Today I’m celebrating 5 years of retirement after spending 40 years with the USAF (active duty and civil service).
That’s four decades of:
Surviving death-by-PowerPoint.
Deciphering enough acronyms to create a new language.
Of watching the Air Force, and the world, evolve.
Retirement isn't an ending — it's a new mission. Five years in, I’ve become better at engaging with the world around me and hopefully become a better person.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply we all need relationships — not just casual connections, but the kind where we are truly known. Family, friends, and the communities we belong to aren’t extras in life; they are where our faith, joy, and strength are formed.
So many people are quietly experiencing isolation, even while surrounded by others. At some point, most of us ask the same honest question:
Who truly knows me — and who can I rely on?
God designed us for belonging. Healthy relationships help prevent loneliness and remind us that we don’t have to walk through life alone. And I believe this starts in our most intimate relationships.
With Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14th, this season becomes a meaningful opportunity to return to being intentional in our relationships. It’s a season to pause, reflect, and invest in the relationships that matter most — because love grows when it is cared for.
One specific practical step I’m inviting you to take: This week, choose one relationship — your spouse, a family member, or a close friend — and create intentional space for connection. Set aside distractions, ask a real question, and listen with presence.
My prayer is that we continue building lives and communities where no one feels alone, where belonging is strengthened, and where relationships are nurtured with care and purpose.
Throughout my career—from the United States military to decades of project management—I’ve seen how critical resilience is when facing the unexpected. But it’s often in our personal "valleys" where our leadership and faith are truly tested.
In this episode, I join Curt, Dale, and Adam to discuss:
Navigating significant life pivots and "close calls."
Finding purpose and identity beyond a career title.
The importance of community and spiritual grounding during transitions.
We are all "ReDirecting" in some way. I hope my story offers a useful perspective for your own journey.
Stream the episode below:
