studio (un)scripted: 5 questions with seth johnson.
SETH JOHNSON | United States Air Force (and the all around definition of a hero to all.)
The Studio is my happy place, where is yours?
My happy place is the McCarthey Athletic Center where the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball teams play. Also known as “The Kennel”. As an event manager there, I have had the privilege to spectate many moments of athletic brilliance. “The Zags” always bring me joy and I am proud to work with the coaches, teams, and officials to ensure that “The Kennel” is a safe and entertaining environment. Two years ago on Veterans Day, the Gonzaga Athletics Department allowed me to attend the Armed Forces Classic basketball game between Gonzaga and Michigan State on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Zags won 64-63. It was an honor to mix my two favorite things, military and basketball.
This week, we celebrate Veterans Day an especially meaningful reason to celebrate at The Studio family for multiple reasons — one of the most important is honoring your time and dedication to the military. How would you characterize that commitment and why should it be continually recognized so widely?
Less than one percent of American society is active-duty military, a significant drop-off from decades past. The military is an essential part of our country’s success. The men and women in uniform are the backbone of this security. These people are trained and prepared for defending the nation from any attacks. The reality is, there are threats all over the world, thus we have to remain vigilant at all times. Veterans Day serves as a reminder that the military is a necessary department for a country of our magnitude and influence. Those that raise their right hand, albeit a much less percentage than in the past, are the ones carrying out that responsibility for citizen safety.
Your grandfather and father are also both veterans. Did that play a role in your decision to join?
I never take for granted that my great-grandfather, grandfather and father served in the United States military. They have been my role models since childhood and I am proud to have followed in their footsteps. All three were in attendance for my Basic Military Training graduation at Lackland Air Force Base and we took one of the most iconic photos of our lifetimes (which you took!) Their influence was the biggest reason for my intent to join. It is a sacred bond we will always share, and has deepened our relationships to each other.
In respecting and honoring Veterans Day — what can those without any military accreditation do to respectfully express gratitude to those who are actively involved?
Veteran’s Day is more than just praising select individuals. Family and friends are affected by the service of an individual. Through deployments, trainings, and just long daily hours, the ones closest to the service member should be included in any merit. For citizens of the United States, I would ask them to think about and thank the entire family and friend group of service members as they endure hardships too. A simple thank you goes a long way. A service member should always respond with, “thank you for your support.”
Do you have any special or meaningful memories from active duty, or even pre-or-post serving? Can you share one or two?
Everything in life happens for a reason, right? A fellow Airman and I shared the same path within the operational Air Force, wether divine intervention or pure luck. Starting with boot camp to technical school to our first duty station to being deployed at the same time, Pierce has been my best friend since the early days of our enlistment. We enjoyed playing basketball, talking fantasy football and watching Game of Thrones every Sunday night. Having a friend like that allowed us to get through the hardships of military service. We continue to be friends nearly 10 years after our first contract. The Air Force creates opportunities for people to meet from all over the country and builds friendships that last a lifetime.
Send Seth some gratitude and love in the comments below or anywhere on The Studio social platforms.