Albie, best of luck with it all. It's a tough decision that all career officers have to face at some time. Take care of the back, best you can, it is a lifestyle change for sure. I've also been there and done that with the lower back, 3 times I herniated the L4-L5. Discsectomy surgery to fix it the first two times (2004), the last time 7 months ago and I had to have it fused. I'm on terminal leave now and retire 31 Mar 07. 26 years in the Army, one Helicopter crash and over 9,000 hours of rotor wing and fixed wing flying. I should have got out in 2002 but the world changed and I felt the need to give some more. I have my official retirement ceremony is in 2 weeks, I looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

The good news is that I am healing at last and in the hiring pool at SWA (a big thanks to your prep). I've put off the class date twice and SWA was very understanding. Not everyone can dedicate the years you did, and you will know that you gave it your all. Congratulations on your accomplishments!