Why I Wear the Uniform: A1C Aleksa Colby

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aleksa Colby
  • 35th Medical Operations Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The number one reason why I wear the U.S. Air Force uniform is because it provides me with a great deal of pride. There are times when I am overwhelmed with pride to be part of something so many men and women can't be. I come from a country where women do not have many rights and it makes me grateful for all the opportunities this country provides, including the military. At age nine, I was fortunate to be adopted from Russia by a single mother who served 15 years in the U.S. Army. She welcomed me into her family. My brother joined the Air Force shortly after I was adopted, my mother and I were blessed with the opportunity to follow him overseas.

As the years went on, I hadn't considered joining the military until I took Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps in high school. I found myself in upstate New York with no family or loved ones nearby. That is when my thoughts turned into actions. It was not an easy task for someone like me to join the military. It seemed as though there was one hurdle after another. Eventually I gave up on the whole idea of joining the military because it seemed as though it wasn't meant to be. However, I kept thinking back to my family and how my mother had served in the Army and how my brother continued to serve. I missed the military life greatly and all the benefits it provided my family. So I decided to give it one more try in hopes of having better luck.

Although there were hurdles to overcome, everything began falling into place with the help of my new recruiter. Fast forward to today, and the reason why I am grateful to wear this uniform is because it is a dream come true. I am extremely proud and honored to wear this uniform. I am grateful for the opportunities that come with it.  Knowing the way things are in other countries and just how strict they are on women, it gives me great gratitude knowing I can wear this uniform and fight for our freedom.

The fact that I am not only following my family's tradition, but knowing that perhaps one day I'll be able to save someone's life by being a medical technician in the military makes me very proud.

It gives me a good feeling knowing that I am serving the military that provided so many great opportunities to my family. I serve the same military that helped my mother support us and helped my brother grow and become a better man.

When I walked across that podium at my technical school graduation I felt a great sense of pride. It was the very first thing that made me extremely proud of myself. As I walked across that stage and shook all my instructors' hands, I realized this was a dream come true. Finally after many years of contemplating, waiting and praying, I became an Airman. 

This dream of being an Airman began ten years ago when I didn't think I would have made it. However, here I am ten years later in Japan, a duty station I could only wish for.  After many hurdles, struggles, tears, headaches and praying, I finally stand proudly wearing the Air Force uniform. It's not always a walk in the park to achieve your goals; however, the military has taught me anybody is capable of reaching their goals as long as you strive for them. The military provides many opportunities to reach those goals whatever they might be.

The military has a wide variety of opportunities and benefits for service members and their families. Educational assistance, financial services, leadership roles, volunteering, and events for families as well. It is a difficult lifestyle and isn't for everyone, but it was for my family and I am honored to follow in their footsteps.