Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

THEFINALSAY MICHAEL
PETERSON
Lieutenant General
United States Air Force (retired)
story by Michael Peterson
After growing up in Biloxi and four years at the University of Southern Mississippi, I joined the Air Force and my wife Susan and I left the Gulf Coast for a 35-year military career. Of course, there were plenty of family visits back to the Coast, but most of our time was spent living at 19 different locations in the states, as well as Germany and Turkey. At the same time, we were able to travel across the breadth of Europe, much of the Middle East, and even made a few stops along the Pacific Rim.
By the late 1990s, we started making “responsible” inquiries about a retirement home. We looked into taxes, cost-of-living, climate, and access to amenities such as medical care and community services. After living in great locations, our original list of “responsible” items didn’t seem to make a difference.
So, why did we choose to make the Mississippi Gulf Coast our retirement location? It really had nothing to do with most of the “hygiene” factors I listed above, it had to do with our life style when we finally settled down.
Twenty-five years ago my parents retired. Dad was in the Air Force and then served as an Air Force Civil Servant. Mom was a public school teacher and guidance counselor. They retired in their early sixties. I asked what they would do next. The answer was, “nothing!” Of course, I was worried about their longevity — sitting in the lounger watching TV and waiting for the world to go by.... I couldn’t have been more mistaken. They became incredibly active in their community and still are.
That example tells you why Susan and I retired here. We haven’t been to a church at which we weren’t welcome. We haven’t missed a weekend when something wasn’t “happening” on the Coast. Medical care of every kind
is available locally. Susan’s loves are all about the community, whether it’s culture and the arts, service organizations, telling the Gulf Coast story, or education for our residents at every level. For me, it’s the outdoors and community engagement.
Unfortunately, I have still had to work part time for several large companies (say consultant). It is work I enjoy so, that’s OK. I also stay busy supporting the Mississippi Military Communities Council, the Harrison County Economic Development Council, and the City of Biloxi. The consultant work and volunteer efforts are made
easier by the “utilities” available to us. Here we have access to every modern element of communications, and
a transportation network which makes work very easy — especially the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.
So, why would you make this your home? OK, climate plays a role. I shoveled snow at several of our assignments; it’s not fun. Most importantly, how will you spend your retirement years? Stay active; stay engaged; and maintain your network of friends. Retiring to a quiet, secluded
spot in the woods just won’t get the job done. Surround yourself with friends, activities, and a community that shares your values. That will make your retired years a wonderful part of your life.
178 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2016
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