SOCIO-AUTOBIOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHER PERSING February 9, 2014 PROFESSOR J. JOHNSON The older and more grounded I become in the middle age phase of my life, the more aware I am of the person I have become and how the choices made both myself and my family have formed what is known as “My Life”. My family traditions, upbringing and values have influenced my biological, cultural views and values allowing me to formulate a life, principles, and a family similar in some aspects to my family, who raised me, while other aspects are astoundingly different. With my life and career goals very different from that of my parents’ lives and their expectations these influences by class, culture, and ethical teachings are …show more content…
To further monopolize more of my mothers’ time, she felt it necessary to play her maternal roll and had a fifth child nine years later. (TCO 1, 2, 3, 4,5) Growing older through my adolescent and teen years and trying to escape the shadows of three older brothers and a younger sister, I forged the wrong path academically, while looking for acceptance from peers which usually resulted with hanging with the wrong crowd. I fortunately developed good work ethic and habits because my father insisted we all work during the summer months to minimize the possibility of, kids being kids, and me getting into trouble. Upon graduating high school, by the skin of my teeth, I entered the Air Force. The Air Force hierarchy and structure reinforced and further instilled society’s views of conformity through rules and regulations. Protocols such as, the “Military Chain of Command”, allowed me to mature and changed my very sheltered views of society altering my perspective of society both national and globally. (TCO 3,4,5,6) My new travels, endeavors and encounters, throughout the world, during my military years opened my eyes to the gender, religious and racial discrimination people encounter. These views and encounters I experienced further engrained in me that if I wanted more out of life for myself, or for that matter my family later in life, I would have to have my own business. In doing this it, would afford me the ability to prosper in a capitalistic society and
For as long as I can remember, I feel as though I have been raised in a military environment. At a very young age my parents taught me to value discipline, manners, and to show and treat people with respect. In addition to these ‘staples’ of my upbringing, excelling in academics and on the athletic fields was where I further grew as a leader and learned to work with others to further distinguish myself from my peers. I knew based on my priorities and values that I was different from others by not only the way I carried myself but how I spoke to my peers and elders and the respect that I commanded. Perhaps those values were aided by both my grandfather’s serving in the military and my uncle attending West Point, a graduate of the class of
The Army and “Chair” force have a lot of similarities and differences. Even if it is portrayed the the Air force is smarter than the Army. Or the Army is the last place you would let your kids enlist. Both branches play a huge role in our American country.
First off Congrats on the promotion to a very distinguished rank, part of the elite officers of the Armed Forces. I know it is well deserved. I appreciate the opportunity I was bestowed to meet you and also having my spouse be a part of your leadership team. I wish the best for you and your family as you pursue the next leg of your military
Many people are concerned about the U.S. military because of how many risks come with joining it. However, the U.S. military also explains the benefits that one could receive. Joining the military is a decision that should not be taken lightly. One must understand all aspects of the military. In order for a voter to be fully informed about joining the US military, one must consider both the risks, like mental illnesses and commitment and benefits, like education, and experience.
As I revisit my past, I realize that every decision I made created a rough road for my passage into adulthood. I became a waitress at 15 years old; which at that time was considered the second most stressful job in America, the first being Air Traffic Controller. Additionally, I quit school at 16 years old; needing more time to be able to support myself. Moreover, I began a relationship with a man that was ten years older than me. These three major decisions in my life created complicated life options in my adult life. For instance, when I turned 44 years old, being a server severely damaged my back; causing me to endure back surgery; thus, giving me few career choices until I can retire. Lastly, my selection in a mate resulted in having a baby; which changed every aspect for the rest of my
The beliefs, values, and customs that are associated with the armed forces has cultivated into a unique culture within the military community (Hall, 2016, p. 41). In essence, a sub-culture has been established that is distinctly different from the culture of the United States. Thus, those that enter military service resign themselves to the fact that the military lifestyle is a departure from the civilian lifestyle and therefore, will differ from society as a whole. The military itself is rigidly structured, an aspect that essential not just to the military’s purpose, but to its continued existence. Thus, personnel, and by extension their families, are required to not only adhere to the many rules and regulations, but embrace them as well (Hall, 2016). Honor is a central tenet within the armed services and is ingrained within the culture (Hall, 2016). As such, the military mission has created a culture that champions having “the right stuff”, so to speak, and encourages the suppression of feelings and emotions (Hall, 2016, p. 11). Moreover, this warrior society embraces secrecy, stoicism, and denial, as these concepts are viewed as essential ingredients to the success of the self,
In September 1993, Katie Weber joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. Six months after joining, Katie was given her first set of orders as a soldier and made her way to Germany. Eventually she ended up on a unit in Nuernberg-Fuerth, Germany. On her first week there, she was told that she would need to purchase a hot plate and pots if she wanted to cook for herself. But having not received her paycheck yet, she had no money with her. Her Staff Sergeant took her to the finance office to talk to the specialist there about her paycheck. While at the specialist's office, Katie made some small talk with the specialist, and had felt that she had truly made a new friend.
This was the author, Wes’ mother’s last attempt, when she sent him to Valley Forge, a military school, where she hoped Wes would be surrounded by people who could help him to succeed. At first, this was a very difficult process because it attempts to undo years of learned behavior, but one day on the way back from lunch, he stopped and noticed the way nineteen-year-old Cadet Captain Ty Hill was leading his cadets and he realized, “This was real respect, the kind you can’t beat or scare out of people. That’s when I started to understand that I was in a different environment…where leadership was honored” (Moore 96). After this he understood what he had to do to succeed, writing about his commanding officers and teachers saying, “They made it clear that they cared if I succeeded and eventually so did I” (Moore 115).
Africans in the Military Introduction African Americans around the United States have greatly impacted the outcomes of the wars the nation fought throughout history. Their valorous acts of bravery were a main reason that the outcomes of the wars were the way they were. Key examples in which they displayed great valor and bravery were the Civil War, World War I, and the Revolutionary war.
Being apart of the nations American society is one thing, but being apart of the nations greatest military force is highly honored. To be strong, level-minded and balanced is what all counts down to be the greatest warrior you could ever become. Whether your in the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard or even the national guard, the uniform you wear displays a sense of unexplain-able respect gained from those we protect. The Warrior Ethos book does not only explain things from a military aspect of what a warrior should be or what characteristics he or she should have but life in general as a warrior in society. As people, whether military or civilian we all have different mindsets and this book dives deeper into the mindset of how a warriors ethos can fit in with society thereafter'.
African Americans and their challenges in the military The challenges that African Americans had to face in the military during World War II African Americans have had many difficult challenges in the military throughout history, from the beginning of their service during the civil war, right up to present day. Probably the main challenges that African Americans face in the military, regardless of the time in history, are dealing with racism and discrimination. Although racism and discrimination in today’s modern military is not as severe as it once was in past history, it definitely still exists.
My time in the military has shown me that I have a need for order and discipline. I want to instill this trait into my subordinates and affectively give them the tools to succeed and complete the mission both home and abroad. I lead from the front and never leave those willing to strive for betterment. My plan involves completing my degree and obtaining the knowledge level needed to effectively take care of and train my replacements in true values, pride in ownership and family values. A stepping stone is that anyone can learn from anyone, even if it’s what not to do. I challenge myself to right all the wrong styles of leadership that I have experienced throughout my career and be that exception to the policy/good ole boy club members. The Air Force can change with assistance from those willing to make the change. I have given blood for my countries ideals and know I will give my every effort to help produce the most capable and experience airmen for the purpose set by our CINC. I
When I was growing up, I remember my family situation as extremely chaotic. I was one of eight children and my father and mother had little time to devote to me individually. Most of the time they spent trying to earn enough to support us with their meager resources. I was often called upon to act as a surrogate mother to my siblings. I felt I had little time to develop my own unique perspective and voice when I was very young. Even as a preschooler I remember doing chores to help out at home. However, this situation did foster some positive aspects of my character. I learned to be mature at an early age and gained a sense of competence because of my responsibilities. But I also was taught put the needs of others second to my own. I feel that I did not learn to value my own, legitimate desires to an adequate degree as a young girl and have only recently acquired a true sense of worth [THESIS].
As everyone has a story of their journey, my story begins as a child growing up in a traditional Hispanic/Latino home in a south suburb of Chicago. At a young age, I recognized that I viewed life differently in comparison to my peers, siblings and parents. My thought process was very logical, which helped me make rational decisions. It was not often that I made choices according to my emotions and feelings, but rather choices of what I thought would benefit me in the long run. However, many of my choices and protests that I did make were against the norm within my traditional Hispanic/Latino home, gender roles, and religious beliefs. As I reviewed my Life Story Board, I was able to identify different stages of my childhood/adolescence/teens were I had either a negative, or a negative/positive experience due to the challenges and consequences of my logical thought process and actions/reactions. It was a very confusing time for me to live in a culture where I was constantly being challenged for who I was, without feeling understood.
The Army and the Air Force have many similarities and differences, some of the similarities are the troop’s dedication, diversity, and patriotism, and some of the differences are the way each branch trains, their respective customs, and quality life.