University of Georgia Athletics
Johnson Trades In 'G's' For Wings
November 11, 2016 | Gymnastics
Trading G's for Wings
By: Ashleigh Shay, UGA Sports Communications Student Assistant
There are over 63,000 women in the United States Air Force. Senior Gymdog Lauren Johnson will soon be one of those proud women serving our country.
Military life is not something that is new to Johnson. Many members of her family have served in the military. Unlike her, however, they served in the Army. While her family wanted her to go the Army route as well, she was looking at other branches.
"They wanted me to go to the Army," said Johnson. "I was considering the Navy and I did want to be a nurse at first but I changed that to working generally in public health. The Navy doesn't have what I want to do with my job. I want to be a public health officer and the Air Force has that position. I think the Air Force is a better fit for me."
Joining the Air Force is not something that came suddenly to Johnson. She made this decision initially two years ago.
"I made the decision to join the Air Force sophomore year," said Johnson. "I've grown up in a military family too. I want to serve this country. It's something that I can do to help others, not just serve the country but help others and soldiers."
Being a public health officer enables Johnson to help not only those here in The States, but abroad as well.
"I want to see the world, but my main goal is to help others with their health and improve their overall quality," said Johnson. "If I can go to other countries and help those in need overseas I would love to do that."
While Johnson is set in her decision, she won't be leaving for the base in Colorado Springs for a while. She is considering applying for a redshirt to get a fifth year at the University of Georgia. If she goes that route, Johnson is considering graduate school.
"I'm joining the Air Force right after," said Johnson. "So I'll leave in a year or two, it depends."
Something Johnson will take with her from Athens is her experience with the Gymdogs and everything it has taught her.
"Gymnastics is very team oriented, I love discipline, and I love the team aspect of it," said Johnson. "I feel like going into the military has that. It has that discipline and you're working together as a team."
When she told the team, their reaction was not what she expected. Johnson was not met with disbelief from her teammates, but with encouragement. The team also made sure to ask that her mother was 'okay' with it.
"I was like of course, she supports me in everything I do," said Johnson. "I'm super excited to go, I can't wait actually. I'm not too nervous because I'm used to the tough discipline and working in teams."
With so many family members in the military, November 11 holds special significance for Johnson. Not only are the people she loves veterans, but one day she will be too.
"Veteran's Day is one of those days where I text everybody in my family saying thank you for your service," said Johnson. "I think it's such a big deal, the people fighting for our country and serving in the military because they protect us, as citizens. I really appreciate it. They go through a lot and a lot of people don't realize how much they go through."
Johnson will realize what our brave men and women go through soon enough. For now, she has her excitement about her commitment and the rest of her senior season to keep her occupied.
She and four other seniors will be leading the Gymdogs into their 2017 season. Johnson says she is nervous about being placed in a leadership role this year but she knows she has the other seniors as well as the team to help her out.
This year it's all about supporting the team. Soon enough it will be the team supporting her.
