You ever meet one of those broke guys who’s always complaining about how “the system” is so unfair, guys who’d rather wallow in helpless victimhood than take active steps to improve their lives? Under its current leadership, the U.S. military has its problems. Yet for those looking for a good start in life, the military remains a great option. I recently met with Air Force Staff Sgt. Gwen Briggs, who refused that loser victim mentality and exemplifies the American can-do spirit.

Gwen was 25 in 2007 when she left Romania for a better life in America. She knew little English and joined her father, who lived in San Antonio. He had remarried, so Gwen stayed with family friends next door.