THE SQUEAK of polished hardwood echoed in the Coffee County High School gymnasium – a culmination of sounds Austin Reed knew by heart. Each basket felt like a victory roar resounding through the bleachers where supporting families sat, faces beaming with pride. But the predictability of practice and the familiar thump of the ball bouncing couldn’t quench a thirst for something more. He craved adventure — a challenge that pushed him beyond the boundaries of his small town. Despite defying the odds and holding the record for career field goal percentage at Motlow State, basketball wasn’t enough. College was a stepping stone, not the destination.
Reed moved to the Manchester area in fourth grade with his mother and two brothers. Growing up, he found solace and purpose in his love for sports, participating in Little League Baseball and high school basketball.
After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a degree in exercise science and spending time coaching, Reed embarked on a new path that would change the trajectory of his and his family’s lives forever.
“I was all in. It was definitely some- thing I wanted to do,” Reed reminisced.
Reed’s journey to find his true calling took an exciting turn when he discovered his love for running, thanks to his dear friend, Tommy Clark, whom he met at MTSU. As he pushed himself physically and mentally during college, he ultimately found his way to the Air Force’s Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE).
“It aligned perfectly with where I was in life and most certainly scratched my itch for something more challenging,” he explained.
Instantly captivated, Reed knew he had found his calling. It is a role that combines his passion for teaching, love for the outdoors, and penchant for adventure. It is a path illuminated by the opportunity to make a difference in lives all around the globe.
Joining the military was not a decision he made lightly, especially considering the uncertainty of ongoing conflicts overseas. However, Reed’s resolve remained unshaken. His journey as a SERE specialist over the last 14 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Guiding high-risk personnel through survival, Reed finds fulfillment in sharing essential skills honed over years of training and experience.
From the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest to the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, nature is his office. It’s a realm where he and those he trains hone their survival skills and experience the value of tenacity. Reed’s unforgettable moments are filled with thrilling airborne jumps and river rafting expeditions, each representing a true sense of purpose and pure exhilaration.
Amidst the thrill of adventure, Reed has also confronted the harsh realities of loss. It’s a mournful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve.
One year, he and a group of team members started the Kaniksu 50 and Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race in Washington state. This annual event, now in its 10th year, honors the memory of those lost in catastrophic crises such as training accidents, combat deaths, and suicide. The proceeds also support the SERE Association, which raises money for the families of fallen soldiers and SERE specialists.
Even as he travels across distant lands, Reed’s heart remains rooted in the tight-knit community of Manchester, where childhood memories and close friendships endure. His key to staying connected with family and friends back home is consistently FaceTime.
“FaceTime is huge, and we love sending postcards and handwritten letters to family.”
Now stationed in Okinawa, Japan (considered the “Hawaii” of Japan), Reed finds himself immersed in a culture defined by its beauty, kindness, and reverence for tradition. As he navigates the streets and aesthetic landscapes, he marvels at the unity of the human spirit and the bonds that unite people across borders.
Community support didn’t end when Reed left home. It had just begun. After losing his mother to cancer in 2016, he truly experienced what it meant to be a part of the Air Force family.
“Simply getting time off work and having people checking in on me when I was away really meant a lot,” he said. “The team’s ability to rally in hardship truly shines, and moments like those make me proud to be a military member.”
Throughout his journey, Reed’s greatest source of strength has been his family — especially his wife, Tarra, whose steadfast support has sustained him through the ebbs and flows of military life.
“She’s my biggest supporter,” Reed said.
Reflecting on the lessons he learned, Reed stressed the importance of leadership, attention to detail, and adaptability.
“They’re going to put the time and effort into you,” he said. “I’ve always valued how the military invests in you as a human regarding leadership.”
Reed’s journey embodies the essence of independence, from the valleys of Tennessee to the far reaches of the globe. It’s a celebration of freedom, leadership, and the determination to uphold the values that define us as a nation. GN
