The story of a Marine father and his Air Force son unfolds against a backdrop of military tradition, personal struggle, and the search for purpose. Michael Hyon Johnson reflects on his relationship with his father, a former Marine who instilled in him the values of discipline and resilience, while navigating their contrasting experiences in the military.
A Legacy of Discipline and Purpose
Michael’s father joined the U.S. Marine Corps at a young age, shaped by a turbulent upbringing in North Carolina. He fled an abusive home and sought refuge at Camp Pendleton, where he embraced the structured life of a Marine. Although he missed active duty in Vietnam and Desert Storm, he dedicated himself to military life, driven by a need for purpose.
After serving for six years, he believed life would offer him new opportunities outside the military in the fresh air of Denver, Colorado. He was determined to provide a better life for his son, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work. Michael’s father worked multiple jobs, determined to break the cycle of his father’s alcoholism and lack of ambition.
This commitment to self-improvement was palpable during their weekend runs at Washington Park. Michael recalls the early mornings when he would wake to find his father already awake, silently preparing for their routine. His father’s expectations were clear: running was not merely an exercise; it was a vital lesson in perseverance.
The Challenge of Expectations
Michael’s attempts to keep pace with his father often left him breathless and frustrated. The two-mile trail felt endless, and as he struggled to maintain his father’s rhythm, he grappled with the weight of expectations. His father’s mantra, “Hurt the pain,” echoed in his mind as he pushed through physical exhaustion.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine,”
Michael reflects, acknowledging the relentless drive that defined his father. This mantra became a touchstone for Michael as he navigated his own feelings of inadequacy and resentment. At times, the pressure felt unbearable, and he expressed thoughts of self-harm, only to be met with his father’s insistence that he had not yet experienced real pain.
The contrasting environments of the Marine Corps and the Air Force shaped their paths differently. While Michael enlisted in the U.S. Air Force seeking a less physically demanding role, his father remained steadfast in his belief that pain was a necessary catalyst for growth.
Finding Personal Purpose
As Michael transitioned to civilian life, the pursuit of purpose became a complex journey. He moved from maintaining aircraft to managing projects in various industries, often feeling disillusioned by the superficial nature of these roles. Meanwhile, his father’s search for meaning continued, even as he reached his 70s and struggled with the physical toll of his past.
Despite their divergent paths, both father and son shared a relentless drive to succeed. Michael often found himself striving to surpass his father’s achievements, a goal that sometimes felt like a burden rather than motivation. His father’s unwavering belief in endurance shaped his worldview, compelling him to push through challenges.
In a poignant moment at work, Michael encountered a colleague grappling with similar feelings of inadequacy. He instinctively offered the same advice his father had given him: “Keep moving forward.” This exchange revealed the cyclical nature of their experiences, as both men sought to instill resilience in others while navigating their own struggles.
Reflections on Legacy and Endurance
As Michael reflects on his father’s legacy, he recognizes the profound impact of their shared experiences. The lessons of discipline and perseverance have become integral to his identity. Yet, he also acknowledges the need to carve out his own path, one that honors his father’s teachings while allowing room for personal growth.
Today, Michael runs alone, but the echoes of his father’s voice remain with him. The journey of understanding their relationship continues as he reconciles the push for achievement with the importance of self-acceptance. In this personal narrative, the finish line is not merely a destination but a continual process of growth and discovery.
Michael Hyon Johnson’s story is a testament to the complexities of familial relationships within the military context, highlighting the balance between inherited values and personal identity. Through his writing, he seeks to explore how these dynamics shape individuals and their paths in life.
