SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The first time I was issued personal protective equipment (PPE) was at the Department of Defense’s Louis F. Garland Fire Academy in San Angelo, Texas. My turnout gear included a flame-resistant jumpsuit, Nomex hood, fire helmet, gloves, boots, and a self-contained breathing apparatus. That gear was essential to protect me during three months of intense fire training, and ultimately, throughout a 30-year career of service and risk.
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how critical PPE would be to my survival. But our instructors made it clear: wear it, wear it properly, or suffer the consequences. Helmets and gloves were non-negotiable. Full inspections were conducted before every live evolution. Failure to comply meant discipline or dismissal from the academy.
Throughout my career, I experienced moments that reinforced those early lessons. My helmet protected me during a roof collapse on my first structure fire. A lapse in securing my SCBA nearly cost me dearly inside a burning warehouse. And a decision to handle a generator without gloves resulted in second-degree burns, an avoidable injury, had I worn my gear.
PPE is vital. It keeps firefighters safe during high-risk operations. But there’s another kind of danger we face, especially off duty.
The physical threats of the job are matched by mental and emotional challenges. As a young Airman, I coped with stress in unhealthy ways: excessive drinking, partying, avoiding responsibilities. I wasn’t alone. Over the years, I’ve seen others lose their careers, their reputations, and their freedom due to poor decisions fueled by stress, trauma, or avoidance; some involving substance abuse, domestic incidents, or criminal misconduct.
These aren’t just lapses in judgment. They’re a sign that something’s missing, a layer of protection that can’t be found in a supply room.
So I began issuing my firefighters a second set of PPE: Pride, Professionalism, and Excellence.
These aren’t just words on a poster. They’re values that, when internalized, can protect a service member’s career, relationships, and sense of purpose just as effectively as a helmet or pair of gloves can protect their body.
Pride
Pride is the inner compass that guides choices. I ask my firefighters: Are you proud of who you are? Of what you do? When you act with pride, not arrogance, but genuine self-respect,
you’re more likely to make decisions you won’t regret. I’ve held onto the pride in my family’s support throughout my career, especially in challenging moments.
Professionalism
Professionalism isn’t about rank or pay grade, it’s about mindset. I often pose the question: Who is more professional, the lawyer or the cashier? The answer depends on behavior. A professional shows up prepared, takes ownership, and respects the responsibilities entrusted to them. Regardless of role or duty station, we owe it to our teammates and to ourselves to act with professionalism on and off duty.
Excellence
Excellence isn’t perfection, it’s effort. It’s the daily pursuit of doing your best and learning from setbacks. When Airmen understand that excellence is about growth, not ego, they become more resilient, more dependable, and more prepared to lead.
I tell my team: if you wear this second set of PPE (Pride, Professionalism, and Excellence) it can shield your life beyond the fireground. The alternative is a path marked by disappointment, misconduct, and regret.
This message isn’t limited to firefighters. Whether you're in uniform, behind a desk, on a flightline, or in a classroom, everyone needs a set of tools to guard their well-being. We all wear physical PPE at some point; masks, hard hats, goggles, gloves. But to protect your legacy, your leadership, and your future, try on this second set.
It might be the best protection you’ll ever wear.