Adult category winner |
Youth category winner |
Continuing Service by Robert G. from Grand Forks AFB It was Mother’s Day 1981 when I left the crime-ridden, drug-infested neighborhoods of the big city, with little more than faith in my God and country, to answer a call to join the military. Little did... |
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What My Air Force Life Means to Me by Mark W. from Goodfellow AFB My Air Force life began in 1983 when I reported to Basic Military Training. Although I had a guaranteed job as a cryptologic linguist, whatever that was, there was still much trepidation and anxiety ... |
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Unexpected Surprises by Nicole B. from Lajes AB In August of 2006 we found out we were having our second baby, we were more than excited. Less than 7 days later our excitement and smiles turned into Heartache, Fasting, Praying, Crying, Sadness, and... |
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Why does Daddy have to go? by Dawn H. from Tinker AFB “Why does Daddy have to go?” I remember our seven year old daughter asking me on the way home. We had just dropped off daddy at the airport. He told me to drop him off outside the airport. “I want... |
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Air Force Family by Hope H. from USAF Academy Before “we” (and I say we because as each of us knows, the spouses and children are serving as well through the sacrifices they make in supporting our servicemembers) joined the Air Force, when I hear... |
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A Wonderful Life by Mary S. from Kadena AB The Air Force is our life! As a twelve year old girl from the Philippines, I migrated to the Air Force life in 1993. My sister was a Staff Sergeant and Travis AFB, California was my first home in th... |
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The Air Force, the great opportunity by Summer W. To live, work and play in the Air Force takes on a new meaning in my situation. Currently, my family is the only Air Force family stationed at Sasebo Naval base in Japan. The total force of the Air Fo... |
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My Heroes by Amber M. from Nellis AFB Ever since my life began it has not been an easy life. I grew up in some of the worst possible situations. I never believed there was anything great in this world. A lot of people in my life ... |
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Who could ask for a better life? by Lori S. from Offutt AFB My Air Force life has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I have a great husband with whom I share the same morals and values; we are committed to God, our family and serving our cou... |
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Live Air Force by Susan P. from Kirtland AFB When I was twenty-one, I joined the Air Force with a friend through the “buddy system.” We went though basic training and technical school together and after tech school, she went to Sheppard AFB and ... |
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The Air Force Way by David M. from Holloman AFB There are many ways to do things in this world. There's a right way and a wrong way. A good way and a bad way. A way to exceed, and a way of just getting by. A way to stand out and a way to blend ... |
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Base living enhances a great AF life by Wendy F. from Mountain Home AFB The best part about living on an Air Force base is that each is its own little village. When my husband deploys I don’t leave this island sometimes for weeks at a time. Every need is provided for wi... |
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I Was Living A Selfish Life... by Jodie C. from Spangdahlem AB The first time I saw his bright green eyes, I felt it. This was the man I had been looking for…waiting for. Why had it taken so long to find him? I had been living a selfish life. I was a single, 30-s... |
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My Life as an AF Wife… by Michelle B. from Holloman AFB I was once asked “What is it like to be a military wife?” My first reaction was to start rattling off all the negative things that come with being a military spouse. Deployments, moving, stress, and t... |
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Core of My Life by Melissa S. from Hurlburt Field I’ll have to combine the two scenarios, for you see, my entire life has been centered around the Air Force. I was born into the Air Force family, to a proud Senior Airman father and my new to the mil... |
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My AF saved my life and made me want to live… by Jane C. from Spangdahlem AB I joined the AF right out of high school at the age of 18 and was stationed at Lackland AFB. I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21. I thought I am never going to go to college...I am never goin... |
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Growing up AF from day 1 and the friends I've made by Barton B. from Laughlin AFB I was born abroad in Spain and have moved around all the time as a kid, attending five different schools by fourth grade. When people would ask me where I was from I usually respond with “earth.” Ma... |
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My Dad, My Mom, My Five Brothers, and Me by Charles O. from RAF Mildenhall What can I say about the Air Force family that hasn’t yet been said, written, put into a poem, read, and voted on? Well, I guess I could start by telling you we were ALWAYS an Air Force family, from ... |
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Six Degrees of the Air Force Legacy by Misty K. My first flight on an airplane was to Basic Training in 1999. A hundred or so flights later, I have been blessed to work with some of the smartest, bravest, most passionate people you could ever meet.... |
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Two days, Twelve Years Apart by Jahnine S. from Travis AFB The two most precious memories I carry as an AF spouse are of two similar days twelve years apart. In 1989 I was a newlywed with an an infant son. One day in December Jim came home early and sai... |
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One Decision Changed My Life by Al C. from Ramstein AB Many of us make decisions everyday; some of those decisions can change our lives forever. My “Air Force” life began with a decision that changed, and continues to change, my life every day. Born in ... |
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New Air Force Family by Melanie S. from Seymour Johnson AFB The Air Force has been a part of my immediate family since I was 12 years old when my brother joined. I am now 32 and my husband at age 34 just entered the Air Force Reserves. This has been such a c... |
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"My Air Force Life" by Aneliya A. from Minot AFB I am Bulgarian. I am a world traveler and my home travels with me. I am in love with an American Hero. I am a military spouse! Few years ago I had no idea what the American Air Force, or any AF in th... |
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A Family Legacy by Sonja G. from Maxwell-Gunter AFB I grew up in an Air Force family. I watched and learned as my mother handled things while my father was on rotation (old-timey word for C-130 deployment). It wasn’t surprising that I would eventuall... |
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My Air Force Life by Wendy H. from Spangdahlem AB Close your eyes and picture this. Tom Cruise. Kelly McGillis. Hard bodies playing beach volleyball. Sex in the afternoon. Ear-splitting jet engines. Dangerous missions. Iceman (oh yeah). Adren... |
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What a Wonderful Life by Angela S. from MacDill AFB Working for the Air Force as a Civilian employee has been a wonderful experience. I began working for the Air Force in 2004 as a temp employee in Fayetteville, NC. When I initially took the job I r... |
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My American Dream by Oyunchimeg Y. from Hill AFB I was born and raised in Mongolia – former Soviet allied Communist country. Life was very different and I questioned much. I was privileged to come to the United States shortly after the Soviet fall... |
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A Dream Nearly Shattered. by Kyle C. from Holloman AFB I grew up as an Army brat always dreaming of following in my father’s footsteps and joining the military. My father always stressed the Air Force because of the great opportunities and quality of li... |
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Becoming a Man by Jacob M. from Pope AFB Growing up in a small town in rural Missouri, I always had a passion to see what else the world had to offer. Within my first few years in the Air Force, I learned more about being a man than I ever ... |
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A Great Way of Life by Stephanie M. from Robins AFB We were waiting for him to arrive from the airport. It was a sunny day in April of 2006. I was trying to be strong, trying to hold back the tears but it had been over a year since I had seen my dad. I... |
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Family of Blue by Joel V. from USAF Academy Coming from a state of various backgrounds and never finding a place that seemed to make me feel at home, the military was considered a last resort to an ordinary life. Leaving an economy that was str... |
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My Air Force Life by Karrin P. from Maxwell-Gunter AFB My Air Force life, what can I say? It's crazy, busy everyday? Get used to new friends, find a groove Uh Oh orders, time to move! Kids want to know what hometown their from Kirtland, Andrews, Boll... |
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Season Passes To The Air Force Amusement Park by Heather G. from Ramstein AB Recall for a moment your favorite roller coaster as a kid. You know, the one for which you endured long lines in the hot sun, and rode over and over again despite your parents’ and friends’ pleas ... |
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My Air Force Life As A Military Spouse by Jody W. from Travis AFB God has blessed me with an amazing husband! He is an awesome dad, a loving spouse, a great provider and a loyal Airman. One of the first questions I get when I meet a new person and they find out my h... |
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Our Cherished Years by Loriann P. from Ramstein AB Hahn, Lackland, Lowry, Lackland……Bergstrom, Kelly……Warren, Lackland, Warren, Ramstein. Wow! What a whirlwind these past 20 years have been. Some might ask what the ellipses are doing in our list. ... |
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My Air Force Life by Danna H. from Kadena AB We all have dreams when we are children about how our life is going to be when we become adults and face the world on our own. Many things that I have done in life led me to my little piece of heaven... |
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A Place To Come Home To by Lee S. from USAF Academy We are like many of the other Air Force families who live at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We shop at the commissary, live on base, coach children’s baseball, and are friends with our Air Force neighbo... |
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New Begining by Angela A. from Cannon AFB My personal experience in the Air Force has been a short but inspiring one. To understand what I mean, I have to give you information. You see I have two families; I lived with my mother and her... |
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"Daddy's Saving the WORLD?!?" by Sarina H. from RAF Mildenhall “Where’d daddy go?" Kyle asks in his cheery morning voice. It’s 0630. I try to pat down Kyle’s messy blonde hair, and say what I say most mornings, "Daddy has to fly today." Kyle is three. He was ... |
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Invisible Soldier by Kevin R. from Ramstein AB Invisible Soldier Hunger gnaws at my stomach. It has been days since I’ve eaten a real meal. Last one was before my platoon left our Forward Operating Base for a patrol. We marched for hours t... |
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A Tale of Tails by Julie H. from Goodfellow AFB Working with children of military members has always been rewarding. Goodfellow AFB School Age Program and my dog Blade teamed up for a special program; Therapy Dogs International’s Tail Waggin Tutors... |
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A Life to Remember--Air Force Life Does Not End! by Gary B. from McGuire AFB My Air Force Life Story began in 1946 when my father re-enlisted in the Army Air Corps following his WWII service. I was ten years old and already had ten years of Army training living with my father ... |
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Air Force life by Duane A. from Buckley AFB As a former Chief of services and First Sergeant. I observed many instances of how we take care of our people in the USAF. Believe me, we set the standard. An excellent example happened over 20 ... |
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Deploy on Holiday season by Ayako C. from Davis-Monthan AFB My husband just came back from Deploy at Kuwait for 6 mons. This was 2nd time to went to Holiday season. I am Japanese dependent who don't understand Military sistem and American sistem. We has 2 ... |
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Proud Military Wife by Valencia W. from Holloman AFB As a military spouse, I have discovered every path I’ve taken leads me into a new direction. For over twenty years I have experienced the joys and the pains of relocating and missing family and friend... |
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Destination: Paradise by Brian C. from Andersen AFB My Air Force experience has been amazing! My wife and I are both on Active Duty and never run out of stories to tell. We are currently stationed at Andersen AFB in Guam. This is a truly unique assi... |
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This is Home by Kelly M. from Moody AFB The first time I drove onto an Air Force Base alone, I cried. I was visiting my new husband during his training at Maxwell AFB and got overwhelmed by the guns and gate guards. I pulled over and had ... |
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Home At Last by Eric J. from Ramstein AB Breathing hard after a long, hot jog from the passenger terminal, I drop my bags behind the right field fence and lift the brim of my cap to mop my forehead. 260 feet away, a tall, handsome boy taps ... |
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Didn’t Know Life Could Mean so Much by Mark F. from Dover AFB My Air Force life has opened a lot of doors for me, but it means so much more. Joining the USAF, has allowed me to do things in my life that I NEVER thought possible. I have been to the White House a... |
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A ride not everyone can endure by Kristine B. from Dover AFB Air Force life can only be described as a ride that many can get on, but not all can ride out. Those who stay on this ride, know what it means to live with endurance, suffering, patience, nights alo... |
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Twenty-five Years Ago by Gina V. from Pentagon Twenty-five years ago I attended a graduation. I remember crisp uniforms and shiny medals; a flag, a song, and a handsome young man. An Air Force officer’s career was stepping out of the shadows and... |
