I wanted heavies, the airlines, and to be out by 7 years as a captain. I likewise passed on Euro-NATO...never even applied for a slot although I'd have been competitive.

So--roll the tape. I've flown the OV-10 and the F-15 since 1992...flew 2 ops tours, an FTU tour, and now fly part time. I got silver oak leaves on my flight suit that still make me laugh out loud--sort of the "ship in a bottle" thought of "how did those get here?". I wouldn't change one dang thing...

I was smart enough in UPT to pretty much keep my mouth shut about my Delta dreams, and also to keep an open mind. I didn't think I'd like sucking air out of can wearing a helment. I was wrong. I didn't think I'd like spending my time studying tactics and crap--I wanted to go see the world. In the end--I did both. I don't think my globe holds a candle to some C-130 drivers out there--never been to Diego, Wake, Ascension, or Johnston Islands...although I always wanted to. However--my gosh--the stuff I DID get to do rocked and I've enjoyed every bit of it. A common thread to my decisions to stay in and keep plugging were good leaders who made working and serving feel like the right thing to do.

I meet a lot of pilots in my gig. I've met airline pilots who dropped bombs in Iraqi Freedom when they got activated. I've met special ops guys who's stories would stop you in your tracks when you hear about low level missions in Afgahanistan. I met a P-3 driver who flew some of the bodies from the USS Cole bombing out of theater to bring them to be transported home with honor. I don't think loving your country and wanting to serve as a pilot require you to pick an airframe or a time committment. The military needs 20 year and 30 year officers. It also needs folks to come in and serve and get the hell out--we can't all be 4 star generals.

So--I wanted heavies and got fighters. I wanted to be out by 30 and I'm still flying fighters at 41. Life has a way of throwing stuff at you that you didn't expect. I just took a break from this post to take help my 3 year old change a Barbie dress...another of life's little blessings I never saw coming. Open your mind, shut your mouth, bust your a$$, and take a little pride in whatever you do. Buff, Herc, Eagle, Viper, Hornet, Cod, or Blackhawk...you won't be working in a cubicle and you will be making a difference. And if it counts--on this Veteran's Day--I for one will appreciate your service.