I never imagined I’d serve 24 years in the Air Force. When I joined, I was a misfit… in just about every part of my life. I had amazing parents, but I was rebelling. I lacked direction and I lacked discipline. In routine fashion, one night at the end of April 2001, my Dad and I were having one of our epic conversations on the back porch when I broke down and told him I felt stuck. I felt like I’d never grow into the person I was supposed to become, and that I would be doing the same irresponsible things at 30 that I was doing at 18. Like all other times in my life, he listened. He understood me better than I understood myself, mainly because we were so alike. So, the next day we went and talked with an Air Force recruiter about job opportunities. Nine days later, I left everything I knew and loved – on an adventure I was sure was temporary (6 years tops!), and headed to Basic Training. I doubt my mom has forgiven him for that suggestion.
My life in the Air Force has been a remarkable journey. I’ve loved almost every day of it. I joined in May of 2001, and when September 11th happened – even through the shock and fear – for the first time in my life I had PURPOSE. I could make a difference, I knew it. As an Arabic Linguist, I’ve deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Worked for days at a time with no sleep. Eaten delicious local Afghan street food – and hours later deeply regretted it. I’ve had successes and I’ve suffered failures. I’ve experienced greater loss than I could have imagined. I’ve made lifelong friends, laughed until I’ve cried, and cried until I laughed.
The Air Force has given me as much as I’ve given it over the years. Invaluable experiences. And education. A career. A profound understanding of human nature. A drive to lead and develop others. The exact right circumstances to meet my incredible wife. Two amazing children. The ability to travel and see the world. A deep knowing of myself. After 24 years, there is a large part of me that is sad to leave the Air Force. (And scared to live in a carboard box by the train station.) But I am also incredibly excited about what comes next.
Next. After. What happens now and who am I without being an Airman. A Chief.
If you’ve made it this far, welcome to my point. Over my life I’ve been many different versions of myself. This next version of me is a mother first. A wife. A Partner. An Artist. And a SMALL BUSINESS OWNER. Specifically, a veteran-owned and woman-owned small business.
Throughout my life I have found peace from creating art. I use it for processing my PTSD, as a way to express joy, and a gift to show love. With that healing and love in mind, I am going to launch a creative arts studio that offers instructional workshops for making high quality hand painted wood crafts… paired with your favorite wine or beer. What could be better?! This is a new season, MY SEASON of growth and life after the military. Where I can focus on my family and pursue my passions, living my truest version of myself.
As many of you know, opening a business is stressful and expensive. Our franchise fee alone is $20,000. This is where your support becomes invaluable. Even a contribution of $5 can significantly impact our efforts to make this dream a reality.
Let me leave with this quote from Winston Churchill, “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to continue that counts.”
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support means the world to me, and I am genuinely grateful for your investment in my success.
