Defending what you can't see

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Most recruits catch their first glimpse of the military lifestyle upon arrival at Basic Military Training, when they hurry off of a bus to the sound of loud commands from their new military training instructors.

Forced to put their civilian ways behind them, the trainees are dressed in nameless uniforms and sneakers, signifying their common Air Force beginning.

For most trainees the extreme structure comes with a sense of shock, but 19-year-old Ruben Gawan has known the Air Force structure throughout his childhood and adolescent life.

Having been a military dependent for his whole life, he has always known he would follow in the footsteps of his parents who are both chief master sergeants in the Air Force, said Gawan.

Gawan will begin his enlisted Air Force journey this coming summer when he leaves for Joint Base San Antonio-Lakland, Texas.

"Seeing my parents wake up and put on a uniform every day makes me feel like I should wake up and put on a uniform, too," he said.

Gawan grew up on Aviano AB, Italy; Hill Air Force Base Utah; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Robins AFB, Ga.; Travis AFB, Calif.; and Incirlik AB. Although moving from base to base was challenging, it became somewhat exciting, he said.

"Earlier in life it was rough to make friends and then leave," said Gawan. "After a couple times, it became normal."

With help from his Air Force family in the community, Ruben has always made the most of the ongoing changes such as permanent changes of station and deployments, said his mother Chief Master Sgt. Lori Gawan, 39th Mission Support Group superintendent.

"There has always been someone around to help while I was gone or while his dad was gone."

Having two parents in the military has come with hardships such as deployments and TDY's, said Ruben.

"It was different not having her there for Christmas or birthdays," he said. "It was hard, but I got through it. It taught me to be patient and mentally strong."

Although there were times they were apart, Ruben and his brother Nathaniel have remained positive because the time they do spend together is always worth the wait.

"Both of my parents are very family oriented," said Ruben.

As well as the support from strong family ties, his close friends also helped him cope with the inevitable changes.

What sparked his interest even more in enlisting in the Air Force was when Ruben moved to Pa. for a year to attend Pennsylvania State University. The change to civilian life verified that the military was the path for him.

The longing for his past close-knit community encouraged his decision to one day wear the uniform like his parents. The Airman Battle Uniform means much more than just a common denominator in his childhood.

"It symbolizes a different kind of respect," said Ruben. "It shows you are defending something you can't exactly see."

His father, Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Gawan, 728th Air Mobility Squadron superintendent, is especially excited to see his son wear the uniform.

"When my son Ruben shared his decision to join our Air Force, I was overwhelmed with emotions and excitement," said Phillip ."Who wouldn't want their child to become a member of the world's greatest Air Force? I was happy because I know the one thing that our Air Force does best is take care of its most valuable assets--our Airmen."

Ruben has learned more than how to adapt to change, but also the traits required to be a great leader, he said.

In the eyes of his mother he has already shown leadership qualities he will need in his Air Force career.

"He realizes it's not just about him," she said. "It's about the bigger picture--the team effort that he will be a part of. None of us do it by ourselves."

With the support of his parents and their friends who are a part of Incirlik Air Base Chief's Group, Gawan has a lot of support in his decision to enlist. His family and mentors in the chief's group have provided him with guidance that comes with many years of military experience.

Along the path of change that has led him to his decision to enlist, Ruben Gawan has realized that his Air Force family will go far beyond his parents.