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Always an Heir by Victorina H. from Dover AFB Once upon a time, a brave young man from the land of Yoowes rose up to join the Heir Force to defend his kingdom against any and all that threatened their security. Upon crossing a great sea, he met a... |
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Not many get this chance by Albert F. from Goodfellow AFB Did you know that less than one percent of the American population is in the military? We are elite protectors of our nation. My parents could never be more proud of me and the road I have travelled.... |
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And what a life it will be... by Jeffrey L. from Andersen AFB The military life is the best and we're living proof! As a new Air Force spouse I've seen first hand, as just six weeks ago we were living in the Mojave desert in California (Edwards AFB) and now we a... |
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Love the Uniform by Chrystal M. from Mountain Home AFB Off we go into the wild blue yonder is what I can still remember almost seventeen years ago when my husband graduated from Basic Military Training. This is where my new life began as a military wife ... |
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My Air Force Story by Art H. from Offutt AFB Since I was a little boy and my grandfather would take me to the local airport to watch the F-4 fighters fly during Guard weekends, I knew the military was for me. I was lucky enough to take a small c... |
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My Air Force Life by Steven L. from Wright Patterson AFB I hesitate to even begin to put down in words how wonderful the Air Force has been to me and my family, and all it has to offer, because I worry, once word gets out, there will be a stampede of people... |
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Coming Home by Tony P. from Homestead ARB Wow! That is how I discribe coming back to the military. After a long seperation and working in the civilian world and focusing on competing everyday for your job in a corporate setting, it was a wo... |
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Nicolas by Safa S. from USAF Academy My story is in honor of a little boy named Nicolas, who became the best friend of our son, Ali. Nicolas’s family moved to Wright Patterson Air Force Base from Hanscom Air Force Base in the spring of ... |
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The Air Force Volunteer by Preston C. from Barksdale AFB Every year, I volunteer heavily during the holidays, whether it is with the local food bank, Santa’s in Blue, or the Soup Kitchen with my church. It seems almost a creature of habit, something for my... |
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My Military Life by Mirtha L. from Beale AFB When I first joined I didn't know what I was in for. I just knew I wanted to get away from home. I never thought that I would end up on the opposite end of the globe though. It's been very trying at t... |
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Paying it Forward by Shandanh T. from Robins AFB My life as an Air Force member was spectacular. As a small town Georgia girl, I ventured off to see the world. I knew this was the best decision I could make with added benefits of school and medical ... |
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The Air Force Life is Forever by Dee B. from Bolling AFB As I lie down looking up at the ceiling, I listen to the birds chirping as I wait for the break of dawn. I could see my father's face as a young proud solider. First, as a drill sergeant tough and s... |
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Freedom In My Back Yard by Hien N. from Offutt AFB My earliest memories are when I was four years old. I remember Grandma’s house, nearby fields, buffaloes, and US soldiers. No, this was not America. This story starts back on 30 April 1975, when my... |
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What could be better than this? by Stephen B. from Holloman AFB What could be better than meeting the woman of your dreams, getting a free three year honeymoon to Europe, having your first baby boy, and getting four consecutive promotions at work in just four shor... |
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Midnight Encounter by Avery M. from Holloman AFB Man, what a beautiful night as I looked out the windshield of my patrol vehicle. My partner was a young Airman, fresh to long nights and short sleep. He veered out the passenger side of the vehicle ... |
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Now what? by Kirsti C. Life in the Air Force....Where to start?? When I first married my Airman First Class back in 1990 I had no idea what I was getting myself into. That first assignment in Alaska tested my will for sur... |
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My Life in the Air Force ... by Angela T. from Lajes AB ...has been nothing short of an adventure. My affiliations with the Air Force have consisted of being an active duty member, spouse, veteran, and civilian. I have enjoyed each role to the fullest an... |
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Living the Life by Ronald A. from Pope AFB If you would have asked me ten years ago where the Air Force was going to take me I would have told you straight to the end of my enlistment. Yep, I was one of those people that were stuck in a rut. D... |
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The Fallen by Brandi S. from RAF Lakenheath Standing on the flight line with a sharp salute, tears blur my eyes. My thoughts bounce around my head like a pin ball machine. Was he married? Did he have any children? How is his mother handling the... |
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Can't Do It Alone by Stephanie B. from Little Rock AFB So many emotions and thoughts go through my mind when I think of how to describe my AF life. People wonder how you cope with the demand of military life. It's because we have each other. We share a sp... |
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Thriving by Crystal P. from Edwards AFB My Air Force life is filled me with pride and it is humbling. It is the most security I've ever known as well as the most worry (deployment). It has taught me that love can be expressed in the most "u... |
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So, What Does the Air Force Life Mean to Me? by eduardo h. from Holloman AFB My transformation from a civilian life to active duty changed my whole perspective of looking at life. So, what does the Air Force Life mean to me? As a person serving for almost two years in the main... |
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From the Streets to Living with a Purpose by Christina F. from Peterson AFB The Air Force means living life with a purpose. I was living on the streets when I decided to call a recruiter. The recruiter gave me a chance to prove myself and enlisted me. I went from strugglin... |
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The Price We Pay by Twila D. I had admired him from afar. At last he had noticed me. Already I was planning the wonderful summer we would have together. Then he turned to me and said, “I leave for Basic Training next week.” ... |
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The Air Force is a great place to live. by Eva S. from Volkel AB I am a dependent wife with two fury boys, Maximus and Zeus. My husband SMSGT Space, First Sgt. stationed at Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands. Might as well begin with how I reflect upon my life ... |
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Pride in Sacrifice by Jennifer M. from Shaw AFB I have been around the military my entire life. I was an Air Force brat growing up and fell in love and married an Airman. The Air Force life to me is friendship-you meet and become close to a lot of ... |
