My Air Force Life

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There were many influences in my life that led me to joining the Air Force. The example that my family set was the foundation for my desire to serve one of the strongest military services in the world. My personal experiences in civil engineering provided me with the understanding of mission importance from an early stage. While serving as a pilot in the Air Force rescue community I have become one who understands the value our country places on the life of an American service member. This essay is about my strong family heritage of serving in the military and why I joined the Air Force, some of my personal experiences that are memorable since joining, and my current role in supporting the Air Force and Joint mission.

Growing up in a military family, I have always had a large amount of pride in my country and the desire to serve in the armed forces. My maternal grandfather served in the Navy as a corpsman making nearly all of the beach landings in the pacific during WWII. This showed me how much he cared for those Marines who fought alongside him and the courage it took to be there on the battlefield. My paternal grandfather served in the Army infantry during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. During the Korean War, his platoon was taken prisoner. After several hours of capture he led the escape and safely returned to Allied lines. Several months later, he was shot in the head by a sniper and left for dead. Collected with other casualties on a dock he was still able to move his arm where he grabbed the medic by the throat and did not let go until they carried him away to mend his wounds. The love for his country and his never die mentality has always stuck with me and inspired me through my many troublesome times throughout my...

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...ck to pick up isolated personnel and ensure they will live is a source of pride in Air Force rescue. The HC-130 can also provide a way to infiltrate an objective area with PJs via airdrop or can refuel the helicopters extending their range. All of these pieces are part of the rescue mission. Air Force rescue serves all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who are in areas that require the protection, and give me the humble satisfaction knowing that I play a role in the effort.

The reasons that I chose to join the Air Force are clear, because my love for my country and the dedication my family has shown toward a life of service before self. In my short experience in the Air Force from the civil engineering community to being a rescue pilot I see the importance of every Airman and how it plays a role in Air Force but more importantly Joint operations.

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