JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet Shawn Larson, spouse of Katy Larson with the Air Force Services Center’s Installation Support Directorate. He is our November #IMSCFamily spotlight.
Shawn met his wife in the late 1990s when she was working as an outdoor recreation manager. We asked him to tell us a little more about his life with the military.
How long have you been around the military?
I’ve been around the military for 40+ years. I grew up in the Seattle area where there is a significant military presence. Additionally, I worked for Bird-Johnson (which was later bought out by Rolls-Royce Marine) as a welder and non-destructive tester, and inspected/repaired large ship propellers; I frequently travelled to Navy shipyards for work.
What’s your first memory as the spouse of an Airman?
My wife took me on a ski trip through MWR to British Columbia for my birthday… little did I know she was actually working and that despite being a paying customer, I would end up “volunteering” throughout the entire weekend. We did get to ski at three different resorts as well as take in a hockey game, but it was my first real experience as a services spouse.
What’s your best experience as the spouse of an Airman?
Travelling the world. We were fortunate enough to be stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as well as Spangdahlem, Germany. This afforded us the opportunity to travel in both Asia and Europe. We’ve made some incredible memories as a family.
What’s a challenge you and your spouse overcame as a team?
I think one of the biggest challenges we overcame together was acclimating to living overseas and changing our family dynamic. Prior to PCSing to Kadena, we had never lived overseas and had spent 14 years in the same location. Additionally, I was the primary breadwinner for the family. When we moved to Japan, however, we had to work together to ensure our then 9 year old son made a smooth transition, as well as Katy and I taking on different roles within the family. Although we were both working, I was used to being the one whose career took precedence while Katy was the primary caregiver for our son. These roles reversed when moved overseas.
What your best advice for other AFIMSC spouses?
Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s contemplating an overseas assignment, taking on different roles within the family, trying a different career, going back to school, etc. ... while it can be scary, it can also provide you with some of the greatest rewards.
Do you have a mantra that you live by and how does it help?
Happy wife, happy life. I think that one is self-explanatory [smile].
What’s something you cherish from your time as a spouse and why?
The thing I cherish the most about being an Air Force spouse is all of the opportunities it has afforded me. I’ve been able to live in Asia and Europe, travel around the world and experience different cultures first hand. Additionally, I’ve also had the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community, and have met great friends and tried things I might not otherwise have done.