Growing up, my father was the type of man who would “give the shirt off his back” to help someone. I always viewed that as an admirable quality, but I never fully made the connection to it being a form of service. I guess you can say it was his form of service to others through being helpful and a good human. Reflecting on this over the years, I realized that service can take many forms. Looking back, I see that my father quietly demonstrated the value of service, and as a result, service has always been a defining part of who I am.

In 1997, as a high school senior, I decided to join the Army National Guard. Although my initial decision to join was a means to pay for college, that is not what has kept me serving for the last 28 years. Deep down, I have always had a drive to help others. During my time in the military, I have learned many skills and core values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage). I learned that leadership isn’t about titles or authority, it’s about responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to something bigger than yourself. These are the same values I carry daily as a high school physical education teacher.

In the military, I quickly realized that leading by example (as often demonstrated by my father) is the foundation of good leadership. I couldn’t expect others to follow if I wasn’t willing to step forward first. Whether I was training in harsh conditions or making decisions under pressure, I knew my actions would set the tone for my team. Now, in the classroom, I keep that same mindset. I show perseverance, respect, and discipline not just through my words but through my actions. When my students see me participating alongside them, encouraging teamwork, and handling challenges calmly, they’re more likely to follow that example.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through military service is the importance of connection through shared purpose. During basic training, they first broke us down individually but then built each other back up through the power of teamwork. The drill instructors designed events that made it difficult to be successful as an individual. However, we could achieve more when we relied on the bonds created and the importance of teamwork.

The bonds I built in the military came from trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to the mission. I strive to create that same environment in my teaching. Health and physical education is about more than skills. It’s about building a place where students feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. Whether they’re pushing to reach a personal goal or working together in team challenges, I want them to experience the pride that comes from collective effort.

Service, in any form, connects us. It reminds us that what we do as individuals matters to the greater good. While my uniform changes throughout the month, my mission hasn’t. As a teacher and senior leader in the military, I see every day as an opportunity to serve by helping young people grow, build resilience, and develop a sense of community. Every lesson is a chance to encourage habits far beyond the classroom. I want my students to understand that showing up for others, supporting their teammates, and striving to be their best selves are all ways to serve.

My military journey has given me a deep appreciation for how service and leadership can impact every part of life. Like the military, classrooms thrive when leaders step up, foster teamwork, and promote a shared purpose. By leading by example, I hope I’m doing more than teaching health and physical education; I hope I’m helping my students see the value of service, whether it’s for their team, school, or community.

As I continue this journey, I encourage others to reflect on their own service experiences, whether big or small and how they can make a difference for those around them. No matter our role, we all have the power to lead, connect, and serve the greater good.

About the Author

Ray Ostrowski has proudly served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve for 28 years, taking on various leadership roles. He is currently a student in the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, where he continues to grow as a leader and learner. Outside of his military service, Ray has spent 18 years teaching Health and Physical Education in South Brunswick, New Jersey, working at the elementary and high school levels. Every day, he strives to bring the values of service, leadership, and connection into his classroom, helping his students grow in all areas.

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Ray Ostrowski, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this post with the following:

Unexpected Detours by Ray Ostrowski

Full Time Health Educator, Part Time Mayor by  Izzy Gogarty

Teaching With Passion by Nate Cline

Best Job in the World by Nick Russo

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?