Beyond the Uniform: Veterans share their experiences while serving the United States of America

The night air in Korea felt cool and refreshing, a stark contrast for Chris Eddie, a U.S. Air Force officer, in a heavy chemical warfare suit. The drill was more intense than usual as the sound of sirens simulating an attack shattered the silence. Eddie found shelter in a ditch where he looked up at the stars and felt an unexpected calm despite the chaos. 

“Oh boy, there’s probably no place outside I’d rather be at this point in time,” he thought.

Chris Eddie is now a commissioner for the City of Weston and is running for U.S. Congress. He served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence officer, where he gathered information to localize the enemy, anticipated potential threats and analyzed terrains. He also worked 13 years for the FBI Miami division leading their intelligence program. 

“It’s just fortuitous that I was in the Air Force at the right time and the right place,” said Eddie. “I wouldn’t change one thing. You have ups and downs, but it’s a good feeling knowing that you serve your country and that you continue to serve your country in whatever capacity.”

Alfredo Bonilla moved from Nicaragua to the United States when he was 13 years old.

Bonilla served in the Marine Corps for six years as a military occupational specialty (MOS) 1833, where he provided direct fire support during amphibious assaults and operations ashore. He would also operate vehicles that transported Marines and supplies from ships to shore.

“I joined the Marines because I felt I owed a debt to this country,” Bonilla reminisced. “A high school friend accused me of coming here to steal jobs and not contributing, which I took to heart. I wanted to prove my right to be here by serving.”

Derek Auguste joined the military with the goal of giving his daughter a better future. Auguste joined the U.S. Army in 2004 and served for 11 years. Auguste went in as a 74 Charlie, where he would encrypt and decrypt messages. He currently serves as the program director for the Veteran Military Affairs at Florida International University.

“I was 19 years old when I graduated high school and had my daughter,” said Auguste. “I soon realized that I lacked job skills [and] wanting a better lifestyle for my family, I saw the military as the quickest way to get us out of Miami and start a new life together.”

Deployment is one of the many challenges thousands of soldiers face as they go to a foreign country, Auguste was forced to leave his 3-year-old daughter when he left for a long period of time and missed many milestones with his loved ones.  

“You get like a 10-minute phone call once every couple weeks,” Auguste explained. “It was really just, ‘Hey I’m alive, you’re alive? Ok, great. Thanks.’”

Cynthia Tounn is a 29-year-old veteran who dedicated six years to serving in the military as a flight specialist. Tounn was also separated from her family and missed out on holidays miles away from her hometown in Massachusetts. Tonn says the support and unity from her comrades helped her navigate through tough times.

“Some of the pilots decorated a Christmas tree and put their pilot helmet on it and pretended to put presents under the tree,” Tounn said. “I think it was really nice to pick on morale because it is kind of tough when you are missing your family. I made really lifelong friends that I can see myself keeping in contact with for many years. You know that they’re willing to take a bullet for you.”

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a demographics report from 2021 found women made up 17.3% of the active-duty force and 21.4% of the National Guard. While those numbers have grown, Tounn thinks recognition and fairness among women is still an issue. Tounn says they receive different treatment that makes it unclear how to navigate their roles as both soldiers and women.

“I believe the experience for women in the military is distinct.  With fewer of us serving we’re often seen as a minority,”  said Tounn. “There are also double standards, particularly evident in areas like PT tests, where the standards are different for us.” 

Richard Jay Tedlow is a 75-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who joined in 1968. He retired in 1995 as an E7, a chief officer in the U.S. Navy with the highest rank. With years of experience, he tells the younger generation to not engage in internal conflict but to speak up on how to improve the country.

“Use your voice and try to make your community better,” said Tedlow. “Don’t fight against each other, everybody needs to work together. Look at history, so history doesn’t repeat itself.” 

Eddie highlights the great benefits of getting out of your comfort zone and engaging with the community.

“I would urge anyone to step outside of your normal life and try to get back to your community and whatever small way and you’ll see how rewarding that is,” advised Eddie. 

Serving in the military is a life-changing adventure that has a long-lasting positive impact on soldiers. It provides them with self-improvement opportunities, strong bonds with comrades and dedication to the country. This journey not only helps in honing skills and leadership abilities, but also plays a vital part in protecting the country’s defense and security. Their bravery and sacrifice truly make them indispensable contributors to the nation. 

“The Marines will make a leader out of anyone,” said Bonilla. “I saw it, I’m proof.”

Gabriela Flores is a junior majoring in Digital Journalism and Broadcasting with a minor certificate in International Relations. She wishes to pursue a career in the film industry and work for the United Nations.