I guess I just knew that one day I would probably much rather go to the Guard/Reserves when the chance came and why would I take away from my already limited time with my family to get a BS Masters degree that would serve me no purpose if I knew I never really saw myself sticking it out 20 years on AD anyways. I did always say that if I ever had the chance to get a real Masters degree that I would be happy to do so, but I was not interested in getting a BS Masters just to check a box.

As far as why I choose to FAIP there were actually multiple reasons that led me to that choice. First off I was one of those guys that went through T-6's when classes were receiving two T-38's a class and I just happened to be number 3 even though I had busted my ass and had solid scores that would lock me in for a 38 today, but I didn't let that get me down though and went to T-1's motivated and with a great attitude and I ended up graduating number 1 out of T-1's. At the time I just wasn't ready to fly something heavy and I actually really thought I wanted to fly U-2's. Everyone told me that FAIPing to the T-6 was my best chance at getting to the U-2 and having enjoyed every second I had flying the T-6 as a student I went against the advice and jaw dropping reactions I got from all of my IP's in T-1's and I decided to take a T-6 FAIP on assignment night.

I had a blast in the T-6, learned a lot, but didn't exactly become the best of friends with my Squadron Commander and I never really saw myself getting a great letter of recommendation from my Wing Leadership for my U-2 packet so I decided to hold off on that because I know you only have once chance at the U-2. So now I'm in ACC, but flying something with 4 engines . I also had some family health issues that has forced me to stay in the Southeast, but depending on what happens the next couple years I still may put in a U-2 packet. I will be honest though, if I have a chance at getting off AD at a time that I can get picked up by a Major at the beginning of a hiring wave, securing a good seniority number and stable lifestyle for my family then I will forgo my desire to fly something at 80,000ft one day and something with a pointy nose the next day.

I never thought I'd say this, but as the years have gone by my desire to spend time with my family and provide them with a stable lifestyle has outgrown my desire to fly what I want.