My experience in the military has taught me an abundance about leadership. It has shown me to not just to look towards those I wish to emulate, but to look at poor examples and reflect on how a situation may have been handled better. Leadership isn’t a hat you take off either, I have to come every day with my best, not for me, but for those who look to me for direction. Instructors at my Community College have put me into leadership positions because they see me constantly giving direction and encouragement to my fellow students.
Being a flexible team member is one of the biggest things I’ve improved upon from my time in the service. There are going to be a lot of situations that are larger than you and your own problems that will require you to put the team ahead of yourself. It’s easy to be selfish, to have empathy towards the bigger problem and work to achieve it is more fulfilling. Being flexible has pushed me to be as proactive as possible. When I do all that I can to take care of myself as soon as possible, it makes me available to assist others in their urgent times of need.
My tour of service has really opened my eyes to the world. Spending my early years in the middle of Iowa, I was sheltered from much of the world. Having the opportunity to live in San Diego, Japan, and South Carolina expanded my viewpoints. The level of importance that different things have is very relative to geography. It was extremely interesting to see the vast differences in diet, culture, industry, architecture, and values. Being exposed to those different experiences has made me more open to ideas and helped me to see a wider range of solutions when presented with a challenge.
I am disabled and I am a Veteran. I served our country as a jet engine mechanic for f-18 fighter jets. Marine Corps aviation maintenance is heavy-lifting, dirty, long hours. Squatting below the belly of the beast day in day out took a toll on me as it did many others. I am now 40% disabled. As I said I am disabled, and I am a veteran, but that is not all that defines me. I still keep those lessons learned and fond memories in my mind but I don’t use them as a crutch. I’m proud of all my brothers and sisters that I served alongside and I’m proud of my service, but I know it’s not the creates thing I will do in my lifetime. If anything my disabilities have made me appreciate everything much more than I used to.
