Nominated By James Flowers: Shunna has always been an outstanding example for service members and women to follow. She is honest and cares about all around her.
An Interview With Shunna Dlowers
Technical Sergeant shunna Flowers
Veteran | 17 years in the U.S. Air force
What did you do in the service?
I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
What area of your life has the military helped you grow the most in?
The military helped me in a lot of ways. I was kind of timid when I joined so I was forced to come out of that quickly! I grew in my communication skills as well my education.
What is your perspective of patriotism?
Patriotism is viewed in many ways. Webster defines it in short as “Love or devotion to one’s country”. I love my country and the opportunity that it provides, and I was honored to serve in the military for it. America is in much disarray for reasons that could have been avoided. For myself being a black woman in America right now makes it really hard to feel patriotic. However, I will continue to do my part to make it peaceful and be a positive example for Little Black Girls coming up that may be interested in joining the military in the future.
What was your experience transitioning from active duty to civilian life?
My transition from active duty to civilian life was easy because that season of my life was done. I did my best while I served, and I learned what I could. There were good times and some life lessons, but I love being on this side of my career.
What do you do, post active duty?
I currently work as a Health and Wellness Screener and I complete Health Exams for people in the process of obtaining Life Insurance. I also own my company called HeavenSntCreations (HSC). My specialty is sewing, machine embroidery, vinyl work and I have recently added sublimation. I make clothes and other items, I also decorate t-shirts, face masks/covers and many other items. Last year I started eating healthier and decided to focus on more of a low carb approach. Because of that I am working on adding different flavors of low carb breads, pizza dough, etc. to HSC. My daughter and I recently started a business called HeavenSntSweets where she does most of the baking and is the Main owner. Our specialty is a Whipping Cream pound cake.
What advice would you give to others transition into civilian life?
The military will allow you many opportunities to learn. Your first opportunity is Technical School/AIT which is completed upon finishing Basic Training. My advice is to pay attention to what is being taught to you. Once you get to your duty station apply that knowledge and soak in everything. The military is based upon rank structure, but don’t be too good to learn from someone that is lower in rank than you. Things are always changing, and they will always have opportunities to learn those new things. I say all of that to say this. When you transition to civilian life should you chose to join the workforce, you are way more marketable and will have a greater chance to get hired for the position that you want. I mentioned earlier that I worked in the Medical Field while I was in and I absolutely love what I do now due to my military training.
What are things that people should consider before they decide to serve their country?
I am going to be transparent for a moment. At my first duty station I had a couple of mentors that had been in the Air Force for a while. One of the first things that I learned from one of them was, “Get everything that you can from the Air Force, because they will get all they can and then some out of you.” I know this to be a true statement. I loved serving, I have met some lifelong friends, and I do not regret it; that is the positive side of my answer. Now I will tell you what I consider the negative. I missed my daughter’s first steps, her first full sentence, and because I was deployed at the time, I missed taking her to her first day of school. If you are very family orientated as I am, be prepared to spend a lot of time away from your family. This is just part of it. However, you must realize the “why” in why you are doing this. My “why” was for my family, specifically my daughter so that I could do my part to afford a better life for her.
