by Chris Mulder
Why I Joined the Air Force: A Family Legacy of Flying
“You should serve as long as you can,” an old boss advised me while I contemplated my future. As I considered his advice, I reflected on why I entered the Air Force in the first place. Initially, my motivation to serve was quite simple: I wanted to fly. But my decision to serve had been informed by key individuals who shaped my life over multiple years. It was not until ten years ago, when I was in the Pentagon for the first time, that I finally had time to reflect on my own military service and realize that stories of the servicemembers around me—not solely my dream of being a pilot—encouraged me to continue my service.
One of those key individuals was my Grandpa. He recently passed away at 99 years old, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran who, in his last five years, shared his military service story whenever he got the chance. He was intent on showing pride in serving by wearing an old Army Air Corps service cover, displaying his old ribbons on his button-down shirt, and having his great-grandkids perform flag duty at his veteran son’s 50th wedding anniversary.
My Grandpa’s two sons served and four of his grandchildren currently serve or have served. While my Grandpa only served for two years, those two years clearly had a profound impact on him. The intensity of that service, those that he served with, the impact his Generation achieved for our nation, and the overall purpose of serving must be the reasons that it still gripped him later in life. Even after World War II, he was interested in ensuring that the next generation did not forget about this period in our nation’s history. My Grandpa eventually became a school principal. Recently, one of his former students told me that he would bring in old war footage to show his class. My own father would watch war movies with me too, inspired by his own service. Growing up with exposure to these stories undoubtedly planted a seed that led to my own military service.
My family’s roots in the Air Force helped inspire my pilot ambitions. I attended my Uncle’s Air Force Academy graduation in 1984 when I was only six years old, where I was introduced to the Thunderbirds, Corvettes, and Presidents—Ronald Reagan gave the graduation speech. It also helped that my dad was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines—I associated his military service with adventure, living overseas, and helping those less fortunate. I remember my parents telling me about the weekend they spent volunteering with the base dental office in a rural part of the Philippines where they provided care to those that did not have access or resources for dental health.
Why I Stayed: The People and Family Support
My own service has been a journey and an evolution that has lasted over 26 years. There have been frustrating moments, especially when the Air Force’s vision doesn’t align with what I most want to be doing. In reality, the “hurry up and wait” moments have been blessings in disguise. They provided time and space to grow, learn, and reflect, preparing me to do the things that I really wanted to be doing at the right time. I am not the most patient person, but I now appreciate the additional time to mature before taking on the next challenging job. For example, I served as an aide-de-camp for almost two years, nearly one full year longer than most officers in that position, but that extra year solidified leadership lessons from my boss that I carry with me to this day.
Helping others achieve their dreams or making the environment around me better has by far provided the most enjoyment. A few examples include highlighting Airmen dorm issues, creating a high performing team while serving as a squadron commander, advocating for individuals facing medical challenges, and safely continuing the mission during COVID. Bringing the mobile USO bus to Sheppard Air Force Base to help with morale was pretty cool, too.
At times, I continued to serve for the same reasons my Grandpa served; at other decision points, I continued to serve because I had a family to support and I simultaneously found my military work fulfilling. Lastly, I found my fellow colleagues to be fascinating people to serve alongside. The same boss who encouraged me to serve used to say, “I came into the Air Force to fly, but stayed for the people.” This rings true for me, too.
The overarching formula that I used was quite simple: Am I being challenged, do I still enjoy what I am doing, and does my family support my continued service? If the answers turned out to be yes after seeking input from mentors, friends, and family, then I felt confident in continued military service.
My wife and children have provided clarity on future service decisions. Their willingness to serve alongside me has provided me with assurance to continue in the military. Just recently, I found out that the Air Force selected me for a remote leadership assignment. When I informed my children, they responded with, “Cool, can we come and visit!?” I responded with, “Yes, Yes, and Yes!” If their response had been different or our life circumstances were strained, I do not think I would have the confidence to continue my service. Thankfully, professional goals are still aligned with family goals and our support structure is strong.
Serve In and Out of Uniform
My advice to other service members would be to surround yourself with those that will support you in and out of military service, so that you can fulfill your job to the best of your ability, and thrive even after you put the uniform on for the last time. While serving, take advantage of opportunities in and out of the military to grow professionally and personally. Seek out advice from those you trust on whether continued service is right for you and your family. Service is a mindset, which can be modeled in or out of the military. Eventually, we all transition out of the military, and we will have opportunities to continue our service in other ways—to our family, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans.
I was privileged to have other family members set an excellent example for me on my own military service journey. It was a significant blessing to observe my Grandpa’s reflection on his own military service approximately seventy-nine years ago and observing my father while he served. I aspire to carry forward both their pride of service, in and out of the military, well into the future.
As for my old boss’s statement to me, “You should serve as long as you can,” he was right—I will serve in and out of the military up to the end. Hopefully that is a long way off.
Col Christopher P. Mulder, USAF continues to serve in the Air Force. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, an Air Force F-16 pilot, former commander, and engaged in national security and leadership topics. He has served outside of the military on school boards, an HOA board, as a youth coach, and enjoys making maple syrup and playing pickleball with his family.
