KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Many of us have met people who have made a major impact in our lives. This could've been at work, different assignments, deployments, vacation spots or just in your neighborhood where you grew up. A lot of us would consider them to be "mentors" or "extraordinary people." Can you think of anyone who might have made that sort of imprint in your mind or impact on your life so much that it made you change, or change your circumstances?

In my life, there have been several people who have had a great impact on my life, but it would take several pages to write if I were to tell you about each of them. So, I've narrowed it down to a few people who have been a blessing to me.

Some of you may know her as a little, skinny, short nun, with frail arms. She is also very humble since she picks up abandoned children off the streets of India. Others of you may know her through the many miracles she has done which are recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. This person was special to me because she was the one who picked me off the streets of India, wrapped me up in a blanket, and brought me to her orphanage in New Delhi where I was cleaned and clothed. This made me feel warm and safe. When I looked into her eyes, I could see how much compassion she had. This woman showed so much kindness, that I knew I was saved by a great lady. Due to her kindness, I was adopted by a wonderful woman who cared for me and now, with time, I've become the person I am today. Now, if you don't know who I'm speaking of, she is Mother Theresa ... she's one of the few extraordinary people in my life.

Another person who made an impact in my life a bit later in my military career is someone I met on a women's retreat in Castroville, Texas. You can see her at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, teaching the basic trainees at the Pentecostal service on Sundays. She stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall, medium built, brown complexion, with gleaming brown eyes, and has a laugh that would make anyone want to laugh with her. Her inner strength, no-nonsense attitude, and huge heart helps guide me in staying grounded in my many trials of life. She is none other than my spiritual mother, Mrs. Clara. I believe God placed her in my path to keep me encouraged to go after my goals in the military, school, studying the bible, and accepting myself for whom I am and not what society might say who I should be. When she speaks, I know there is a lesson in there to improve myself and to teach others how to better themselves.

Many of us are mentors and we may not even know it because we get so caught up with our daily tasks that we forget when we supervise someone, we are also being used as a guide for them to become better leaders in and out of the military.

Sit down and take some time and think about the many people who might have made a serious impact on your life and write it down. Look back at what you wrote and see how your life has changed or how your journey has brought you to being where you are right now: in the desert.

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."