United States Military Lieutenant Colonel Sean Donohue was aware of army service lengthy earlier than his personal profession started in 2002. Each of his grandfathers served their nation, and Donohue grew up in Tacoma, WA close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It could come as a shock that certainly one of his mother and father weren’t on board with the prospect of him placing on the nation’s material.
“I all the time thought the army was an intriguing alternative,” Donohue stated. “But it surely was nothing my mom ever needed me related to, nor did she ever articulate why she felt that manner.”
What Donohue did participate in was sports activities. He performed baseball and soccer at completely different factors of his childhood, however he acknowledged that health was not his highest quality rising up.
Donohue recalled, “I used to be an energetic child, however weight was all the time downside for me.” He did discover success within the pool and even swam competitively in school. Nonetheless, he opted to focus extra on music and acquired his diploma in Music Enterprise.
“I believed I used to be going to be working with rock bands,” he shared.
He Answered His Nation’s Name
Like many present members of the Armed Forces, Donohue opted to contemplate service after the terrorist assaults on the US on September 11, 2001. By 2002, Donohue formally shifted his focus from music to the Military. Despite his athletic background, he was involved about how he would maintain up in primary coaching. Issues turned out okay for him, although.
“It labored effectively sufficient and I bear in mind being the oldest man in my primary coaching firm at 23 and certainly one of solely two of us who handed the previous APFT on the primary check.”
Within the 23 years since, he labored in a number of capacities whereas touring the world, together with as a fight medic, legislative liaison, TRADOC-IMT Surgeon, and is at present a PA whereas residing in Virginia. He’s grateful for the leaders which have challenged and supported him all through his 20 years in service.
“I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by nice leaders all through my profession and I’m grateful that a few of them have inspired me to do issues that I wasn’t completely satisfied of on the time.”
He would be the one acting on a day-to-day foundation, however the husband and father of three emphasizes that he didn’t make this dedication alone.
“I’m most happy with my household although, Lexey and I joined the Military- that means we made the selection collectively to grow to be an Military household.”
They’ve discovered health to be one other frequent bond that holds them collectively and a good way to remain linked whereas persevering with to be at their greatest for themselves and one another. Donohue acquired into biking throughout the lockdowns, and his household joined him in pursuing the brand new ardour.
Donohue defined, “For our household, it was a good way to attach and share nature and the outside collectively.”
He took it a step additional and went on to educate the most important staff in Virginia, and he proudly shared that his youngest son continued biking and raced nationally for just a few years. His son finally shifted his focus again to teachers, however he himself went on to begin participating in cyclocross, a hybrid of highway and mountain biking.
“A lot of mud, sand, hills and working. Legend says it began as a manner for French troopers to coach in winter. It’s a blast and I like the group.”
That is just one side of his private dedication to being his greatest self. He has additionally been devoted to the weights and working, which made his travels throughout the globe just a little extra pleasurable.
“My travels would by no means have been so wealthy if it wasn’t for making time to squeeze in a run.”
Donohue is at present concerned with the Military’s Holistic Well being and Health (H2F) readiness system, which is designed to assist troopers enhance in 5 completely different pillars (bodily, psychological, religious, vitamin, sleep). As a Scientific Integration lead, Donohue helps lay the groundwork of this program and sees its potential for fulfillment now and later as they develop over 100 groups throughout the Military over the following few years.
“Not solely will H2F serve troopers now, however it’s going to assist make life simpler for them after they grow to be veterans.”
Donohue will likely be sharing his ardour and information with many attendees at an upcoming United States Air Drive Honor Guard Symposium in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 13, 2025. Donohue will likely be bringing his information and expertise with H2F with him as he joins different well-respected members of the army group resembling LTC Charjo Grant, USAF SSgt Chase Griffin, and others. Donohue is worked up to be able to assist many others discover ways to be their greatest to allow them to proceed giving their greatest to the nation. He sees the chance for what it’s, a approach to attain Individuals that they usually could not.
“We’re actually lucky to have a nationwide platform. Militarily talking, we could solely be one % of the nation, but we will have an outweighing impact on the higher setting. This can be a nice alternative to have extra of a nationwide discourse.”
Donohue’s impression has been and can proceed to be felt for the remainder of his profession and even after by many who he could by no means meet in particular person. He appears again at his profession fondly and sees his future as vivid with many extra alternatives to return. He additionally hopes that the following technology of Individuals that enter service will concentrate on their very own potential and make investments into that with the identical vitality and dedication that he had into his personal profession.
“Take an opportunity on being really nice your self.”
You possibly can observe Donahue on LinkedIn.
M&F Senior Army Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.