fellow service members, all of them contributed to my growth.”

Flores said she will always go back to her roots and will always be proud of her heritage. She was raised on the tropical islands of Saipan, Guam, and now calls Hawaii home. “I will never forget my roots and my humble beginnings as raised by an amazing single mother on beautiful Saipan!”

Flores grew up in Garapan and Marpi and attended the Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle High School and Marianas High School before moving to Guam. Her two other siblings also followed her lead and joined the Air Force as well. Her brother, Kevin Flores, is a senior airman stationed in Fort Stewart, Georgia, while her sister, Beatrix Bainter, is a staff sergeant assigned to the Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina.

Flores says she joined the Air Force because she was inspired by her mother. “My mother inspired me to be a contributing member of society and the Air Force was the greatest opportunity that was presented to me. After I joined in 2007 and as I continue my 15-year tenure, my adopted father and retired senior master sergeant, the late Noberto A. Salas, and my adopted mother, the late Lolita Salas, kept me inspired throughout my career because of their passion and commitment to servant leadership in their own families and in the community. Finally, my brother, Kevin…and my sister…Beatrix…are my daily inspirations to preserve a legacy of servant leadership for our nation.”

Flores’ promotion and achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the Air Force, as well as her commitment to breaking barriers and achieving her goals. She is proud to be a trailblazer for Asian American Pacific Islanders in the military and it is her hope that through her example, there will be others who will be inspired to follow in her footsteps.