Posted on 05/22/2006 6:28:34 AM PDT by Tennessee_Bob
It's trivial, it's a vanity - but I was talking with a couple folks at work today and it dawned on me - I can tell you exactly what I was doing twenty-two years ago today.
Twenty-two years ago today, my dad came down to the MEPS Center in Knoxville, Tennessee in his dress blues, his retiree pin on his lapel, and took his place in front of me. We both raised our right hands, and I repeated the Oath of Enlistment as he read it off to me. Somewhere at the house, I have a copy of my first enlistment papers with my dad's signature on it.
That started a ten year career in the USAF as a jet engine mechanic - literally the best job I ever had. I tell people that I used to have to pinch myself to make sure I was awake - it was hard to believe that I was getting paid to have as much fun as I did.
In any case - it's damned hard to believe that it was twenty-two years ago.
Forty two years ago, I was in my second week at the Aviation Officer Candidate School, and Master Gunnery Sergeant Lowder (yes, that was his real name!) was exercising his vocal cords in a most profane way at Aviation Officer Candidate Class 20-64.
As I recall, in his not-so-humble opinion, we were the biggest bunch of pantywaist, feather-merchant college-boy screw ups ever to grace Pensacola! And no way in Hell were we ever going to get out of INDOC! And if we did, no way in Hell we would ever get commissioned! And if we did, no way in Hell would we get our wings, And if we did, we'd probably land with our wheels tucked safely in their wells someday!
Oh, we were having SOME FUN! weren't we?
What a nice memory of your swearing in.
What a coincidence.
19 MAY 06 was my 22nd year mark of raising my right hand, as well.
That day found me stuck here in the Sunni Triangle, still. Still crazy, after all these years.... ;]
Hang in there, Sarge. We're praying for your safe return, a.s.a.p.
Twenty-nine years ago this week, I graduated from boot camp.....seems so much longer.
PS Congratulations and thank you for your service!
Very nice read. Glad you posted it. My brother was in the Air Force, too.
God Bless Our Air Force...
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