Why I Wear the Uniform: A1C Connor P. Wood

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Connor P. Wood
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The United States government was created to protect the rights people are naturally born with. I truly consider myself a patriot and feel it is my responsibility to protect those aforementioned unalienable rights. I put on the uniform so I can sleep at night knowing I contribute to the safety of my parents, three sisters, three-year-old niece, and newborn nephew. I also do it to give my future children a better life than I had growing up.

I was very young when the attack of 9/11 occurred. Growing up in the post -9/11 era can have a profound effect on someone who is inspired by the bravery of others. As I watched the news and saw what was going on, I was drawn to it. Although I wasn't there and couldn't comprehend the absolute nature of the conflict, I felt a strong need to help my fellow Americans. I wanted to get involved and help in any way I could.

Soon after I graduated high school, I was in an Air Force recruiting office. The war was winding down, but I still felt the need to be in the military to protect the freedom of others. After putting on the uniform in basic military training, I felt deeply honored to wear the clothing of so many brave souls of the past who paid the ultimate price for their country. I graduated BMT and experienced a feeling of euphoria. I made my parents proud and knew I was at the beginning of a long journey. My career is still just beginning.

Serving my country is one of the main reasons I joined the military, but my intentions aren't completely selfless. I did it because it's a good opportunity to get a great education that costs next to nothing.

I grew up in a home with a single mother trying to raise four kids on her own. She couldn't get an education because she was too busy working and trying to provide for us. It was a struggle and sometimes bills couldn't be paid and the power was shut off. My mom tried to put on a brave face for my sisters and I, but sometimes I would catch her crying in frustration. My mom is a brave person who loves me unconditionally.  She did everything in her power to try to give her kids the best life she could. I'm very appreciative of her and admire her resilience. I don't want my future family to go through the trials my family had to experience. I plan on getting a great education to provide for my family and use the GI Bill to help my kids pay for college. I owe that to my family.

There are many reasons why I wear the uniform. I take pride in waking up every morning and looking in the mirror knowing I'm bettering myself. I hope to leave a profound effect on the Air Force and help lead it in the right direction. My niece and nephew deserve a role model who they can look up to and inspire them to be better individuals. Hopefully, I can contribute to that and make my country proud.