Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sumnima Bhandari, 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, was fulfilled with a sense of purpose and community after joining the military.
“Since I have joined, I feel accomplished,” said Bhandari. “Encouragement from senior officers, non-commissioned officers and support from peers has definitely helped me become confident, open to opportunities and finding purpose.”
Bhandari currently works as a Medical Administration Specialist for the Minnesota National Guard Recruiting Flight. Her military career has provided this opportunity and others, such as working with executive leaders at Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) and attending training trips to Florida and Texas. Bhandari was also awarded the Minnesota Achievement Ribbon for her excellent service supporting the J2 intelligence & security team. These milestones mark a significant transformation from when she first arrived in the United States, prior to her military service.
Bhandari emigrated from Nepal at the age of 23. The transition to American culture was not an easy one. She was faced with an inconsistent career path and unhealthy relationships, which took a significant toll on her mental health. She felt isolated due to language and cultural barriers, and lack of a support system. Feeling undervalued in her job, she yearned for a career with opportunities for advancement. The cumulative weight of these challenges created an immense strain on her well-being.
“Stress was causing me constant headaches and body aches,” said Bhandari. “I often felt suffocated and anxious.”
One day, Bhandari was on social media and saw a friend from Nepal post about his military service in the U.S. Seeing someone from the same background sparked something within her.
“Living in the U.S., I saw the respect and appreciation military members received from the community, and I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Bhandari.
After finding out she was eligible for the military, she took the next steps, qualified for service at the Minneapolis Military Entrance Processing Station and shipped to basic training.
“My first time being part of a room full of people in uniform felt surreal,” explained Bhandari. “I felt like I had found my community, and no matter what happens in my life, I will always have a support group and resources to help me. I felt safe.”
Since her return from basic military training and technical school, Bhandari’s life has exploded in a positive, exciting direction.
“The U.S. has given me opportunities I would never have gotten in Nepal,” said Bhandari. “Even though I went through rough times, I learned resilience, I became stronger, independent, and confident. I experienced the true sense of ‘Freedom and the pursuit of happiness.’ Serving the country that has offered me all this is a privilege and fills me with pride.”
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