Page 18 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

But it wasn’t just patriotism my
parents instilled in us—it was
service. Even when times were
tough, my parents gave freely of
themselves. They scraped and saved,
but they never turned away someone
in need. They showed us that
people may forget your words, but
they’ll never forget your kindness.
Watching them, I learned that true
leadership comes from a servant’s
heart.

So, when I told my parents I wanted
to join the military, it didn’t surprise
anyone—except maybe my mom,
who needed a little time to come
around to the idea. In December
2010, I took the oath and joined the
I of historic battles from Normandy, That decision changed everything.
United States Air Force.
was born in 1990 into a
Iwo Jima, and Korea—where brave
conservative, God-fearing
family where faith, patriotism,
defend our nation. We were raised
and service were the cornerstones men and women gave everything to At basic training, I found myself
of our lives. We didn’t have much, to respect those sacrifices, to stand among 39 other women from every
but what we lacked in material for what is right, because “a man background imaginable. We were
wealth, we made up for in grit, love, who stands for nothing will fall for different in nearly every way—race,
and a deep sense of purpose. My anything.” beliefs, upbringing—but we shared
parents worked hard and chose to one mission: to serve. We put aside
homeschool us—long before it was our differences, focused on what
common—because they believed in united us, and became more than
giving us a strong foundation, not Airmen—we became sisters.
just academically, but spiritually
and morally.

That foundation shaped every
part of me. My father served in the
United States Air Force, and my
mother was deeply involved in
local politics. Their love of country
wasn’t just something they talked
about—it was something they
lived daily. From a young age, my Honoring a mentor and friend on his final 2019—Sgt. Sarah Weede proudly receives the
brothers and I were taught that JSTARS flight as he begins a new chapter as 461st Air Control Wing NCO of the Year Award,
a C-130 pilot
freedom isn’t free. We heard stories which led to her selection as the 2019 9th Air
Force NCO of the Year

18 Lubbock Senior Link