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It's a Wonderful Life by Ludie B. from Kirtland AFB It is a wonderful life, this Air Force life and sometimes it takes on the characteristics of a holiday classic. This happened to my family and has become a tradition to re-tell the story. Over twent... |
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My Air Force Life by Sommer H. from Holloman AFB Last year I moved to Guam to work at a resort as a massage therapist, I was in search of freedom from the daily stresses of life on the main land. What I found was love. Three days after my plane la... |
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The Air Force is what got us through ! by Jana V. from Vandenberg AFB I have only been 20 years old as I had moved with my Husband into Military Housing Overseas.We were about to expect our first child and had just found out that my husbands first deployment is ahead of... |
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Our Dual Air Force Life by Ann C. from Peterson AFB The day we met, October 18, 1999 started out as most October mornings in Great Falls, Montana do bitter cold and overcast. My flight from the 490th Missile Squadron was scheduled to tour the weapon s... |
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Frozen Chosen by James W. from Grand Forks AFB You have prepared yourself mentally and physically all year for this. You have been told it is nothing like anything you have ever experinced in your life. This day will test you. That day is today..... |
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USAF Families Suffer on the Homefront Too by Beth M. from Little Rock AFB I am an Air Force brat turned wife of 17 years. I had three babies 17 months apart, I suffered post partum depression, my husband was deployed a lot, I lost my job, and we relocated in July and my hus... |
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Air Force Is The Way by Dawnika C. from Little Rock AFB Coming from a small town in Fort Pierce, Fl. I didn't want to grow up like: your average Floridan. I wanted to be someone that people would always remember! I did all that I needed to make it through.... |
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My Air Force Life by Michael S. from USAF Academy "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder, climbing high, into the sun..." A familiar phrase to all who live, work and play in the US Air Force Family. Being a part of this family is an adventure enable... |
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Thanks for Making Me Your Problem by Anne T. from USAF Academy Not my dependent, not my problem… My husband, Guy, left for training en route to Iraq just weeks after we moved to serve his new assignment at the USAF Academy in Colorado. Now flying solo in a new c... |
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Serving with Honor by Joseph C. from Robins AFB My ancestor, Charles Carroll was the last man to sign the Declaration of Independence. He signed it as “Charles Carroll of Carroll County Maryland” so that the King of England would know who he was... |
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The Air Force has given us a HOME by Tamara L. from Seymour Johnson AFB My husband and I married in 1990 and the only thing we knew was that we loved each other and wanted to be together. We both had "jobs" but that was all. One year later, my husband decided to join th... |
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Air Force Brat by Melissa R. from Little Rock AFB I was born an Air Force brat. But I don’t see it as a bad thing and I don’t even understand the saying. Why are we called brats? My dad served 20 years in the Air Force and I grew up in Hawaii, Ca... |
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My Forever by Torie H. from Yokota AB From the first time for me to fire the M-16, that’s when I saw him. Four years later at the armory of Kunsan AB, Korea; I turned in weapons for my squadron and ran into him again. The third time, 6 ... |
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My Military Life has Changed Me by Arcadia D. from Tinker AFB Being apart of the military has been a source of great strength, pride, and insight into diversity of America’s fabric. I have gained solace and strength in the arms of strangers who later became fam... |
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Living with Honor and Respect by Kimberly k. from Osan AB My husband joined the Air Force to provide for me. He promised a better life for both of us. 11 years later I set here realizing he fulfilled his promise and more. I didn't realize what all this mea... |
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Wrong Door Right Man by CAT C. from Robins AFB When joining the military, all I knew was that I was ready for something different and I had no idea as to what to expect. I came in unaccompanied and my family and friends were many miles away and t... |
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my first overseas experience by Bill C. from Peterson AFB This is the story about a young man 18yrs old walking the mean streets of South Side Chicago. One day he got a draft notice he was going to Vietnam. After his physical with the Army the young man walk... |
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What the Air Force Means To Me by Karen G. from Wright Patterson AFB As I approach my 21st year anniversary in the Air Force, I sit back and think about why do I serve. I learned “mission first, people always” from my commanding officer while stationed in Alas... |
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My Air Force Life as an Air Force Spouse by Brittnee F. from Robins AFB Only a year and a half into my husband’s experience with the Air Force we got the devastating news he was going to be shipped off to Iraq. From a wife’s standpoint it is significantly devastating, six... |
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The Change by John B. I was twenty-one and going nowhere in life. MEPS and the testing was my way to make something of myself. I was in for a life-changing experience, which would affect me and my loved ones. As I start... |
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Hawaiian Jewel by Angela Y. from Hickam AFB Hot sun, burning sun, eyes tearing up sun. Paddling faster and faster toward the sun, never getting any closer but telling herself, someday I’ll catch the sun. I will scoop it up with my paddle and ... |
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An Air Force Wife's Thoughts by Stephanie R. from Seymour Johnson AFB My husband and I were highschool sweethearts. Soon after we graduated highscool he was shipped off to basic training. I knew I loved him very much and he was the one. When he was in tech school he ask... |
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Live, Work, & Play in a Community Like None Other by Gina P. from Maxwell-Gunter AFB There is no other community in the world that is like that of the Air Force's. We live, work, and play in a community that brings so much: mutual respect, trust, camaraderie, and teamwork. I lived on... |
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My life as a Air Force wife by Beth W. from Tinker AFB My life as an Air Force wife has been an adventure. My husband has been in the Air Force for 17 years. He is a Master Sergeant. Over the course of the 17 years he has been deployed 4 times and is c... |
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A Job Harder Than Being a Pilot by Tammy O. from USAF Academy As I look back on my 12 years in the Air Force, I realize that I’ve been given great opportunities, made good friends, and learned innumerable lessons. I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, and now here ... |
