25 Wonderful Years of Service Published June 5, 2017 By Lt. Col. Todd Walker, 436th LRS commander 436th Logistics readiness Squadron Family. It’s hard to imagine, but on 16 March of 1992, this grateful Airman joined our beloved Air Force. I will never forget the months and days that lead to my arrival at Lackland AFB, nor have the memories faded from the joy and peace the Air Force has offered my three girls and I for over 25 years. So, sit back, prop up your feet and enjoy the ride as I share with you 25 reasons joining the Air Force was the greatest professional decision of my life. These are in no specific order: 1. The smile on my parents’ faces when I joined: It was a no-brainer to join, and my parents remain my biggest fans. 2. Completing basic training: I had a great group of pals…we were brothers. Now 44 years of age, those memories provide me great peace. I encourage all of you to remember our early days of service, the excitement we had. If you have lost that, find it, it’s not too far away! 3. Leave: Who doesn’t like 30 days off a year! 4. Pay/Benefits: Ladies and gentlemen, you are well compensated, with the greatest benefits package ever! If you disagree, email me! 5. Education: Because of the GI Bill, I was able to get my BA and receive a commission in 2000. 6. Blessed: I have a house over my head, food in my refrigerator, medical insurance for my children and myself, the ability to travel, AND, retire at a very young age…wow! 7. Motivated: How could I not! Every day, our Airmen are moving mountains. I see it, I feel it, I love it! 8. Leave: Still love this one… 9. Deploying: I have deployed numerous times and have loved every one of them. I have had the opportunity to serve with members from all services, along with many of our allied partners. Friendships and experiences that I treasure. 10. Challenges: Of course I faced a number of challenges ranging from divorce, separation from family, etc. Tough times are what refined me, made me stronger, and made me realize that I cannot “do” life alone. 11. Jobs: Freight and packaging specialist, section commander, combat readiness, log plans, operations officer, executive officer, student, commander…what a ride. 12. Thank You!: “Thank you for your service” has been said to me thousands of times. It still gives me goosebumps. Every time an individual tells me that they are looking at me as a protector of their freedom. Very cool my friends. 13. Community Service: The Air Force is ALL about giving back to our community! Every base I’ve been assigned, there have been numerous activities to help give back to the local community. 14. Servant: Serving in the Air Force has made me realize that my sole purpose in life is to serve others above myself. It’s refreshing to stop thinking of myself. 15. Miracles: Relationships mended, sickness healed, marriages, babies born…what a wonderful life the Air Force has given me. 16. Failures: Different from challenges, failures are things I utterly botched up. I used to be afraid of failing. Not now…because I know I’m going to be ALL IN on any project I take on. If it doesn’t work, it will never be for a lack of effort. 17. Volunteer: All about the troops, all about the troops. There are amazing organizations that support our Airmen and WE owe them a debt of gratitude and support. 18. Laughter: Not a day goes by when I’m not smiling…serving has brought me great joy and peace. 19. Sorrow: Sorrow in my life has always been followed by joy, therefore my worries have become minimal. 20. Uncertainty: I have no idea of what tomorrow will bring…I don’t know what the next few minutes will bring, but I’m ready for whatever comes my way. 21. Opportunities: The Air Force has always provided me opportunities; patience is the key. 22. Content in all things: Yes, this was a tough one to learn. But take a look at the list above…it clearly speaks to me to be thankful for what I have. 23. Retirement: To be able to retire at a young age, receive a pension, medical benefits and jump into another challenging field…doesn’t get much better than that. 24. Friendship: I have thousands of friends…matter of fact, even if I don’t know you, I know you. 25. Freedom: I am free…you are free!