Stan Standridge joined the Air Force to escape from an impoverished childhood. He served as a security specialist from July 1989 to July 1993. He began his service at Hahn Air Base, Germany, and separated as a senior airman at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. While on a deployment, his brother passed away. Standridge said he is forever greatful for the care he received from the Air Force during this diffucult time. While still on active duty, he went to college and worked a part-time job. At his second job, he befriended an officer at the Abilene, Texas, Police Department. The officer convinced Standridge to apply for the APD. Following separation from the Air Force, Standridge said he was selected from more than 450 applicants to attend the police academy, primarily because of his veteran status. After graduating from the police academy, Standridge quickly made his way through the ranks, eventually becoming APD’s youngest chief of police at age 37. He credits the Air Force for providing him with a better life and giving him the ability to become a leader at a young age. Standridge currently lives in Abilene, Texas, as the APD Chief of Police and honorary commander of the 7th Security Forces Squadron at Dyess AFB.