Service

Good morning, and Happy Veterans Day to all who have served in any branch of the military. Thank you for your service!🫡

Thirty-two years ago, when I enlisted in the Air Force, I was clueless about the path my life would take. It was a journey I was definitely not prepared for, but one I’m glad I took. Until today, although I always hear “Thank you for your service,” I never considered “service” to be service.

Since childhood, I always wanted to be of service to others. However, I thought I would do this through the Peace Corps, volunteering, or later working for the United Nations in some capacity. I never considered the military as service, mostly because it was not what I had imagined as service. Hmmm… I guess taking an oath to sacrifice our comforts and possibly lives for the freedoms of others and our country is an act of service. The ultimate act of service.

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Here are a couple of photos from the beginning of my official service career.

Y’all, I still can’t believe I was in the Air Force. Forever an airman—always aiming high.🇺🇸

Shaun

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A thought…

Thinking about my life and my lifelong mission to serve, does anything ever look like what we imagined? Or happen the way we imagined? When I really think about it, I have been serving in some capacity since childhood. As the oldest child, I served my siblings. As a teenager, I served as our church’s historian. In high school, my sister and I started the first recycling club (this was in the late 80s—we were going to save the planet 😊). I have been doing the work, but never considered it service.

What were/are some of your lifelong dreams and aspirations? When you think about it, have you already been doing them in some capacity? Have you already been living out your dreams?