A Path Less Traveled: A Veteran's Highlights from Military Life

For two decades, Durham County Veteran Services Officer Hanif Huggins, traveled the world meeting new people and experiencing different cultures while serving in the United States Air Force. He specialized in information technology as he moved from place to place, across the United States and internationally. Among the locations he called home while abroad, his favorite was Okinawa, Japan.

In 2000, Hanif was a first-year student in college, living in New York City. Though he was in the heart of the “City that Never Sleeps,” he felt stagnant. The youngest of six boys raised in South Jamaica Queens, he wanted to do something different than his brothers who never moved too far from their birthplace of Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn. “I had to get out of my comfort zone and see something outside the bubble I was living in,” Hanif said. He longed for a different scene, and the military was his ticket out.

The day he walked into the United States Armed Forces’ recruitment office, his mind was already made up. He knew he could complete his education in the military, and he was ready to explore the world. On February 2, 2000, Hanif entered basic training for the United States Air Force.

During the year Hanif attended college, he realized his interest in computers. He was fascinated by how technology was able to bring people together in ways previously unthinkable. Things he saw as a kid on the animated television show The Jetsons were coming true in his world. He learned from recruiters that the Air Force was one of the best branches to gain exposure to advanced technology training. So, becoming an airman was right on track with the vision he had for his future.

Growing up, it was understood that after high school graduation, his options were to either go to college, indulge in street life, or the military. He chose college and quickly realized it wasn’t what he wanted at that point in his life. The pursuit of education while navigating his career in the Air Force was a totally different experience. In the military, education no longer felt like a rush. “Completing my career in the Air Force while receiving my education learning became fun, and most importantly it was free.”

When listening to Hanif talk about military life, the veteran is quick to highlight the joys and downplay the sacrifice made to serve and protect our country.

When listening to Hanif talk about military life, the veteran is quick to highlight the joys and downplay the sacrifice made to serve and protect our country.

Just one year after Hanif took the initial oath to serve, and became an Airman Basic, the September 11 attacks on the United States, killed nearly 3,000 people and destroyed the heart of his beloved New York City, changing the United States forever. He was stationed at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, at the time. He was far from home physically, but his heart was there.

“I was working in a secure facility when I saw the planes crash on television,” he said. “It really troubled me; it was my hometown. I would frequent the area [World Trade Center] for work before joining the Air Force.”

Two weeks after the terrorist attacks challenged everything about our country’s National Security, Hanif was on a flight to support war efforts. From this experience he learned that preparation is vital, to train the way you intend to perform, and to cherish every moment.

The commitment to serve and protect exposed Hanif to people and situations he never expected. His experiences taught him to put prudence before justice. Understanding the challenges of serving, he was inclined to ask ‘why’ before using premature judgment. Elaborating on what prudence before justice means to him, he briefly shared a story about an Airman who arrived late to work several times with lackluster performance. Behavior that would usually result in a reprimand. While the military is big on discipline, in this case Hanif decided to observe and understand why the Airman was exhibiting an unfavorable work ethic. “It was determined the pressure of living in a foreign country, financial challenges, and marital issues led to drinking and suicidal thoughts for the Airman,” he said. “So instead of justice, we provided professional support, help, and comradery.”

The military reinforced the values Hanif gained as a child, including treating everyone with respect. While serving he also gained priceless leadership skills; many of which he puts to use today.

The military reinforced the values Hanif gained as a child, including treating everyone with respect. While serving he also gained priceless leadership skills; many of which he puts to use today.

During his 20-year career, Huggins received many medals for his service. The one he is most proud of is the Joint Service Medal given for collaborative efforts while working with other branches of the Armed Forces in high-tempo operations.

Those who have worn our nation’s cloth and pledged to safeguard America’s freedom deserve a great deal of respect. On November 11, our nation paused to recognize Veterans Day and the millions of veterans in the United States. Each year, Durham County Veteran Services hosts a ceremony recognizing the valor, courage, and sacrifice of military veterans of all branches who willingly put their lives on the line to protect our country. Hanif was among more than 200 DCo employee veterans invited to attend the ceremony scheduled in 2023.

Senior Master Sargeant Hanif Huggins retired with full honors from the United States Air Force in 2020. He accomplished a great deal during the time he served. He completed his educational goals including earning degrees in the areas of Behavioral Science, Information Systems, Human Resource Management, and Electronic Principles. He grew as an individual and started a family. These were all great achievements, but none would truly prepare him for the civilian world.

Hanif admits that it has been personally challenging to adjust to the cultural differences between military and civilian life. Some differences being viewpoints, humor, and conversations. He shared that a strong support system has been key to his successful transition between lifestyles.

Last year, the National Association of Counties initiated Operation Green Light. The program was created to increase awareness of the challenge veterans in counties across the country have with connecting with benefits after they serve. More than 700,000 veterans reside in North Carolina. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has joined NACo and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers in participating in Operation Green Light and has encouraged counties across North Carolina to do the same.

Durham County turned our buildings green in 2022 to show support and appreciation for our local veterans. The same was done November 6-12, 2023.

Uplifting veterans and serving their needs is a priority for Durham County Government. Durham County Veteran Services, located on the second floor of the County’s Human Services Building, 414 E. Main Street, actively provides effective counsel to veterans and/or their family members on veterans’ benefits offered by the federal, state, and local government. Lois Harvin-Ravin is the director of the department offering assistance with the preparation of forms and the support of documents necessary to file claims. This coming March will mark Hanif’s one year anniversary with DCo Veteran Services. He enjoys his position because it allows him to stay involved with his community, the veteran community. “I am grateful for the opportunity to assist and educate veterans about the benefits they’re entitled to. Our office allows me to bring that knowledge and procedural guidance to the forefront.” Reach DCo Veteran Services at 919-560-8387.