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Life is not only about reaching your destination by Emily D. from Schriever AFB Life is not only about reaching your destination, but fully enjoying and learning from your journey. When I first heard that quote years ago, I had no idea the journey the AF would send us on or what ... |
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My Life as an Air Force Wife by Lori Z. from McConnell AFB Life as an Air Force wife is completely different than what I initially expected it to be like. My husband went into the Air Force at 25 years old. This is later than some, but was what worked be... |
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Salute to the Air Force Family by Christina S. from Keesler AFB The first word that comes to my mind when I hear Air Force Life is family. Living the Air Force life has made our family who we are today. My husband and I went to high school together however we hard... |
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Honored to Serve by Brian David B. from Offutt AFB In the year of 2000, if you had asked me what I thought about the military and the government in general you would have found my attitude to be one of suspicion and disrespect. Before I joined the m... |
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Journey That Began in Afghanistan by Heehyun K. from Los Angeles AFB My Air Force journey began when I met my husband in, of all places, Afghanistan in 2007. There I was in the middle of a war torn country working as a civilian contractor. Always an adventurous spir... |
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Home Again by Shawn B. from Whiteman AFB Here we are, pulling up to the lake and our favorite camping spot. It’s been a long drive and a long time since we’ve been here, but we made it. We started this journey yesterday, renting the 13 foo... |
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Up, Up and Away by Timika W. from Shaw AFB I drive down the road towards the base which is enroute to home and wooooshhhhh!!!! There goes one then wooooosssshhhh!!!! There goes his wingman. My heart races and I step out of my vehicle to watch ... |
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My Wonderful Air Force Life by Charles O. from RAF Mildenhall My life began in an Air Force hospital at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and I guess it is appropriate that my last career move involves an Air Force assignment as a civilian working in England. ... |
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Life As A Solder's Wife by Michael C. from USAF Academy Life As A Solder’s Wife Dressed in thread-bare linen Washing clothes against the rocks So Poor she can’t afford soap To clean her husband’s socks She thinks, thank God, I have my breasts... |
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Red Thread by Lisa W. from Travis AFB There is an ancient Chinese belief - "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never b... |
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Sure, life's a journey . . . by Michelle O. from McChord AFB Except when you are driving 2,000 miles across the country with a toddler, two dogs, two cars packed from floorboards to sunroof, oh, and being 7 months pregnant - then everything becomes a destinatio... |
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Born Blue by Mike V. from McChord AFB My Air Force life started from birth. I grew up as my father proudly served as a United States Airman for 24 years and now in my adult life my wife proudly serves our country as a United States Airman... |
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How Our Fallen Heroes Brought Us Together by Rizzete H. from McChord AFB He never really liked me, and I never really liked him either. But there was something that brought us together, the different fallen heroes we see each day. My husband and I met at the Dover AFB Port... |
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Thank you for your service by Mark K. from USAF Academy “Thank you for your service.” It was a small, even an insignificant spoken gesture said to a young man in uniform. The branch of service was not important, though I knew that he was a Staff Serge... |
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My Mom got blown up! by Michael L. from Patrick AFB “My mom got blown up” What happened honey? I said, shaking the sleep from my eyes. It was Saturday, and I had just answered my door in base housing and was speaking to the 7 year old boy from across ... |
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Smiles by claude r. from Offutt AFB The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play. On a recent deployment to the Middle East, I was out and about on base when I overheard a conversation between a local national and one of our A... |
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Living the Dream by Rebecca W. from Osan AB Newly married, new to the Air Force and new to Osan AB, my move was very stressful. Arriving in Korea and leaving behind all that was familiar to me, I found myself very scared and lonely. After a few... |
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Military People by Stephanie F. from USAF Academy I'm a lucky Air Force kid. I'm one of the few that can say they have moved only three times in their life, and only remember two of those three moves. However, my story isn't about moving, it's about... |
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Something Worthwhile by Scott S. from Holloman AFB I used to work in a nuclear power plant in Northern Illinois. Only 21 years old, I was surrounded by men and women from every branch of the Armed Forces. They used to tell to me stories about their... |
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The Dream by Catherine M. from USAF Academy I dreamt last night that I was soaring through a sea of endless blue. The waves of clouds swirled me up higher and higher so that I felt the pulse of the wind as I increased speed and altitude. The sc... |
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The Air Force Family by Kendra A. from USAF Academy Here I stand 5 months pregnant saying good bye to my husband for four months. We had just transferred to our new base and he was already getting deployed. I thought this would be the hardest thing in ... |
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My Great Air Force family! by Cindy N. from F E Warren AFB I remember the first day I stepped into the role of Air Force dependent/spouse. Not only did I but still do feel so much pride in what my husband does, he loves his career and what he is contributing... |
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They Picked Strong Women for a Reason by Melissa M. from Hurlburt Field "Bloom where you are planted" was a phrase that was well-known in our house growing up. We weren't a military family, but we moved three times in 15 years, which was alot for a kid. The seeds God plan... |
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Live, Work, Play, and Learn! by James W. from Tinker AFB The Air Force, in addition to being a great place to live, work, and play is also a great place to learn. While not often considered, I believe that the educational opportunities presented by the Air... |
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A Spouses Survival by Sarah G. from Hill AFB The Star Spangle Banner plays every day at 1700 without skipping a beat, yet every day I am still struck by goose bumps all over my body and an overwhelming sense of pride. When my husband proposed to... |
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"Why I joined the AF is not the reason I stay" by Shawn C. from Buckley AFB I joined the Air Force to get away from home and get a clean slate, fresh start so to speak. What I got in the last 18 years is so much more than I could have ever expected. I never thought that the A... |
