Duke,
I am a 90 grad of EKU, I never thought anybody else made it out of there, much less make the ACSC list. I did 10 years active working for uncle sugar just like you described. I got out in '01 and hired on with a little cargo company based in memphis. I have never regretted that, because my timing was right. But in today's hiring environment, I am not sure what I would do. There are only a few strong companies hiring, and they are very competitive. But very much worth it if you can get one of those jobs. Have you considered going Active Guard/Reserve?