Happy 69th Birthday United States Air Force

Today, we celebrate The United States Air Forces‘ 69th birthday. Air Power baby! To honor my branch of service, I have listed my top 10 moments of being an Airman. Fly, Fight, Win!

1. Basic Training:  I tell everybody I know that everyone should go through basic training at least once in their lifetime. Integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The three core values that were instilled in me while surviving the 2 ½ months of training. The camaraderie and the marching…oh the good times.
2. Air Traffic Control:  Although I did not succeed in becoming an Air Traffic Controller, I was still able to learn some valuable lessons and experiences along the way. Sometimes, even when I tried my hardest, it was just not meant to be. The willingness to get back up and dust myself off to do something I’m better at helped me become a better person. Did I mention that I got to control some super cool fighter planes? Oh yeah F-22, F-15, F16, A10, T-38, and even some helicopters! Those are experiences I will never forget.
3. Honor Guard:  I’ve done over 100 ceremonies while I was the Flight Commander/Head Trainer at Langley VA. I feel so honored every time my team performed a 7-man or even a 20-man burial ceremony and tell the persons loved ones how much we appreciate the sacrifice they’ve made. I couldn’t help but feel sad but also grateful that I am the person who gave the last impression of what the Air Force represents. Retirement and parades are also great since we were able to showcase the Air Force in a positive way.
4. Tuition Assistance:  Free school while working full time? Why didn’t I jump on this sooner? Literally free money for education. If I knew about this sooner, I wouldn’t have to take out a student loan as a civilian.
5. Volunteer Opportunities:  I have volunteered so much throughout my career and I enjoyed most of them. My favorite by far is the Humane Society since I love animals and Habitats for Humanity since I love helping people.
6. Serving the Nation:  There is no better feeling than fighting for something greater than yourself. I’m only one man in the machine but I know that I can make a difference for the safety of our nation.
7. Free Healthcare:  This helps out so much; it’s not even funny especially as I get older. No co-pay is best co-pay.
8. Free Dental:  We only get two sets of teeth in our lifetime so I’m doing my best to keep mine in excellent condition. Ever get an estimate for the cost of one crown? Thousands.
9. Travel the World:  Since being in the service I’ve been in the following US states: Texas, Mississippi, Washington DC (inside the White House), Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona and many more. Other parts include: Germany and Kuwait.
10. Consistent Money Flow:  As service members, we do not get paid very much but we do get paid consistently. Cash flow rules and that has helped me pay off enormous debt and build a considerable nest egg for my future.

That’s my top 10 list. Happy Birthday Air Force! I appreciate what you have done for my future and the lives we changed along the way. Air Power Hooah!