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My Air Force Life by Jessica T. from Ellsworth AFB The Air Force, it’s my way of life. It means sacrifice and dedication. It means maintaining a strong family relationship; so when the next deployment rolls around the bond will hold you together regar... |
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Worlds Apart by Marie-Laure T. from Hill AFB I would not be writing this if it wasn’t for the Air Force. He was from the United States and I from France; an ocean separated us and yet we met, fell in love and traveled around the world where... |
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A Better Me by Marlo M. from Travis AFB My life truly is an Air Force life, and to think I am only the spouse of a Master Sergeant. I never did sign any papers or say the oath. I think when my husband stood in front of that flag so many ... |
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Imagine Me by Randy W. from Offutt AFB A blind member inspired this poem. I imagine when you passed me by The water fountain, did not say hi You feared to speak because you knew The invisible man, it could be you. I imagine when y... |
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My Air Force Family by Schuyler R. from RAF Mildenhall My husband, daughter and I PSC’d to Incirlik AB. I’ve never lived more than 2 hours away from my family. In our first hour we met an amazing Airman from the shop, who not only drove us around the base... |
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My Life.... by Jeremy H. from Offutt AFB When I think about what my Air Force life means to me, many things come to mind. It means financial stability in a time when banks are closing. It means virtually free health care for my family when ... |
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Last Four by Wendy B. from Shaw AFB " Last four!" Four simple words that confirmed I had indeed entered a new world. A world complete with its own language, customs and dress. "Last four what? Pick a noun and I'll try to tell you, mea... |
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The blissful life of an airman by Ashley J. from Langley AFB As an Airman in the United States Air Force, this life means everything. My life is a great life, thanks to the Air Force. I have been enlisted for 16 months now. I work in the Aircraft Parts Store pr... |
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"This life is our life" by Andrea C. from Columbus AFB My Air Force "career" starts when my spouse joined the Academy. We grew up together in a small town in upstate New York. Though everyone knows you can't have dependents in the Academy, we were certain... |
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Moving Out by Cari W. from Randolph AFB Ring, ring. “Hello…Yes, sir, this is Airman Wallace. Tomorrow? Yes, see you then. Goodbye, sir.” Tomorrow. Tears could not flow down her cheek, but it seemed Cora’s eyes were drowning in salty s... |
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The AF is a great place to live, work, and play. by Eric K. from Travis AFB The Air Force is a great place to live, work, and play. When we think of the Air Force as a great place to live, work and play the first thought that comes to mind, is how we live as an Air force fam... |
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Friends are the anchor of Air Force life by Victoria T. from Tinker AFB A Lt. Colonel’s wife once told me she stopped making friends because it hurt too much to say goodbye. This was at our first assignment and even then I knew she was wrong. If it weren’t for the friend... |
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The Exception to the Rule by Steven P. from Aviano AB Once again I was the only guy in the room. Dozens of kids ran screaming around the gym, while the mothers stood in small groups. Every eye turned to look at my son and I as the door slammed shut behin... |
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Air Force - A Great Place to Live, Work and Play by Babette L. When I joined the Air Force, I planned to complete my 4 years, get some experience, separate and go to work for a civilian company to make the “big bucks.” Looking back now, some 24 years later, I re... |
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Sixteen years in the Air Force in 300 words? by John M. from USAF Academy Air Force brat in nowhere job. Visited recruiter…sign up today! Bus ride to MEPS. Duck walk, turn and cough, get on the plane! February 1, 1994: Midnight at Lackland AFB. Pick ‘em up! Put ‘em d... |
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My Amazing Air Force Life by Laurie E. from Eglin AFB My Air Force life began the day I was born to my Air Force father. In actuality, if the Air Force had never sent my father to Thailand 34 years ago, he certainly would have never met and fell in love ... |
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A Different View by Diane W. from Scott AFB Never before did I ever give a thought to a tiny country off the coast of India called Sri Lanka. Thanks to the Air Force, my mind often lingers there, thinking about a family I met last year whil... |
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Never Too Old For Change... Almost by David A. from Nellis AFB The reason I chose this title is because I was 27 years old when I decided to join the Air Force. I needed a change and almost missed my chance. That is what "My Air Force Life" means to me: Change.... |
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The Deployed Father by Joshua S. from Wright Patterson AFB It was September in Ohio. A baby girl was born in the base hospital to a doting mother and big sister. However, her father could not see her, touch her or hear the first cries as her new lungs bre... |
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Silver Lining by Diana H. from Langley AFB Almost 2 years ago, I was devastated to learn my mom had terminal cancer and only a short time left to live. Stationed at home, I was in a good place to help her through her last days and even got a ... |
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Getting back on my feet by Ryan M. from Laughlin AFB I made it through 9 months of pilot training at Laughlin AFB when, in September of 2009, I was in a boating accident. My vascular system was damaged by the tow rope and on October 10, after 6 weeks o... |
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Strength, Courage, and Most of All...Love by Jodie C. from Spangdahlem AB Being a military spouse is not for the weak-hearted. It takes an enormous amount of courage, strength, character, support, and most of all…love. I consider myself to be among an elite group of people ... |
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The Honor of Duty by Robert Y. from Ramstein AB What does my Air Force life mean to me? This is a simple question that all Airmen should ask themselves sometime over their career, regardless of length. Aside from the three current core values insti... |
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Scenes of the Moments by Heath S. from Pope AFB Three scenes stick in my memory as moments that are undeniable proof that the Air Force truly is a great place to LIVE, WORK & PLAY. SCENE: Delivery room, Wright-Patterson AFB hospital, September 6... |
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My Lifetime is Air Force Blue by Walter L. from Ramstein AB At five I held my father's hand and walked into the field house at the newly opened Air Force Academy. He was a Captain and had a Freshman cadet basketball game to coach. I hadn't really figure... |
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A Letter To A Soldier's Daughters...From Daddy by Michael H. from Eglin AFB I am proud of you. Not because of your grades, your talents, your sweetness, or your cuteness… I am proud of you because you are a soldier’s daughter. You know that it takes sacrifice to make the w... |
