Growing up near Fort Bragg, N.C., and being the child of a career enlisted soldier, Col. Charles Gates, USAFR, knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country.

“It was very easy to be influenced by the selflessness and patriotism I witnessed every day,”  said Gates, a Premium member of MOAA. “I wanted to serve my country and be part of something greater than myself.”

His path to the military began with a football scholarship to the Virginia Military Institute, and he later transferred to Norwich University on an ROTC scholarship. He was commissioned into the Air Force in 1998.

He is assigned to Air Mobility Command’s headquarters on Scott AFB, Ill., as the individual mobilization augmentee to the chief of security forces. “My active duty counterpart and I serve as the lead Security Forces, Mission Assurance and Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection advisors for the commander, Air Mobility Command; commander, 18th Air Force; and 19 different wing commanders,” Gates said. “We develop policy and guidance for over 8,000-plus security force personnel at 12 installations, 60 Air Reserve bases, and 14 operating locations worldwide.”

For Gates, serving with “some pretty extraordinary people” is a highlight of his service, but he also enjoyed being assigned to Joint Enabling Capabilities Command and responding to real-world contingencies around the globe and leading a squadron of “defenders” as commander of 403rd Security Forces Squadron.

“My service also has provided the opportunity to see new places like Oahu while participating in exercises and contingencies,” he said.

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He also has found value in the challenging aspects of service and the lessons that can come from these experiences.

“You learn a lot about yourself enduring launch facility recapture exercises outside in western Nebraska during the dead of winter when wind chills can get well into subzero temperatures,” Gates said. “Those lessons can be applied not just during military life but also for the rest of your life when facing adversity. Tough times don’t always last, and having the proper perspective during them is very important.”

He credits military service with providing “endless opportunities” — professionally and personally — he never thought possible, and he hopes he is making an impact on those around him.

“In a challenging world environment, I hope to provide a better, safer place for my family and friends. I also hope that some young person who might see me will know they have the opportunity to serve their country as well,” Gates said.