When Serving Becomes A Life-Long Mission
It was the summer of 1989, and I had just realized that my GPA, as well as my mom’s bank account, were both too low to support my dreams of heading to Baylor College of Medicine to study to become a doctor. I needed a plan B and one fast because staying at my mom’s house and working fast food would not get me closer to my dreams of becoming a doctor. I spoke to my sister, who was serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.
Unsure of the future and what would be next, I asked my sister her thoughts, and she shared with me that I should join the Air Force and go into the Medical Field. The Air Force would have opportunities to earn free money for college and train in the medical field while making a paycheck. After talking to my sister, I thought, this sounds too good to be true, so I reached out to an Air Force Recruiter to learn more. It was all true, so I decided the Air Force would be my first step into adulthood.
One year later, on August 20, 1990, I boarded a Southwest Airlines plane and headed to San Antonio, Texas, to start my Air Force career as an Operating Room Technician.
I didn’t become a doctor, but I did spend five years in the Air Force serving as an Operating Room Technician. I learned the importance of work ethic, professionalism, leadership, integrity, and much more.
I still serve but in a different capacity. Today I serve as a leader for project consultants, and I still demonstrate the mindset acquired over 30 years ago.
- I believe one team, one mission- although we have the autonomy to show up as independent and creative thought leaders, we are still one team with one mission and we serve and support together no matter what.
- I stand beside my co-workers and firmly support no man left behind. We are in this together; if one is struggling, we all pull together to help our team members to build. We build up; we do not tear down; if one fails, we all have.
- I believe in doing what is right no matter what. Doing what is right is the baseline, even when no one is looking and when no credit is given. We will do what is right for each other and everyone that we serve.
- I believe order and structure are the tenants of consistency, and consistency is one of the essential elements of efficiency.
Today, I am still Air Force proud. I am still aware of what it means to serve. I am forever grateful for the lessons learned as a young Airman. Once and Airman always and Airman. I am living and leaving legacies!
Happy Veterans Day 2023 to all my fellow soldiers, and to all who have served!
The United States Air Force Veteran 1990–1995 Sr. Airman PJChaffold
Carpe Diem!
