TSgt Daniel L. Daugherty, U.S. Air Force (1978-2006)

When I first joined, I thought it was all about surviving boot camp and doing what I was told. But I quickly learned that military service isn t about getting through it it s about becoming someone because of it.

I was a young Airman at the time, fresh out of tech school and proud of my new badge as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. I had trained hard, passed selection, and thought I had something to prove.

One night during a training op, I got careless. We were hurrying to meet a deadline to call in air support at the last minute. I ignored a senior NCO s advice to double-check the comms frequencies. I didn’t think I had enough time, I thought I had it covered after all, I was good at what I did. But when it came time to call in simulated close air support, I was off-frequency and missed a critical window. The whole training mission was delayed. My team looked at me, and I knew I had let them down.

Afterward, my team sergeant pulled me aside. I expected a blow-up. Instead, he said, Daugherty, skill gets you here. Humility keeps you here.

That stuck with me.

I learned that night that arrogance is the enemy of readiness. No matter how elite you are, you re never too good to learn, to listen, or to ask for help. That moment humbled me and it saved me from making bigger mistakes later, in combat zones where consequences are measured in lives, not time.

Here s my advice to you, Recruit:

1. Take your oath seriously. You swore to defend something bigger than yourself honor that, especially when no one s looking.

2. Listen more than you speak. There s wisdom all around you in the boots that have been worn down by experience. Seek out those NCOs who live with integrity and humility. Learn from their victories and their scars.

3. Stay ready. Train like you fight. Don t cut corners. You ll never regret being too prepared but you will regret being too late.

4. Guard your character. Promotions, ribbons, and titles will come and go. What sticks is how you treat people. Be the one others trust under pressure, in the field, and back home.

5. Never forget your why. There will be days you re exhausted, discouraged, and maybe even questioning your place. Anchor yourself in purpose whether it s your family, your country, or your brothers and sisters beside you.

I learned these lessons the hard way by not always getting it right. However, I thank God for the people who pulled me back on course and for the second chances that helped shape me into the man I am today.

To every new recruit: You re not just joining a service. You re entering a legacy. Live up to it.

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.