Excellence and Humility: A Journey of Accomplishment and Reflection

Reflecting on personal and professional milestones is not merely a matter of pride or recognition—it is a journey of constant learning and growth. The journey I’ve traveled is a testament to both the achievements and the learnings that shape who I am today.

My Worldview and the Quest for Truth

It is important to differentiate between a sense of pride and the need for acknowledgment. Pride can sometimes lead to a delusional sense of self, whereas acknowledgment is more about understanding and accepting the reality around us. My journey through life and work has not been without its challenges, but it has also brought a profound sense of wonder and adventure that continues to shape my perspective.

A Life Lived in Wonder and Adventure

When I was eighteen, my world was a playground of chance and opportunity, a place where every day brought new beginnings and endings. The first five years of my life were spent in Chicago, Illinois, a city that fostered a unique blend of urban life and the excitement of new beginnings. However, it was in the span of eighteen months before my eighteenth birthday that my life took an unexpected turn. My family moved eighteen times, and I attended twelve grade schools and three high schools. This rapid mobility was not a choice, but a reality dictated by circumstances.

From Student to Soldier

Despite the chaotic nature of my early years, the turning point came when I graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, having no money and limited employment opportunities. This led me to the United States Air Force (USAF). After completing basic training, the USAF sent me to Indiana University to learn the Russian language, a move that would significantly shape my future.

At Indiana University, I immersed myself in linguistics, eventually becoming fluent in English, Russian, Spanish, German, and French. This period was not just about learning languages; it was about absorbing the culture and nuances that these languages represented. It was a stepping stone towards a career that required a deep understanding of communication and cryptography.

Secretive Service and Mission

After Indiana University, I was deployed to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where I became a member of the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS). The USAFSS is a secretive and tight-knit branch of the Air Force, requiring top secret clearance. We were often referred to as spies, tasked with monitoring, collecting, and interpreting military voice and electronic signals from countries of interest, particularly the Soviet Union and its satellite nations. Our work was not just about gathering intelligence but also about ensuring the security of our nation.

InternationalAssignments and Personal Milestones

My career with the USAF took me to Germany and Turkey, where I worked as a Russian linguist, interpreting and analyzing signals. A significant personal milestone occurred during my time in Germany, where I met and eventually married the nurse who took care of me when I was in the military hospital. This relationship and my marriage marked a point of stability amidst the fast-paced life I was leading.

Continual Growth and Learning

By the time I was 22, I had achieved several remarkable milestones. I had graduated from the US Air Force’s School of Russian Language, the US Air Force’s Voice Intercept Processing School, and successfully completed the US Air Force’s GED College Program. I earned twenty-four college credits in Russian Language, three in Military History, six in Russian History, three in Government, and six in English. I also obtained the rank of Staff Sgt., marking a significant step in my military career.

Post-Military Career and Accomplishments

Since my 22nd birthday, my journey has only expanded. I earned a black belt in Taekwondo, obtained a private pilot’s license, and became the President/CEO of three different credit unions. These roles allowed me to cultivate leadership skills and a profound understanding of financial systems. I also became a university instructor, teaching accounting and labor economics at two colleges. My professional life took me to thirty countries across five continents, adding a global perspective to my work.

Organizational Developments and Leadership

Over the next fifteen years, I had six organizational development assignments for ACDI/VOCA in Moldova, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ethiopia, and Ghana, including two assignments in Ghana. At EdCo Educational Community Credit Union in Des Moines, Iowa, I had the opportunity to reintroduce cooperative banks to the republics of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. This multi-year project involved working with a network of 97 agencies in 44 states, and I was a finalist for the United Nations position as the President/CEO of the Farm Agricultural Organizations Cooperative Bank in Rome, Italy.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my journey, it is clear that both pride and accomplishment are natural parts of the process. However, it is essential to maintain a sense of humility and understanding of the broader context. My life has been filled with wonder and adventure, and yet it often feels like it happened yesterday. Each challenge, each achievement, and each lesson has shaped who I am today.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the difference between pride and acknowledgment. Challenges and opportunities in building a career through various life experiences. The importance of humility in the face of major accomplishments.

My story is a reflection of the journey from a young, mobile individual to a seasoned leader, continually learning and adapting to new challenges.