JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Between Air Force drill weekends, a full-time civilian career, and family responsibilities, Maj. Christopher Bridges, 732nd Airlift Squadron executive officer, is pursuing an unexpected passion: writing children's books. The Air Force Reservist recently self-published his third illustrated children’s book. His works have addressed self-confidence, financial literacy, and supporting family members through togetherness and prayer—topics he felt were vital for his three young sons, ages three, six, and eight.
"I never saw myself as an author," Bridges admits. "But seeing my boys learn how to interact with the world around them made me realize there was an opportunity to create stories that would resonate with them, to really help them learn and develop."
Having no formal experience in writing or publishing, the process seemed daunting to Bridges. His first break came when a former colleague from his active-duty days, who had successfully self-published a book, recommended an online authors' group.
"That recommendation changed everything and made this dream feel attainable," Bridges said. "The group was so supportive and generous with their knowledge—sharing classes, resources, and lessons they learned along the way. It was a community of people who had been where I was and could mentor me through the process."
Bridges’ first book was illustrated by a talented student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, known for its prestigious art programs. For his second and third books, Bridges worked with an illustrator he connected with through the authors’ group. Throughout the creative process time differences and scheduling conflicts created some logistical challenges, but Bridges is grateful for both illustrators and the unique perspectives they added to his vision.
“I’m so lucky to have found talented illustrators who understood what I was trying to do with my books,” Bridges said. “Seeing the worlds I created brought to life through their eyes was an incredible experience.”
As a long-time youth mentor, Bridges wanted to address specific topics he felt were important for children to understand from an early age:
His first book, “Sweet Sneakers,” introduces concepts of financial literacy through an engaging story about earning, investing, and spending wisely—lessons Bridges recognized many of his young adult mentees wished they had learned earlier.
Bridges’ second book, “Corny: Being Me Is Cool,” focuses on building self-confidence and leadership qualities, following a character who recognizes that giving in to trends and peer pressure won’t make him “cool.” Bridges was inspired to write this after seeing the social pressure and bullying faced by kids as young as elementary school-age.
His most recent publication, “Noah’s Prayers,” deals with family support and prayer to help overcome challenges, a theme that emerged in Bridges’ own life as he and his wife navigated the timelines of “normal” childhood development milestones.
"Children understand a lot more than we give them credit for," Bridges reflects. "They can grasp complex concepts if we present them in the right way. My goal was to create stories that entertain while also opening the door for important conversations."
Adding a writing career into an already complicated work-life-Reserve balance hasn't always been easy, but Bridges is undeterred.
"The military taught me discipline and perseverance, which is exactly what you need as a self-published author, who also has a family, a career, and a Reserve commitment," Bridges said. "But having the chance to help inspire and influence the next generation, so they can become strong, resilient leaders in their own right, is worth it."
Looking ahead, Bridges is already brainstorming ideas for his next books—a children’s book celebrating lesser-known American inventors and a nonfiction guide offering young people valuable insights for becoming successful adults.