An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Why I Stay

Why I Stay Videos

Why I Stay Stories

  • Why I stay: Chief Master Sgt. Carlos F. Damian

    Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Francisco Damian currently serves as the command chief for the 37th Training Wing. His journey is a testament to the values of discipline and resilience.

  • Why I Stay Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Campbell

    U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Campbell, 316th Training Squadron senior enlisted leader, originally enlisted as a security forces airman in 2006. With him signing a six-year contract, he didn’t expect that after 15 years in the military, he would have the rank of chief master sergeant.

  • Why I stay: Master Sgt. Jessica Martinez-Santana

    After a close run-in with the law at a young age, Master Sgt. Jessica Martinez-Santana, 81st Security Forces NCO in charge, changed her path in life after joining the Air Force. What solidified her decision to stay in was the impact she had on people.

  • Why I Stay - Staff Sgt. Clum

    U.S. Air Force Staff. Sgt. Nicholas Clum, 314th Fighter Squadron aviation resource management noncommissioned officer in charge, has been in the service for 12 years and during this time he has credited his reenlistment on a multitude of decisions and support from varying factors.

  • Why I Stay: Master Sgt. Clint Gessler

    Master Sgt. Clint Gessler has always had a deep passion for aviation. Gessler earned his private pilot license at age 17 and worked with the local Fixed Base Operator prior to his enlistment.

  • Why I stay: Staff Sgt. Findley

    Staff Sgt. Austin Findley, 335th Training Squadron military training leader, joined the Air Force to travel the world and be part of something bigger than himself.

  • Why I Stay: Capt. Lamar Reece

    Capt. Lamar Reece, 97th Air Mobility Wing deputy chaplain, from Summerville, South Carolina, served enlisted for nine years before commissioning as a chaplain to further his Air Force career.

  • Why I Stay: 1st Lt. Catherine Grimm

    1st Lt. Catherine J. Grimm, 97th Air Mobility Wing judge advocate chief of adverse actions, from Hinsdale, Illinois, recently transitioned into active duty after joining the Air Force ROTC and has a goal of becoming a colonel.

  • Why I Stay: Capt. Tyler Stout

    Capt. Tyler Stout, 97th Air Mobility Wing executive officer, from Mishawaka, Indiana, commissioned in 2019 from the United States Air Force Academy and plans to stay for the foreseeable future.

  • Why I Stay: Staff Sgt. Zachary Horton

    Staff Sgt. Zachary Horton, 97th Security Forces Squadron unit training manager, originally from Mount Pleasant, Texas, started his Air Force career in January 2015, but knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country.