I’m 34 years old. I never thought about getting older. But today, Memorial Day, I reflect on the last 16 years of my life. Almost 16 years ago I joined the United States Air Force and wow, hasn’t my life been a trip! Over the last few weeks, I have found more and more opportunities where “find yourself” has come up in conversation. One would think that at 34, you would know yourself, inside and out. But what if you don’t ….
I did my 4 years in the military and then proceeded to move on … find something else … it just wasn’t for me. And now … 16 years later, I find myself completely emerged in the military life. From Generals, to Memorials, to Freedom Crossing and the many families that come through … to Operation Love Re-united, Operation Home Front and Homes for our Troops … I’ve served more as a volunteer and a photographer than I ever did active duty. Today I attended a ceremony honoring those military that have served … those that came home … and those that did not. What a moving ceremony!
But sitting today and talking to a very dear and new friend of mine, I could honestly say I looked him in the eye and told him I didn’t know what my purpose was …. that I felt like everything I have been doing up to this point is just getting me ready for something else …
I have had the opportunity to spend a decent amount of time with Native America veterans …. and the things that I am learning are life changing. The beliefs, the traditions, the feeling of family and God and purpose are stronger for me in that environment and in that setting than I have ever felt before. So I will hold them close to my heart, dear to me … and soak up everything like a dry sponge. I hope that this is the beginning of me finding myself….
My Chaotic Army Life 