Why I Serve: Capt. Josh Christopher

Capt. Josh Christopher is an instructor at the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base.

He’s been in the Air Force for four years, and already his reasons for service are evolving.

“To me, it started out as one reason and has kind of developed as my time and experience in the Air Force has changed,” he said.

Early on, he wanted to be part of the traditions and customs. When he started college, Sept. 11, 2001 happened.

At the University of Cincinnati, he was part of the ROTC program and was commissioned upon graduation.

“It meant a lot to me to become part of keeping America safe,” he said.

Last year he deployed as an aircraft maintenance officer. He said seeing the American impact there reinforced his reasons for serving.

A few weeks ago, his first son was born.

That has changed his life in many ways.

“The world is a dangerous place,” Christopher said. “I want to make sure the nation is secure for my kid and make things better for him.”

As an instructor at OTS, he’s training the next generation of officers that he hopes will carry on his work.

“We need people to come in behind us and keep making it safer. Somebody’s gotta do the security and safety of what our country stands for,” he said.

Just as he and his fellow service members today have continued the work done by past generations of veterans.

“Service really doesn’t change,” Christopher said. “It’s always been the same and what we stood for.”