Mystery: Revealed
-- Joel
Early Monday, I revealed the fact that "I was dealt a "hefty sum" of GREAT, LIFE CHANGING news over the weekend", which wound up putting a pretty big hamper on any type of productivity for the remainder of the weekend. That statement was quickly followed by inquiring minds wanting to know the whole story. I had planned on writing an eloquent, coming of age narrative, but I just couldn't make it work out. In short, it was going to be about a boy (me) who dreams big (wants to become a rocket scientist/astronaut), works towards those dreams (college, internship), only to have them altered by misfortune on a grandiose scale (Space Shuttle Columbia accident). Then the boy settles for a local job in a field that he is not particularly interested in (nuclear work), marries a beautiful woman (wife), picks up a mortgage, dog, car payments, and children. While boy loved to see the paycheck, he just wasn't happy with his professional career-track. He was working down a track perpendicular to that of what he had always dreamed of. This dissatisfaction started to take a toll in other aspects of the boy's life. Boy looks for a change. After some personal soul-searching and many conversations with family, friends, and numerous other mentors and other individuals whom I hold high esteem, I decided to start the pursuit of a U.S. military career.
I have been working diligently towards receiving a commission in the USAF for nearly two years. The commissioning process for civilians not seeking a flying position is one that is quite lengthy (one selection board per fiscal year) and loaded with many other highly qualified applicants. This past Saturday, my hard work was realized, as I was notified of a Selection Status to serve as an Active Duty Aerospace Engineer! Although this news is much more than just a career change (I like to call it a life change), I couldn't be anymore thrilled to get my career back on my dream-path...let alone while serving this wonderful country of ours!
Based on several factors beyond my control, my departure for Officer Training School (OTS) will be much quicker than the standard process. I will be reporting to Maxwell AFB located in Montgomery, AL for 12-weeks of instruction and training this coming June 24th. Upon my graduation from OTS, I will likely attend a several week technical school to learn the AF engineering processes/procedures and then I'll be assigned to a duty station -- unsure exactly where, but certainly away from the Knoxville area where I've called home for the last 12 years.
Needless to say, I've got a plate full of stuff on my plate in the coming months. Given the schedule at OTS, there will be little (if any) time to post here in the RTT community this summer and early fall. (Yes, I will miss a significant amount of the football season...talk about personal sacrifice!!) I expect each of you to pick up my slack and to keep the "Junior Papa's" Corvette running smoothly and efficiently!
Reporting for duty,
Future Lieutenant Aerobab
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Dude
Proud of you. Can't wait to shake your hand on Saturday.
by Joel on Apr 17, 2008 10:36 AM CDT 0 recs
Congratulations!
You're right; this is a life change. I think you'll love the difference, and I hope that your wife does as well. The USAF is very good (the best among the four branches) with family matters, so you're in great hands.
Missing some football season is small potatoes compared to the benefit this country will receive from you. Always keep that in mind; it really does help during the more difficult times.
Lastly, tell us more. Will you start at 1st Lieu., or 2nd? Do you need more help with the O&W weekend? Is the Mrs. looking at real estate in potential duty station locations? The list goes on.
by hooper on Apr 17, 2008 11:44 AM CDT 0 recs
Oh, and one practical matter.
/practical. Time to celebrate.
by hooper on
Apr 17, 2008 11:51 AM CDT
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Quick Answers
Not really...just need participants!
Hadn't thought that far ahead. The advice I've received to date suggests that base housing is the way to go, though.
by Aerobab on
Apr 17, 2008 11:51 AM CDT
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It's a shame
SSgt Ramsey
United States Marine Corps
But, seriously (I guess), congratulations, sir, and remember--take care of your men and they will take care of you.
by gramsey712 on Apr 17, 2008 12:05 PM CDT 0 recs
Oh, and if you do get deployed
I was in Fallujah for the whole 2004 season, but I got to see every game. Albeit 3 weeks later.
by gramsey712 on
Apr 17, 2008 12:10 PM CDT
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Congratulations!
by rustytanton on Apr 17, 2008 12:18 PM CDT 0 recs
We'll take care of your viewing needs
by Joel on Apr 17, 2008 12:22 PM CDT 0 recs
Godspeed, Joel
by RevOrange on Apr 17, 2008 12:35 PM CDT 0 recs
Congratulations!!
Plus you'll get the added distinguishment of doing something noble and honorable. That, my friend, is what it's all about. So kudos to you for chasing your dream. It's something most of us never get to do and you should be proud of yourself for having the guts to do it.
Best of luck to you and your family. GO VOL!!!
by XRayVol on Apr 17, 2008 12:44 PM CDT 0 recs
Congrats!
I wish you luck in your career. I could not live the life I have if it weren't for the US Navy.
Fair Winds and Following Seas...Sir!
by Paragon SC on Apr 17, 2008 1:01 PM CDT 0 recs
Good Luck
by Smitty on
Apr 17, 2008 1:09 PM CDT
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Congratulations!
Thank you for giving of yourself, and all the best as you embark on your next adventure...
lawvol: Gate 21.net - Life, the Universe, & the Bounce of the Ball
by lawvol98 on Apr 17, 2008 9:02 PM CDT 0 recs
Good Luck, Lt!
by wvvol on Apr 17, 2008 10:51 PM CDT 0 recs
MAY GOD KEEP AND BLESS YOU
by old smokey on Apr 18, 2008 4:02 AM CDT 0 recs
Trivia!
Rocket Boys.
by Joel on Apr 18, 2008 7:15 PM CDT 0 recs
freak
And anyway, you already knew that, too, didn't you, Rocket Boy?
Freak.
by Joel on
Apr 20, 2008 12:30 PM CDT
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Vols in Space!
by Volorado on Apr 19, 2008 12:26 PM CDT 0 recs







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