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A Life that I Love by Lori Z. from McConnell AFB Even though my husband is gone half of the year, I love my life. I am married to a wonderful man who is dedicated to the Air Force and truly loves his job. Not many people can say that they love their... |
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What a Wonderful World by Karen L. from MacDill AFB The colors of a rainbow…so pretty in the sky…Are also on the faces…of people going by…I see friends shakin hands…sayin how do you do…They’re really sayin…I love you and I think to myself, What a Wonde... |
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Searching for something I already had by Joleen O. from Scott AFB My dad used to always ask me what are you going to be when you grow up! I could never give him an answer, but thought long and hard about that question. I always felt as a young child I was put on th... |
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From Brat to Wife by Morgan c. from RAF Lakenheath Growing up in an Air Force family I learned to love and appreciate all the wonderful things provided for us. As you grew and moved from base to base I was lucky enough to always have a friend to help ... |
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The White-Knuckle and Rush of military life by Jacinta A. from Travis AFB Have you ever held on for dear life till your knuckles turned white? This is the white-knuckle of military life. For example getting lost in the middle of nowhere in Japan with two girls and luggage ... |
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My Airforce Life by Macaria D. from Elmendorf AFB I met my husband in the Philippines in 1990. We got married in 1992. We have 4 children Rachel, KC, Jessie and Joshua. My family and I enjoyed our airforce life together because we got to see place... |
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New in the Year of the Air Force Family by Benjamin W. from Scott AFB In this Year of the Air Force Family, I have to say that I am made to feel very close to home here. It’s a new home, but the great place that I live, work, and play at here at Scott is second to none.... |
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What My Air Force Life Means to Me by Tiffany O. from Eglin AFB Being a mentor is not a profession, it is a role. These individuals are the chosen people airman look to as valuable sources of information and advice. The traits of a mentor include knowledge, wisdom... |
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Thank me? No! Thank You! by CeCedrick S. from Patrick AFB I'm a nobody from nowhere... well I used to be, that is until I joined the Air Force some 25 years ago. Now I’m an American Airman. Eight years out of high school and nothing to show for it, I joine... |
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From My Point of View by Frank L. from Offutt AFB I move aside as the large green thingy in his hand squishes me against the wall. I know what that green thingy means. I start to cry. Within seconds I’m in his arms and am hugged tightly t... |
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My Air Force Family by Mary H. from Robins AFB I knew the Air Force was a top notch organization when I decided to join right out of High School in 1989. I joined for all of the usual reasons, money for school, travel, etc. I was blessed to be ab... |
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What The Air Force Means To Me - A Deployed Family by Corinne S. from Lajes AB I was deployed to Balad, Iraq in 2007 working in the CASF (Contingency Aerospace Staging Facility). My responsibilities included transferring injured/critical patients from the hospital to the flight... |
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Living the Dream by tiffanie s. from Little Rock AFB People often say the military life is a life like no other. I whole heartedly agree with this statement. You can live a hundred lifetimes and I can promise you if one is not an Air force life, you wi... |
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Our Air Force Life by Kristy H. from Seymour Johnson AFB Moving away from family is perhaps one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it has become the most rewarding. When my husband joined the Air Force in March 2004 all I could think about was how... |
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Mislabeled by Carol C. from Pope AFB What is it that makes us so eager to say that one individual is better or worse than another. I have found myself asking this question over and over again. Throughout my Military Career there has be... |
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My Air Force by Douglas H. from Laughlin AFB So there I was, 1978 right out of high school and right into the Blue. I joined the Air Force to get out of my home town and See the World. It soon became MUCH more than that. When I got to the 10 ... |
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Returning to Del Rio by Hector A. from Laughlin AFB After 7 years living in cold Minnesota, It was a family decision to return to Del Rio. I remenber that day, March 3 2007. I was driving a big U-Haul truck and my wife was driving the family vehicle wi... |
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Being challenged and challenging by Michael M. from Edwards AFB About 2 decades ago, I had become increasingly interested in becoming a military member. My first thought for branch of service at the time was the USAF. However, at the time, it was quite difficult t... |
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Families Make the Air Force a Great Place to Be! by Joel E. from Pentagon The question is all wrong! It should be, “what do FAMILIES mean to the Air Force?” In 16 years, my wife and sons have packed up six times and moved over XX miles. They “kept the home fires burnin... |
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Lost & Trying to Find it by Jonathan F. from Vandenberg AFB Twenty-five years old and lost. Not your typical guy joining active-duty military. I enlisted because I was ready to start a family. I knew quite a bit about military way of life because I was a mi... |
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My AIr Force Life by Halimur K. from USAF Academy Exactly one month before my 14th birthday, on November 13, 1970, I woke up and realized that I was lying on a deserted island! As I looked around, I saw a cow and a child, about 4, next to me. Both ... |
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From ields to Skies by Sara J. from Laughlin AFB When I was a little girl, my family lived outside of a small town in south Texas. I grew up running through corn fields, playing with puppies and piglets. I loved everything about my life and planned ... |
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A Farewell Story by Christi-June M. from Moody AFB I awaited his letters daily. Hearing his voice on the phone was soothing but always cut too short. There is just something about the written word that forces the author to express his true feelings. ... |
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My Dream Come True by Tailor R. from RAF Lakenheath My Air Force life is a life that I never imagined I would have. I never imagined that I would fall in love with my high school sweetheart and move half way across the world. I never imagined that this... |
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Me, the Air Force and I... in Venice! by lucia c. from Incirlik AB I met my husband in Venice. How romantic!? Beside the romantic side I had many doubts about our future: he is American, he is in the military, he travels a lot and eventually one day I will live on b... |
