Giving change a try can open new doors

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Murray
  • 301st Fighter Wing
I'm Michael Murray, the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) at the 301st Fighter Wing Airman and Family Readiness office. I began my active duty Air Force career in Munitions Systems Technology in 1992 at Bitburg Air Base, Germany. After two years, I changed stations to Holloman AFB, N.M., for the remainder of my four-year enlistment. There, I supported operations Desert Shield and Deny Flight. 

In 1996, I transferred to the Air Force Reserve, married a wonderful woman, and enrolled in college. While attending college, my family grew from two to four with the birth of my first son and daughter; which created the need to work full-time while attending college. 

By 2002, I was finally awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology. After graduation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics offered me a position in the Joint Strike Fighter program as a radar electronics engineer. Therefore, I transferred from Maintenance Operations Cell in the Tulsa Air National Guard to munitions here in Fort Worth in December 2002 and began my new civilian job February 2003. Here I supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and took a Family Readiness position in 2006. Since moving to Texas, my family has grown even more with the birth of our two boys. 

While I was stationed in Germany, a death in the family prompted further reflection on my spirituality and purpose in life. I attended church in two different denominations while growing up and enjoyed certain parts of both. The differences in doctrines between many religions became confusing. So, I quit attending church regularly for three to four years. However, that death helped me to realize something was missing in my life. 

While searching for answers, I befriended someone who invited me to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I met the missionaries who explained my purpose in life and introduced to me "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." I confirmed, through prayer, what they told me was true; and I was baptized in June 1994. 

Since then, I have enjoyed participating and serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and have received many blessings. In my deployments, I enjoyed being able to attend our sacrament service in locations such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq and I look forward to bringing that same privilege to the 301st Fighter Wing or future deployed locations. 

Those interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are welcome to attend our new service on Sunday during Unit Training Assembly at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Support Center auditorium, Building 1776.
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