Someone recently asked me what motivated or inspired me to join the military. It was a profound question that made me pause and reflect. No one had ever asked me that before, and truthfully, I’d never taken the time to consider what drew me to military service.
If I’m honest, the answer lies in the people I admired most while growing up. As an only child raised in a single-parent household, I was fortunate to be surrounded by strong, positive Black men—many of whom had served in the military. What stands out is that none of them ever pushed me to serve. They didn’t tell war stories, wear their service as a badge of honor, or suggest I follow in their footsteps. Yet, their quiet example spoke volumes.
My dad’s brother served in Vietnam. My grandfather fought in World War II, enduring the Battle of the Bulge. Four of my uncles on my mother’s side served across various branches of the military. While none of them openly discussed their time in service, their presence and legacy were undeniable.
At my grandparents’ house, I’d see photos of my uncles in their uniforms and flip through my grandfather’s photo album from his time in Europe during the war. Those images fascinated me, even as a young boy. I still vividly recall being about seven or eight years old, standing proudly with my mom as we watched my Uncle Gary be commissioned as an Army officer.
Looking back, I realize I never asked them about their service, and they never volunteered to share. For them, it was just a chapter in their lives. Yet, knowing that the men I respected and revered had served was enough for me.
So, when I joined the Air Force Junior ROTC program in high school, it felt like a natural progression. It wasn’t surprising when I enlisted in the Army Reserve during my junior year of high school or when I pursued an Army ROTC scholarship in college and became a commissioned Army officer. Years later, it also felt right to accept a direct commission as a Naval officer.
Service in my family spans at least three generations. My grandfather, my Uncle Gary, my cousin, and I all served in the Army, making three generations of Army veterans. But service in our family isn’t confined to one branch: two of my uncles served in the Air Force, and one uncle and I also served in the Navy.
I often wonder what motivates others to serve. Patriotism, family tradition, or personal ambition—there’s no universal answer. For me, service wasn’t about wearing my family’s legacy on my sleeve or claiming some patriotic mantle. It wasn’t even about continuing a family tradition, though I now realize I’ve done that.
What truly mattered was the influence of the men I revered. Their quiet strength, integrity, and example shaped me. They served, and I admired them. That was enough.
For me, military service was a natural consequence of being raised in the shadow of great men whose lives inspired me—not through words but through the dignity of their actions.
#MilitaryService #FamilyLegacy #Inspiration #Veterans #MilitaryTradition #BlackVeterans #ArmyNavyAirForce #ServiceAndSacrifice
Comments
Post a Comment