Pete Singleton, U.S. Air Force. Served for 10 years from 1987 - 1997 pete

Why did you choose this branch of military service? I had an older cousin that I looked up to as a kid and he chose to enlist in the Air Force.  So that was a big influence on my decision.

Did you come from a military family? I had several relatives serve, but I am the only one from my immediate family to join the military.

What countries did you visit while in the service? I was fortunate enough to live in Germany for 3 years and 9 months.  While stationed there, I was able to go to several countries both on duty and off duty; Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy, France, Netherlands, Denmark. pete Boot Camp Shots Lackland AFB San Antonio TX

Was there a favorite place you lived? I have two favorites; Montana and Alaska are both beautiful and have similar lifestyles.  I love the mountains and the great outdoors.

What role did you serve within your branch of service? Right after boot camp I was sent to Germany as a Motor Vehicle Operator in the Transportation Squadron.  I drove just about everything on wheels from forklifts, staff cars, school buses to semi-trucks with 40 ft trailers.  When I returned to the states, I retrained and became a Ground Radio Technician in the Communication Squadron.

What brought you to the decision to serve our military? I knew I didn’t want to go to college and grew up in a small, very patriotic town. Even though I had several relatives that served, you could say there was some influence, but I like to think it was a calling.

What was the biggest lesson learned in the military? Be aware of your surroundings.  In the military, it was instilled in us for security reasons.  pete AF Award Spangdahlem AB GermanyIn the civilian world, it helps keep you safe and helps you be a more courteous person.

Do you still have habits that were part of your military life that are still part of our everyday life? Yes, the most noticeable one is that I like my hair cut high and tight. I can’t stand it touching my ears. 

What advice do you have for the youth in our country about serving in the military? It is not for everyone, but it can create great opportunities.  It will be what you make of it.  I know guys who didn’t make it through boot camp, and I have friends that stayed in for over 20 years. 

What else do you want to share about your service? I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I feel honored to have served my country and the bonds that were created are lifelong. 


Scott Clemons, U.S. Air Force. Served for 4 years from 1994 - 1998 20181106_084701

Why did you choose this branch of military service? The Air Force had a better opportunity for the job I wanted.

Did you come from a military family? My father was in the Army and my Grandfather was in the Army.

What countries did you visit while in the service? Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

20181106_084654Was there a favorite place you lived? Colorado Springs. I liked the area at the foot of Pikes Peak and I was able to go into the Mountains any time I wanted.

What role did you serve within your branch of service? Security Police and later on it was changed to Security Forces.

What brought you to the decision to serve our military? I needed to get my career started.

What was the biggest lesson learned in the military? I learned confidence and how to be more self-reliant

Do you still have habits that were part of your military life that are still part of our everyday life? I still tie knots in the end of my shoe laces so that I can loosen them up with out the laces being pulled out.

What advice do you have to the youth in our country about serving in the military? Only do it if you can put the mission before your own wants and needs. It is called service for a good reason.

What else do you want to share about your service? It was one of my biggest accomplishments and I regret getting out after four years.


Josh Shaffer, U.S. Air Force. Served for 6 years from 2003 - 2009

Why did you choose this branch of military service? Recruiter didn’t "BS" me as bad as the others.

Did you come from a military family? Yes, many family members have served:
  • Grandpa was in Air Force during Korean War.
  • Great Grandpa was in the Army during WW2. 
  • One brother is in the Air Force and he is currently deployed.
  • I also had two uncles that served in the Army and Marines and multiple cousins served in various branches as well. 

What countries did you visit while in the service? I was in Japan for two years and stateside for the other four years.

Was there a favorite place you lived? I loved Japan for the food and the cars.

What role did you serve within your branch of service? Signals Intelligence

Why did you decide to serve our military? GI Bill.

What was the biggest lesson learned in the military? Attention to detail.

What advice do you have to the youth in our country about serving in the military? Don’t settle for a job if that’s not what you want. Recruiters will try and get you to leave as soon as possible. Stick to the job you want and wait it out.