Kelly Davis, USAF Security Forces

@kellydavis

Veteran of the Month

We’d like to introduce our Veteran of the month here at Morale Check Apparel. Our intent is to spread some positive thoughts, ideas, and help the world and ourselves see our military community in a positive manner by highlighting unique veterans that made a lasting impression within our society. We sat down via Skype and had a chat with Active Duty Air Force Security Forces member, Kelly Davis. She was recently titled, “Air Force Lifestyle Ambassador and the Air Force’s Number one Recruiting Asset,” by the Aviationist Magazine. We were inclined to share her story and were thrilled when she joined our team! Kelly has quite the personality, an infectious smile and for some reason is a cat person, so without further ado let’s dive in.

Where are you from and why did join the military?

I am from Santa Clarita, California and I am currently 22 years old. Due to most of my family being mainly in law enforcement, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and go that path as well. My dad brought up the idea of the military when I was in high school and after a year of college, I did some research on each branch and discovered the Air Force was the branch that best suited the lifestyle I wanted. I decided to join and stick to what I knew best and go for Security Forces.

Which branch, MOS, and how long have you been in?

I am currently in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member and have been in for a little more than three and a half years. I’ve been stationed overseas in Germany my entire enlistment and have deployed to Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Biggest/most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself since joining the military?

Since I have joined the military the biggest and most surprising thing I have learned about myself is how freeing and independent I have become. I joined when I was 18 years old and I’m so proud how the military has molded me into the confident 22-year old I now am. Being in the military I have had many opportunities to travel and see the world! The military has really opened my eyes to many of the great opportunities it has to offer.

What was the most memorable experience in the military?

I would have to say my most memorable experience in the military would be my deployment. I was deployed to Diyarbakir, Turkey and it is so different to be in a deployed location than it is to be at a home base. It really makes you more grateful to be away from what you become so accustomed to and take for granted and I wouldn’t say it was by any means one of the worst places to be deployed but the bonds you make with people when you are in a deployed location and the brotherhood and sisterhood you make with individuals are the ones that are the most meaningful and most cherished. For those reasons I would say being deployed, was probably by far one of my best experiences while in the military.

What do you hope to do when you separate later this year?

I am separating from the military within the next six months and will be moving back to the states to be closer to my family. After I have settled down back home I plan to attend school to study psychology or become a registered nurse.

What are some of the things you’d like to change about the way the civilian world sees the military or veterans?

Some things I would like to change the way the civilian world sees the military or veterans is that not everyone sees combat. Not everyone who joins the military are trigger pullers or have gone to war and I believe that is something civilians need to understand. We do our time, we serve and when we get home, we are all just normal people at the end of the day and that’s how we want to be viewed. We do not want to be put on a pedestal or think we are better than anyone else just because we served. We are just like everyone else, we just chose a different path.

What drew you to joining the Morale Check Apparel team?

When Jon reached out to me about joining the MCA team, I saw their Instagram feed and their video on the website and was inspired by their mission to give back. I am all about spreading positivity on my social media so I jumped at the opportunity to join the team and support such an amazing cause. I would much rather share something positive and boost morale rather than something negative. Often times in the military there is little to no morale and I think this company could be a great way to spread a positive message to our service members and veterans!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone planning on enlisting, what would it be?

My advice to anyone on joining the military would always be, do it! It is the best thing I have ever done! I have seen and done so many things I would never thought I would have ever seen in my life, and have been blessed with so many opportunities. The military has changed me for the better and has given me a sense of direction and purpose.

Kelly is a new member of the team, so welcome her aboard! If you want to find her online you can check out her Instagram at @kellydavis. Give her a shout out and I’m sure she’ll respond with a warm message, or a middle finger depending on the time of day and if she’s had her coffee.