Before motorsports became the central focus of my life, I served in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1987.
I worked as an ammunition troop, supporting the handling, maintenance, and preparation of munitions. My work included smart weapons, air-to-air missiles, and small arms.
It was demanding work that required discipline, precision, and an unwavering attention to detail. Every task mattered, and there was no room for carelessness.
That experience shaped me in ways that continued long after my military service ended. It taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, teamwork, and doing a job correctly every time. Those lessons would later prove invaluable in motorsports, where preparation and attention to detail can determine whether a team succeeds or fails.