Richard Mitchell’s military journey began unexpectedly when he received a draft notice that changed the course of his life. Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Richard was sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he underwent basic training and prepared for deployment to Korea. Fortunately, the war ended before he was sent overseas. His time in the military, however, was far from easy. Training exercises included preparing for potential atomic warfare, with soldiers sleeping in trenches below the ground, and enduring grueling forced marches, including the 25-mile “payday” march every month. These challenges were met with camaraderie, as Richard and many of his fellow soldiers came from the Midwest, forming a strong bond through shared experiences.
Richard’s role in the military was that of a rifleman, but his leadership abilities were quickly recognized. When his friend, who was an athlete, was selected for a sports-related assignment, Richard was promoted to acting Corporal, a position that offered him some reprieve from less desirable duties like KP (kitchen patrol) and guard duty. Although he didn’t receive additional pay for this role, the leadership experience he gained proved invaluable later in life. Leading his fellow soldiers taught Richard how to manage people, motivate them, and navigate the challenges of being in a position of authority.
During his time in the Army, Richard and his platoon were involved in extensive training exercises, often simulating combat scenarios and preparing for potential deployments. The training was intense, but the soldiers supported one another through it all. Many of Richard’s peers were from the same high school or neighboring communities, which created a sense of unity that helped them cope with the demands of military life. Richard fondly recalls the friendships he made, though many of his fellow soldiers have since passed away. He reflects on how easily he could reconnect with these old friends, noting that no matter how much time had passed, they would always pick up right where they left off.
After serving for two years, Richard left the Army and returned to civilian life, but the transition wasn’t easy. He admits that the military changed him, and the man who came out was not the same as the boy who went in. His time in the service had a profound impact on him, shaping his outlook on life, work, and relationships. He credits the Army with teaching him discipline, responsibility, and leadership—skills that helped him succeed in his post-military career.
Richard’s return to civilian life saw him pursue a career in the business world. He initially worked with IBM accounting machines at an insurance company but soon found better opportunities with Honeywell in Minneapolis. He remained with the company for the rest of his working life, advancing through the ranks and honing the leadership skills he first developed in the Army. His ability to manage teams and handle difficult situations with confidence was a direct result of his military training.
Looking back, Richard acknowledges that while he initially resented the military for taking away two years of his life, he later realized that those two years were crucial in shaping him into the man he became. The Army gave him the confidence and discipline to succeed in both his personal and professional life. He describes how his military experience influenced his leadership style, allowing him to effectively manage people in a way that earned their respect and cooperation.
Despite his pride in his military service, Richard does not believe that military service is for everyone. He advises young people to consider their motivations carefully before enlisting. He notes that if someone is not truly interested in serving, they may find the experience to be a form of drudgery. However, for those who are motivated and willing to commit, the military can provide invaluable lessons in leadership, discipline, and resilience.
Richard’s life after the military was filled with professional success and personal growth, but he experienced loss as well. His family life was challenging, as his parents divorced when he was young, and he spent several years living with his grandmother, who became his primary influence during his formative years. Today, Richard maintains limited contact with his family, though he cherishes the connection he has with one cousin, with whom he recently reconnected through genealogical research.
At 89 years old, Richard reflects on the lessons he learned during his time in the military and throughout his life. He shares two pieces of wisdom that have guided him: first, the idea of not taking on other people’s problems, symbolized by the phrase, “I don’t want your monkeys on my back.” This philosophy helped him maintain focus and avoid being overwhelmed by the issues of others. Second, he advises, “If you want to fly with the eagles, don’t hang out with the turkeys,” a reminder to surround oneself with people who inspire and uplift rather than drag you down.
For Richard, the Army was both a challenge and a gift, giving him the tools to navigate life with confidence and resilience. Though his family is small and many of his military friends have passed, he remains grateful for the experiences that shaped him and the lessons that have stayed with him throughout his life.
Anthony Pagliri’s journey from an ordinary upbringing to a 22-year distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, and later, entrepreneurship, reflects a life of resilience, adaptability, and service. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1967, Anthony moved to Florida at a young age and completed his high school education in 1986. His early work as a mechanic left him seeking greater purpose, prompting him to explore the military with a friend. Initially, they considered joining the Marines, but Anthony ultimately chose the Air Force, embarking on a career that would span over two decades.
His Air Force journey began in 1989, stationed at various locations, including Sheppard Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base in California. As a C-5 crew chief, he handled some of the largest aircraft in the U.S. military, which required technical expertise and unwavering attention to detail. A transfer to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii followed, and his role evolved over time. Despite a fulfilling position as a crew chief, Anthony sought more. He decided to retrain as a flight engineer, a challenging process that took two years, involving water survival and survival evasion resistance and escape (SERE) training. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and eventually accumulated over 5,000 flying hours, participating in multiple major military operations such as Iraqi Freedom.
Anthony’s Air Force career exposed him to high-stress, dangerous situations, particularly during international conflicts. He recalls one notable mission shortly after the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, where his aircraft’s landing was delayed due to unrest on the runway. They eventually landed but had to take cover when unrest flared up again. On another occasion, a landing gear malfunction in Kuwait put his crew at risk, forcing them to stay airborne until they could safely land. These incidents tested his mettle, but they were pivotal experiences that shaped his career.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2011, Anthony transitioned into law enforcement, joining the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California. For the next decade, he worked as a deputy, balancing the demands of public service with the challenges of life outside the military. His time in law enforcement further honed his leadership and decision-making skills, though it came with its own difficulties. After ten years in this role, he retired from law enforcement and returned to Florida, reuniting with his roots.
It was in Florida that Anthony embraced a new challenge: entrepreneurship. Along with his wife, who is a doctor of nursing, Anthony launched a franchise of Game Day Men’s Health, a clinic focused on testosterone replacement, weight loss, and men’s health services. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to help men over 40, who often face health challenges yet lack dedicated resources. They aimed to create a space where veterans and first responders, in particular, would find the care and support they deserve. Anthony’s involvement in veteran advocacy didn’t stop with his business; he also became actively involved with the Pinellas County Veterans Association, working to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources available to them.
Anthony’s life story is one of commitment to service—whether in the military, law enforcement, or as an advocate for men’s health and veterans’ rights. Through each chapter of his life, Anthony has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of purpose, making him a role model for veterans and civilians alike. His journey showcases how military service can serve as a foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment, even as it transitions into civilian ventures.