Why I Wear the Uniform: A1C Kaseem Brice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaseem Brice
  • 35th Communications Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  I was raised in the inner city of Atlanta, Georgia. All my life I've known of or been around gang violence, drugs or jails. Most everyone I've known and still know from home has had their lives taken away, either by jail or a grave. I did not want that life for me, so I chose a different path: the military.

Ever since I started wearing the uniform, I have been proud of what I've accomplished. Seeing people kicked out during basic and technical training due to inability to adapt or discipline issues gives me pride to know that I was not one of those people. Not only am I proud to have made it this far, but I'm proud to be progressing in life as part of the U.S. Air Force.

Where I come from, getting a job or going to school are opportunities that aren't readily available to many. Few have done it, but even fewer have succeeded. I put myself to an even bigger test of escaping the Northside of Atlanta by putting on this uniform. I didn't get here by sitting around or exerting minimal effort, but instead by working harder than anything I've ever had to work for in my life. I'm good at other things but they're all "natural" talents that I haven't had to put much effort into, which is nothing like my military experience thus far. I've never had to wake up before sunrise for weeks on end, pass block tests, get yelled at for wanting ice cream or trust strangers to have my back. 

I've never been told what to do in my life. But it feels good; it feels better than anything I've done so far to be standing here in Japan and wearing this uniform. I worked so hard for what I have now. I am proud to be working toward a successful life, to not call my mother from jail, and be an example for those back home and provide a chance at positive guidance and mentorship. I love my life and where it's going and that's enough pride for me.

It feels good to realize what you're here for and why you do it. It poses another question in my mind for people stuck in places similar to where I come from. Why don't more people try to get out of where they are in order to be proud of what they do?