GODDARD, Kan. (KSNW) – Willie Tucker is busy these days working as a financial advisor and taking care of his family in Sedgwick County, but he knew back in high school that he was destined for the Air Force since military service runs in the family.
“I’m a third-generation military member in our family. Both my mom and dad served, their dads served, and I just wanted to carry on that legacy as well,” said Tucker.
Courtesy: Willie Tucker
He spent almost three decades serving and working many jobs, starting in admin and then moving on to computers.
“It’s not much different than trying to protect corporate secrets. National secrets are a little bit more important in some respects, but making sure the right people have the right access at the right time. It was very important. I took a lot of pride in that,” said Tucker.
Kansas veteran talks about experience that changed his life
His next role in the Air Force as first sergeant was the one he held the longest, and it was a role that had him working closely with airmen and base leadership.
“My whole role as a first sergeant was to help make sure that the commander had a trained force and make sure that the morale was high within the squadron. With that comes a lot of conversations with the different airmen. Sometimes it’s bad. Most of the times it was good,” said Tucker.
He retired from the Air Force in 2021, following a career that took him around the world and provided him with friendships he values to this day.
Courtesy: Willie Tucker
“I still treasure the relationships I built in the 28 years. I still talk to some of the folks that I used to hang out with over 20 years ago, so the relationships I’ve built are positive, and I still lean on those relationships, and some of those relationships still reach out just to check on me or get advice,” said Tucker.
And in retirement, he knows his service and why he joined up. It will always stay near and dear to his heart, and he’s reminded of that somewhat regularly.
“I initially joined to get an education but I stayed for patriotism, and every time I hear the national anthem I still get a little choked up. Sometimes, depending on how the rendition goes, I still cry,” said Tucker.
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