Growing up as a self-proclaimed Air Force brat while her dad served for over 20 years, 99 Walks Pack Support Squad Team Member Katelyn Kuehl grew up on the flight line, calling home to bases around the world. Her rich family history led her to a 12-year career in the Air Force and a powerful initiative to honor all who are impacted by those serving in the armed forces. This lifestyle still carries over to her life today as she and her Air Force veteran husband, John, who currently reside in Wisconsin, still love to move around every couple of years and embrace the differing cultures they encounter along the way, serving locally to both veterans and their caregivers.
Katelyn began her personal journey into the Air Force at the early age of 17, her father standing by her side from day one signing her contract and being a steady supporter during her career. Her dream of enlisting was spurred by such a strong family history, and a desire to get an education. Katelyn knew that the military provided financial means for her to get a degree without adding any burden on her family, or creating debt for herself as she started her adult life. Joining the Air Force gave her a way to fulfill both of her dreams — to serve and get a quality education.
Though Katelyn never deployed overseas due to injuries she sustained while in the service, she found her role of supporting those who were being deployed to be highly fulfilling. “Talk about a crazy career that just went every direction! It allowed me to do so much good for others like assisting with weddings and family emergencies, helping prepare others and their families to deploy, supporting new Airmen in the military transition into a new lifestyle, and even helping a Chaplain get some food down before going into the next event.,” Katelyn said. “I knew I was doing what I was meant to do. Every job in the military has an impact on someone else, so if I couldn’t do what I did, others wouldn’t have been able to do theirs.”
Katelyn recalls a time where she was set to deploy. Bags packed. Training complete. Mentally ready. Only to be called to find out she would not be leaving. As she fought back tears, her office phone rang, and upon answering, found an emotional and panicked mother on the other line worried about her deployed son whom she hadn’t heard from in several days. As the Chapel Assistant, or Religious Affairs Airman, Katelyn was able to be there for that mother and reassure her that her son was okay. It was the realization that Katelyn was exactly where she needed to be, and she would serve in that capacity until she was medically discharged in August 2017.
Being a part of the military led Katelyn to meet amazing people and have experiences she couldn’t begin to replace or describe. “I have lifelong friends from it, learned amazing life lessons, and I grew up in a culture strong of heritage and honor,” said Katelyn. “I went in as a young, naive 17-year-old and was medically retired a 30-year-old with an education, leadership skills, and, most of all, the best friends in the world. I also met and married my amazing husband while we were both on Active Duty.”
As cherished as her time was in the Air Force, Katelyn still reflects on how hard it was to be away from friends and family. As a child who missed her father but understood why he was away, she knew what to expect when marrying someone in the military, but it didn’t make things easier. She said she missed so many birthdays, holidays, and gatherings. “Life goes on back home without you there, and when you go home, you are a stranger,” she said. “It is very hard to experience.”
So how can we best support those in the military, even if we don’t know anyone actively serving? It’s as simple as extending love and understanding. Listening and asking about needs, be it with a loved one of a soldier, or a local chapter of support organizations like Wounded Warriors or Veteran’s Affairs. “You can help by sending a card or letter, helping out at the VA to take veterans around to medical appointments in the building, or if you know of a military family, see if they need a date night, a home-cooked meal, or just let them know they can call on you for anything,” Katelyn suggested.
And today, on Veterans Day, let’s remember to be patient and loving. Katelyn sends us a reminder that we may not know where a veteran’s heart or mind is on any particular day. For many, it’s a day that they remember those lost in service, and for those who experienced deployment, a time when they think back on those memories. If you have a veteran in your life, Katelyn encourages us to ask them what they need on that day. It may be someone to listen, or a meal with friends. Or even, she recommends, a chance to reach out to agencies that can provide ways for you to support. Click here for a place to start.
Being a member of the Air Force was life-changing for Katelyn. Her biggest life lesson learned was from a Chief while she was transitioning into a leadership role. “She explained that the job isn't what fills your soul,” recalled Katelyn. “Granted, you can love what you do, you can gain energy from that, but at the end of the day, you need to care for your family. Your family is there for you, for your soul. Someday the job won't be there, it can be done by anyone, but your family only has you. Take care of your family.”
We’re so grateful and thankful to have Katelyn as part of our 99 Walks family. She continues to serve not only her military family with such grace and love, but also our community. Thank you, Katelyn, for your service. Thank you for bringing so much light and such a sweet spirit to our world, and to all those around you. Thank you to all who have served, and to all those who support those who serve. We honor you on this Veterans Day, and all that you give.
From Katelyn…
“My favorite picture from my longest stay at Walter Reed Bethesda hospital as we fought my brain surgery and initial illness. The only way John was able to be there after days of me not seeing him was an amazing friend that drove him to me. We are all about humor and trying to find the humor when all our soul wants to do is cry. We wouldn’t have this moment — of being told about my career, all my dreams, everything we worked for ending — of us being together finding that out if it wasn’t for someone just offering a car ride. She is still a forever dear and amazing friend of ours.”