ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT

As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, I was stationed for two years near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, responsible for helping safeguard the democracy of South Korea under constant threat from the authoritarian state of North Korea. During that time, from 2012 to 2014, missiles occasionally soared over our heads and splashed down in the Sea of Japan. It was then – as I understood the reality of North Korea’s military capabilities – that I realized I was at the front lines of democracy for both South Korea and the United States.

As U.S. soldiers stationed in and near the DMZ, it was our responsibility to maintain military readiness along the most heavily fortified border in the world. My unit manned missile defense systems; we were also responsible for carrying ourselves with dignity and honor, upholding democratic standards in a foreign country, and abiding by the mores of the South Korean democracy. The unique experience of military deployment changed how I view democracy in the United States.

Before my military service, democracy felt small, often taking the shape of local government entities such as the police department, county officials, and the county sheriff in my hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas. But during my three-year military career – and especially during deployment – I felt like I was truly part of our democracy: I was directly involved in making this great country better by being present and performing my duties in a military manner.

After my service, I worked in the construction industry to provide for my wife and two children. Because I was no longer in the military, I looked for other signs that our democracy was meaningful and purposeful. Then, I realized I’ve always been a part of our democracy – one person in a nation of 340 million who can make a difference and embody the meaning of government empowered by citizens. Without democracy, we would be nothing but people aimlessly allowing someone else to make decisions and hold power. Even when it’s hard to see through the political noise, democracy is necessary and meaningful; it requires our constant attention and engagement.

Today, I’m embracing these insights as a student-veteran at CSU Global and as a concrete supplier in Metro Denver – helping to build America one skyscraper at a time. I interact with people who share similar military experiences as president of the CSU Global chapter of Student Veterans of America, which has shown me how important it is to create and maintain partnerships and solid relationships with a cross-section of people. As a civilian, I hope to contribute to our democracy by continuously strengthening the relationships around me and upholding the standards for which we are all accountable.

Photo at top: Aaron Johannes is a CSU Global senior studying project management in the construction industry. Photo: Vance Jacobs.