It’s often said, “It takes a village,” meaning that people rely on their communities to help raise and support their families. This principle extends to making a positive impact on the world around us. A common thread across cultures, religions, and communities is a commitment to charity and service.

Talat Karmo’s 42-year career—so far—aligns well with his authorship of 42 U.S. patents, mostly for General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Karmo holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry. Now 70 and twice retired, he has taken on a new challenge, demonstrating a reluctance to step away from the intellectual and emotional energy he finds in the workplace.

People join the military for a variety of reasons, each a reflection of their own personal motivations and aspirations. For some, it’s a desire to serve their country and contribute to something greater than themselves; for others, it’s the pursuit of stability and benefits that a military career can provide.

Society is now experiencing the fourth wave of modern-day feminism here in the West, and many of us are becoming more aware of what contributes to our identities as women. In my own experience, one of the main influences on my identity as a woman/feminist was my Chaldean family/culture.