Today started pretty much like every other day. Had nothing planned other than the usual grind and then my wife came in the office and everything changed. My son Alex has been training for a job in the Air Force and the plan was for him to ship out some time in the middle of January. Well the recruiter called and one of the guys dropped out and if he could get to his office in Johnson City before noon he could ship out today. :yikes:
None of us was ready for that and it kind of suxs that it was just before Thanksgiving and we thought we would be spending Christmas with him too. Bottom line is he really wants this job (combat controller) and if he can pass the schools there is a 17K bonus waiting for him. I guess they have a 95% drop rate but so far he has passed all their test. Part of me wanted to ask him to wait but I know this is really important to him.
We get him there on time and said our goodbyes. It was really tuff to see him go as we now have three boys serving our country and we have a empty home. His two brothers are in the Marine Corp and Alex is now in the Air Force. I'm proud of them all but in a selfish way I wish they were home with us.
This is really hard on my wife as she can't stop crying. If you think about it say a little prayer for Alex and maybe my wife Chris too. Thanks
Lamont,
Being a Active Duty Air Force member now for 14 years. From what I remember he will not be alone for the turkey day holiday and XMAS. There are sponsor families in the San Antonio area. If he chooses to eat with them. You are right to say the Combat Controllers has a 95% washout rate. Its still the hardest tech school the the AF has to offer..I think the bulk of it is in Florida..
I wish your sons the best. War is Hell and those who join up to serve are a special breed. They will be in my prayers along with all those who serve. Lets also pray that the government doesn't turn their back on todays brave soldiers like they did on Vets from previous conflics.
:agree:All of your Sons are :firstplace: in my bookI for one will not let our gov't turn their backs on these guys. I think there are enough of us out there who won't let that happen.