Maggie’s Story

Meet Maggie: Active Duty Air Force, Mom, LGBTQ+ Advocate

Submitted as part of our Do Ask. Do Tell. Cause Campaign. Read More →

Q: What does Do More Good mean to you?

A: "Do More Good" to me means to make more conscious decisions to help people out. Be kind. Make more positive impacts to our environment and relationships.

Q: How would you describe serving in the military?

A: Serving in the military has been the most life changing decision I've ever made for myself. It has been hard. Military tech school for me was super tough mentally and physically, but it's also been one of the proudest achievements I have. Being an Air Force EOD technician is super cool. It's also something new, challenging, and an adventure. Sometimes I am away from family, but that's just something that I signed up for isn't it?

Q: Why did you decide to serve?

A: So after I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2017, I went on a roadtrip across the US. I was 22 years old and fresh out of college exploring. I drove from coast to coast, staying with friends/family or camping in national parks. Seeing and exploring our great country like that made me super proud of where I live and urged me to look into military options. My dad being a retired Marine and knowing the military life well--he encouraged me to go for the Air Force. I did and here I am!

Q: What is the most rewarding and challenging part of being an LGBTQ+ individual?

A: The most rewarding part of being LGBTQ+ is when I received acceptance for being who I am, especially by those whom I didn't expect it from. Just the opposite, it's the most challenging when I'm not accepted by those that I thought to be supportive.

Q: What is it like being part of both the LGBTQ+ community and military community?

A: Being a part of two pretty small communities can be like being part of an exclusive club; so when I find we are a part of the same communities, relationships grow that much quicker.

Q: How can the community support LGBTQ+ individuals that are currently service members in our armed forces or veterans?

A: The community can just keep continuing the support we already get with things like this! Raising awareness and showing support to be who we are and proud of it!

**These views are her own, and not those of any organization she is a part of.**