Airman values importance of goal-setting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Less than 1 percent of the American population serve in the military.

“The military is not for everyone,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher McShan II, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight section chief. “Joining the military is a selfless act, and those who choose to join know the risks of what it means to defend their country.”

Originally from Colton, California, Christopher joined the military in 2002.

“At the time I was attending college with an undecided degree,” Christopher said. “I knew the military could help me pay for my education if I joined.”

After basic training, Christopher traveled to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for disaster preparedness technical school.

“I took the extended route while at tech school,” Christopher said.

According to Christopher, he failed two blocks of instruction, and was recycled back two classes.

“It was frustrating not being able to graduate with my original class,” he said. “It happened to me twice, and at one point I began to think is this really for me?”

On his graduation day Christopher almost broke down as he thanked everyone in his class, including his instructors.

“Quitting is not in me, but it was a journey getting to where I am today,” he said.

Christopher was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, for his first duty assignment, and it was there he reconnected with his now wife.

“My wife and I initially met at the church my dad preached for,” he said. “We lost contact when I joined the military, and reconnected when her job transferred her to Plano.”

Christopher and his wife Myisha have two boys together, Sean, 10, and Justin, 9.

“We try to instill in our boys the importance of holding themselves accountable, being responsible and trustworthy,” Christopher said. “Being respectful is a big thing (in our household). We teach our boys to remember their manners and show respect, because things will not always go their way.”

According to Myisha, Christopher is very involved, not only as an Airman, but also as a father.

“As a NCO in charge, Christopher is doing a phenomenal job,” Myisha said. “He is a prime example of what young Airman can strive to become both on and off duty.”

Christopher recently made the rank of technical sergeant.

“I have been in the Air Force for 14 years, and it has helped me achieve so many goals to be a better person,” he said. “My second re-enlistment made me realize that this is what I want to do as a career.”

Christopher has deployed to Sather Air Base, Iraq, and has been stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; Incirlik AB, Turkey; and now Malmstrom.

“I have adjusted well over the 10 years we have been together,” Myisha said. “I have learned to make the most of wherever we go by supporting Chris in his career, having fun and enjoying the time.”

According to Myisha, she is proud of all of Christopher’s accomplishments.

Christopher recently received his conferral date to graduate from American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in sports and health science.

“I graduate May 2017,” he said. “My next goal is to pursue my master’s degree in physical therapy.”

In his free time Christopher enjoys playing sports and helping people anyway that he can.

“Whatever I can do for my troops, whether family or work-related, I am there,” Christopher said. “I do not mind helping out in any way that I can.”

According to Christopher, he makes sure his Airmen have a plan for the future.

“I do not encourage my troops to stay in if it is not for them,” he said. “If they do plan on getting out, I encourage them to make sure they are leaving for the right reasons.

“Do not just leave, have a plan and stick to it,” he continued.

Christopher believes if the goal being pursued is out of fear of not being able to please someone, then it shouldn’t be chased.

“At the end of the day, (live life) without looking back or regretting anything,” he said.