A lifelong mission of service: How one veteran found his calling in pharmacy
After more than two decades in the U.S. Navy, most people would be eyeing a well-earned rest. For Steve Holcomb, however, retirement in 2020 wasn’t an invitation to slow down; it was a signal to start a brand-new mission.
“I’ve never been the type to sit idle. Retirement without a daily purpose would have taken a toll on me over time. I’d likely go stir-crazy without meaningful work,” said Holcomb, who retired at the rank of chief petty officer.
Becoming a doctor was always a dream of his. He comes from a family with a background in medicine and has had a lifelong interest in health care. Ultimately, pursuing a career in pharmacy felt like a natural and fulfilling path.
“Before retiring, I began exploring potential career paths for life after the military. I was particularly interested in finding a role that would allow me to continue serving the community. That’s when I discovered pharmacy, a field that shares many similarities with my military experience,” Holcomb said.
After moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2017, he knew it would be his permanent home, so it was time to plant the seeds of his next chapter. Holcomb began laying the groundwork early, enrolling in prerequisite courses in 2018 while still in uniform.
Fast-forward a few years, and he’s now a proud graduate of the College of Pharmacy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The journey, however, was not without its bumps.
“Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a challenge that many veterans face,” Holcomb said. “Doing that while starting pharmacy school? It was a whole different level.”
There were moments of doubt, obstacles both mental and physical, but true to his military training, he leaned on resilience, discipline and sheer determination to get him through.
“My time in the military played a pivotal role in shaping my confidence, work ethic, determination and resilience,” Holcomb said. “During my service, I honed essential skills such as management, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, time management and effective resource allocation. These are the very qualities that pharmacy school cultivates in aspiring pharmacists. Thanks to my military background, I have a strong foundation upon which to build a successful career in pharmacy.”
He said his persistence and motivation also comes from the unwavering support and inspiration he receives from his wife, Deborah, who has been by his side for more than 24 years. The couple has a 23-year-old son who also lives in the Fort Worth area.
“She has been my steadfast support throughout my military career and pharmacy school, always there to listen, offer advice or simply lend a sympathetic ear after a tough day,” Holcomb said.
He also credits the College of Pharmacy faculty and staff for offering encouragement and guidance along the way, even when the road got rocky.
“Some offered advice, others just reassured me that I could do this. I’m grateful to all of them,” Holcomb said.
“Our dedicated faculty, staff and administration are the heart of the College of Pharmacy. Their commitment to mentoring, guiding and supporting our students, especially through challenges, ensures every future pharmacist has the knowledge, experience and confidence to thrive,” said Evan Robinson, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “While Steve’s level of commitment and service were already evident by his 20-years in the Navy, his continued commitment to serve others is inspirational.”
Now Holcomb is preparing to continue the mission, a PGY1 residency with Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, known for its robust, hands-on training. After that, he will pursue a PGY2 residency in either emergency medicine or critical care.
“My goal is to work in a Level 1 trauma center,” Holcomb said. “That’s where I believe I can make the biggest impact.”
Although he did not enter pharmacy school with a particular specialty in mind, his experiences throughout the program guide his interests naturally. Holcomb’s best advice for other veterans considering a health care career: “Anticipate challenges, but trust in your abilities to overcome them successfully.”
For him, completing pharmacy school is one of his greatest achievements, not because of the diploma on the wall, but because of what it represents: perseverance, purpose and a refusal to quit.
“I define success not by awards or recognition, but by doing what I said I would and seeing it through, no matter how hard it gets,” Holcomb said.
He refers to the challenges non-traditional students face on their way to the finish line while juggling family obligations and other responsibilities.
“We have to work twice as hard,” Holcomb said. “But we’re just as committed.”
From commanding troops to counseling patients, this veteran is proving that the heart of a soldier can thrive in any uniform when serving others.
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