I was informed on September 10 2012 by my recruiter that I was the only Pilot Select in the 344th Recruiting Squadron. The news was supposed to come on Wednesday September 5th, but it got delayed. Yeah, that was a tough wait. Happiness, shock, excitement; all words I experienced in that moment I got the call. I really didn't hear much after she told me the news; It was hard to finish the day.
I can't believe my life has changed so quickly, at least it feels as though it's been quick. In reality I have been waiting on this decision for almost a year. It's hard to really think about how much me and my family's life will change in the next year and beyond.
I honestly thought I would be selected as a CSO. I thought I had a pretty good package but it's easy to second guess yourself when a majority of the graded measures are dependent on subjective factors (LORs, Resume, PS, etc...). I am more than humbled by the fact that I will be a pilot in the US Air Force. I remember visiting my father in Colorado Springs and how he would tell me that all the "Hot Shots" went "there", as he pointed to the Air Force Academy's Chapel. The feeling of seeing those cadets march, to see the pride and discipline; even at age 11 that had a big impact on me.
I didn't live my teenage and adult life focused on becoming an Air Force Officer, but it was always in the back of my mind. Having kids tends to make you stick to something and get it done for your family, but as my wife can attest to, I contemplated, more than once, going enlisted; it was just never the right decision for our family.
Now that I'm (almost) in, I am more than looking forward to the challenge of OTS, IFS, UPT, etc, etc... I'm ready to leave a legacy for my family and am honored to be given the opportunity to serve and protect not only them, but the entire nation.
I think I want to continue this blog as far as I can through my experiences of OTS, IFS, and UPT. I'm looking forward to this life changing opportunity.
