In part 5, I mentioned my naivety when it came to believing our new Airman would already possess integrity. Which by the way, is one of the Air Force’s three core values. The other two being “Service before self and Excellence in all we do.” I must admit, those core values are hard to adhere to. I discussed my lack of rhythm. No, I wasn’t talking about dancing, which consequentially I do lack the ability to do as well. However, I was actually addressing the troubles I had marching a flight.
This week, I’ll just hit a few highlights of the 6-weeks, my personal transformation and finally graduation. I would find it very hard to believe it if someone had told me they were not extremely excited about their Air Force adventure. The entire experience was truly transformational, in many ways, some better than others. I enjoyed learning about the Air Force Culture. It was a really good feeling to be part of the “World’s Greatest Air Force,” which is how it was often referred to.
Basic training is meant to transform you from a civilian to an Airman, unfortunately what it can’t transform is the heart of a person. When the restraints are removed, albeit slowly, the true nature isn’t far behind. Most of us join with really good intentions of being ” a better person or the best version of ourselves that we can be,” and while those intentions are admirable, they are not always realized.
I don’t want to dwell on anything negative, but I do want to mention this. When you arrive at Basic, you’re so excited, you transition from civilian to Airman and you’re a “changed” person. That is at least until Technical Training or your first base. The only reason I mention this is because, it doesn’t take long for the “underlying” culture to knock the wind out of your sails. I always caution, especially young Christian men and woman, who desire to go serve their Nation, to be alert and vigilant. It’s very easy to “lose your religion” in an effort to conform to a culture. There’s much more that could be said about that, but this is not the time or place.
I have many many fond Basic training memories, but likely, none fonder than graduation day. I wish I could remember more about it. I do recall all flights marching past the stands where, I presume, the Base Commander and Command Chief, among other dignitaries presided over the ceremony, alongside everyone’s friends and families. Our flight turned out to be really sharp when it came to marching. At some point, we all stood at “Parade Rest” side by side with all the other flights. I don’t recall how many other flights there were, but there were hundreds of us new Airmen lined up side by side.
I should at least mention, one of the proudest moments during Basic. It’s when we receive our Airman’s Coin. My wife and I still have ours tucked safely away. It was during our “field week,” which was week 5, I believe. Each flight took time on the drill pad with their instructors, who handed out our coins. It was such a proud moment because at that time you were officially called “Airman” in place of a trainee.
As I mentioned hundreds of us were lined up side by side, awaiting our families to find us in the sea of Airman. I don’t recall the speech, which I’m sure there was one, or who gave it, but I do recall having my family there. They drove 14 hours from Alabama to Texas to attend my graduation. I’m not sure if any of them will ever read this, but to my Mother, Father and Sister. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me. I must admit there are many things as a son and brother which I would have done differently if I could. To see the mercy and grace my family has shown me over the years is truly humbling.
I graduated April 25th from Basic Training at Lackland, AFB, San Antonio, Texas. Afterward, I traveled to Keesler AFB, Mississippi, where I attended Air Traffic Control technical training for four months. I then received my first assignment. I joined to see the world and ended up exploring Little Rock, Arkansas for nearly 6 years. I was reassigned to Travis AFB. Accepted to language school in Monterey, CA and upon completion traveled to Joint Task Force-B in Comayagua, Honduras. My wife and I received a joint assignment in the United Kingdom. I was assigned to Lakenheath Air Base where I was deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, and finally separated in October 2016. I didn’t mention any other deployments, but I did end up in the desert for two short stints. Thank you all so much for joining me on this journey.