Photo By Staff Sgt. Ramon Adelan | Tech. Sgt. Chance Scharer, 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil, and...... read more read more
Against the backdrop of adversity's relentless storm, where hope wavers and despair looms, a remarkable tale of resilience emerges—a testament to the indomitable spirit that dwells within the human heart and the unwavering courage found in the ranks of the military.
In the crucible of conflict, amidst the chaos of battle, the men and women in uniform stand as living embodiments of resilience. They navigate treacherous terrain, both physical and emotional, with strength and unbreakable resolve.
For some, like Tech. Sgt. Chance Scharer, 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) NCO in charge of fuels, environmental, and safety, his tale of resiliency started before he ever had the opportunity to experience basic training.
Scharer always dreamt of joining the military. From a young age, he saw the bravery and selflessness displayed by generations of his family before him. As soon as he turned 18, he eagerly signed into the delayed enlisted program for the U.S. Marine Corps. (USMC), ready to embark on his journey of service. However, fate had a different plan in store for him.
“I graduated [high school] in 2009, and I originally enlisted in the Marine Corps. [delayed enlisted program],” Scharer said. “I was about two weeks out from boot camp and my mom suffered a brain aneurysm. My mom had to stop working, and we had to start taking care of my mom full time, so I decided to back out of enlisting.”
His mother, whom he loves dearly, suffered a sudden brain aneurysm. Without a second thought, he put his military aspirations on hold and devoted himself entirely to her care and the financial obligations to the rest of his family. For four long years, Scharer was by his mother's side, ensuring her comfort and well-being.
“After a few years of bartending, there were a lot of conflictions about joining the military and not knowing if I even wanted to go anymore,” Scharer said. “I was making easy money and it was fun.”
Scharer’s heart ached for the military, but his responsibilities to his mother took precedence. Finally, after years of caring for his mother and witnessing her slow recovery, Scharer decided it was time to chase his dreams once again.
“I remember one day looking over the bar thinking ‘I’m bored, I’m tired, I’m done with this,’” Scharer said. “At that time my mom was doing a lot better, and she gave me her blessing in a sense. She told me ‘You took care of me long enough, go and live your life.’”
He changed his decision on joining the USMC and enlisted in the Air Force as a POL Airman, determined to make the most of his delayed opportunity. Scharer thrived in his new role, quickly proving his dedication and skill.
As time went on, Scharer’s ambition grew, and he set his sights on becoming a tactical air control party (TACP) airman. The TACP mission resonated with him deeply, and he felt a calling to be on the frontlines, guiding air support for ground forces. Scharer trained rigorously, preparing himself physically and mentally for the demanding role.
“My first base was Dover Air Force Base as a distribution truck driver and worked in the cryogenic storage facilities,” Scharer said. “I had a good buddy of mine who was going through the TACP selection program, he was kind of like my brother-in-arms and made it through the program. He told me ‘Alright Chance, it’s your turn.’”
His hard work paid off, and Scharer was overjoyed when he received the news that he had been selected to cross-train as a TACP Airman. It seemed like his dreams were finally within reach. However, fate had another twist in store for him.
“I never made it out of Dover due to a back injury I sustained while training,” Scharer said. “That moment there was the lowest of my low in my career.”
He was devastated, feeling as though his aspirations were slipping away once again. However, Scharer was not one to give up easily.
“Getting injured did change me a little bit,” Scharer said. “It stunk that I couldn’t go on with becoming a TACP, but I thought about what else I can do to bridge that gap in my mind.”
Determined to find a new way to serve his country and find fulfillment in his military career, Scharer searched for alternative opportunities. And that's when he discovered the role of a dignified transfer carry team member.
“At Dover, they have the port mortuary for all of our fallen members, where they are processed before being united with their loved ones,” Scharer said. “A volunteer opportunity you can do there is to carry the fallen.”
As a dignified transfer carry team member, Scharer would have the solemn honor of receiving and transporting the remains of fallen service members. It was a position that required utmost respect, compassion, and dignity. Scharer knew that this was his chance to make a difference, to honor those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It felt pretty selfless, not in the sense that this is going to make me better but this is the least I can do for them after they gave all for me,” Scharer said.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Scharer embraced his new role wholeheartedly. He carried out his duties with unwavering devotion, treating each fallen hero with the respect and honor they deserved. He stood tall and strong, a symbol of compassion and support for the families left behind.
Though Scharer's military journey took unexpected turns, he discovered that serving his country came in many forms, and his contribution was no less significant. Scharer's dedication to his mother, his resilience in the face of setbacks, and his commitment to honoring the fallen made him a hero in his own right.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2023 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 449424 |
| Location: | BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 838 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Go Blue, Stay Blue: Dreams Deferred Yet Resiliency Prevailed, by SSgt Ramon Adelan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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