D.C. Air National Guard Member and Daughter Publish Children’s Book Inspired by European Travels

A member of the D.C. Air National Guard and her daughter have co-authored a children’s book, “Mommy and Me Take Flight,” (affiliate link) chronicling their European adventures. The book aims to inspire young readers to embrace exploration and understand that the world is accessible to them, regardless of age. The initiative, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, sought to share the joy of travel during a time when many were grounded.

The narrative begins with the preparations for a journey, including packing and obtaining passports, capturing the excitement leading up to departure. The story then guides readers through experiences in London, where the pair enjoyed sightseeing during a layover, visiting landmarks like Legoland and Windsor Castle, and even a lavender field. Their travels continued to Germany, where the daughter encountered the German language for the first time, an experience that fostered her curiosity and broadened her understanding of different cultures.

An unexpected detour led them to Paris, France, via train, highlighting the importance of adaptability and making the most of limited time. This ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and find opportunities for discovery within delays is a theme that resonates with Staff Sgt. Trina Quirindongo’s military service. Her experiences, including a deployment to the Middle East, have taught her the value of adjusting to uncertainty and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Sgt. Quirindongo, whose academic background is in business management with degrees from Bowie State University and Howard University, did not initially envision herself as a children’s book author. Her prior writing experience was primarily with her university’s newspaper. However, she felt compelled to write the book with the intention of inspiring children and fostering connections through shared experiences and common values. She emphasized that the book’s core message is about empowering children with a sense of possibility, challenging the notion that distant places are beyond their reach.

In the summer of 2026, Sgt. Quirindongo and her now 13-year-old daughter, Jade, were among 100 Maryland residents invited to a summer reading celebration at Government House in Annapolis, hosted by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore. During the event, they had the opportunity to connect with other authors and literary professionals, and received signatures from the Governor and First Lady on their book. Sgt. Quirindongo believes that books serve as vital tools for education, personal growth, and strengthening bonds. She hopes that “Mommy and Me Take Flight” (affiliate link) will encourage children to view unfamiliar situations with curiosity and openness, seeing foreign languages as invitations to learn and new countries as opportunities for discovery. The book’s themes of embracing the unfamiliar, maintaining curiosity, and recognizing the potential for personal journeys align with Sgt. Quirindongo’s role as a Citizen Airman, writer, and mother. In her military capacity, she serves her community and country, while as an author, she uses storytelling to encourage children to explore a world full of potential.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from DVIDS.

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