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Inspired by Air Force Family Members by Yvonne J. from Mountain Home AFB Two years ago, I married an active duty Air Force TSgt. At the time, I had no idea just how much the Air Force would truly affect my life. The experience of seeing first-hand, the unparalleled skill... |
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The Air Force, a Family for Those Without One by Casey F. from Peterson AFB At the age of ten I was told that I was adopted. It was quite an emotional blow that left me confused. I love my adoptive family and consider them ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’. I have never met my biological pare... |
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What a life by Charles P. from Tinker AFB This is a tale of an old Air Force dog and his family, that was allowed to go to places like Hawaii, Korea, Argentina, Christmas Island, Alaska and many other places around the world and the USA. ... |
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I made it Daddy! by Sylvia P. from Spangdahlem AB In 2001 my parents got divorced after a marriage of 21 years. This devastated me completely that I lost it! I dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and ran away. I lived on the streets for 3... |
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My Air Force Life.... by Lisa F. from Vandenberg AFB “My Air Force Life” It seems my Air Force Life began a little over four years ago. In love with a boy working at a Pizza Parlor. Handsome and charming as he was, this was not a man I could settl... |
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The Wild Blue Yonder by Abyot D. My Air Force life has been one of great reward and satisfaction. It began in 1996 as a Services troop while stationed at Charleston AFB. I worked in the fitness center and later at the flight kitchen... |
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The Air Force is a great place to live, work & pla by William P. from Peterson AFB The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play if you can pull it off. We all must properly priorities our service lives and our family lives. This isn’t easy. There is nothing more importan... |
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What's in a Name? by James R. from USAF Academy The only thing worse than being the new kid is being the new kid and having a weird name. Mother's frequent moves and her insistence on calling me "Kimo" kept me in double jeopardy. Name sharks at... |
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My Life as an Air Force Wife by Michael D. from Lackland AFB It was nineteen ninety something. Almost twelve years have passed. I met a beautiful lady. We had so many laughs. We moved to Arizona. We thought it was so neat. There's lots of things to lo... |
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I Love My MilSpouse Air Force Life by Stephanie E. from Ramstein AB Just gathering my thoughts, the tears start to fall. I'm filled with so many emotions. I sit thousands of miles from home, in a foreign country, preparing for my husband's first deployment and yet, ... |
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Life in the Rocky's by James S. from USAF Academy My short story is about military life. I have always lived a military life and as I got older I have seen how the military has benifited me in many ways I couldn't imagine. Now I'm attending college a... |
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The Air Force Life by James W. from Tinker AFB Every morning I wake up in an Air Force house, I eat breakfast at an Air Force dining facility, I work out at an Air Force gym, I perform my job on an Air Force base, at the end of the day I have fun... |
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LIVING THE LIFE by SONIA MARIE R. from Kadena AB As a young girl,I remember admiring the black and white photos of my grandfather in his Air Force uniform and how handsome he looked. The pictures of my grandmother dressed up and standing beside hi... |
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To Live, Work, and Play by Jonilynn R. To live, to work, and to play in the Air Force is an impeccable experience that approximately 10 percent of the United States and four percent in the world have the privilege to serve in the world’s f... |
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An Adventure by Megan C. from Schriever AFB In 2006 I met a young lieutenant. Little did I know that two years later we would be getting married and setting up house 1000 miles away from home. At the time my head was filled with other things. A... |
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A Home Away From Home by Sarah C. from Keesler AFB The Air Force Life is the way to go through life. You can always go somewhere and find a home, no matter if you are alone or if you are with someone. My Air Force life has shown me this. Traveling ... |
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A Ray of Hope by Charles P. from USAF Academy January 2006 my wife, of 27 years, is diagnosed with an inoperable heart condition. In desperation I know that we have to leave my beloved Alaska to get better medical for her. Luckily I discov... |
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Adventure!: The Power of Words by Linda M. from Schriever AFB It’s amazing what a few simple words can bring. My husband-to-be and I were slated to graduate college in a month, neither of us having any prospects. I half-heartedly considered grad school as a safe... |
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The Air Force--A Great Place to Live, Work, and Pl by Mary Claire W. from USAF Academy When I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, I never imagined that the Air Force would end up being both a career and a way of life. I joined out of nursing school thinking I was in for a mere 3-y... |
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Military Life is a Blessing, Not a Curse by Amber M. from Tyndall AFB As a child growing up in a military family, I was certain that my parents were the devil – what kind of people force their children to move every three years, leaving behind best friends, memorie... |
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what Air Force life means to me by Christina M. from Misawa AB I grew up in Las Vegas, NV, and I had absolutely no concept of military life. At 18 years old I was wild and on my way to a fast descent spiraling out of control. I met my husband while he was ... |
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Move With Me! by Victoria I. from Ramstein AB My husband has been in the Air Force for 15 years. In that time, we have moved 13 times. Some people might not count a TDY en-route as an official move, but when you have three children in tow and 1... |
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A Great Ride by Sarah P. from Little Rock AFB “Hold on a minute, I can’t hear you, there’s a plane coming over, okay go ahead…”, “ See you in 4 months, I love you…”, “Nice to meet you, what squadron are you with?” Only someone who lives the Ai... |
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Military Brat with No Reqrets by Terri S. from Tinker AFB Over the years I've been aware of stories told by children growing up in a military family who weren't happy about the lifestyle they endured. I've never understood their misery. I loved being in a ... |
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The Homeless Sergeant by GARY A. from Little Rock AFB I was a 20+ year sergeant in the Air Force and recently divorced. The truth of the matter, I was homeless and trying to transition from that former life to a new one. My friends had taken me in and ga... |
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It's All About The Journey by Samuel H. from Robins AFB “Freedom is not free” is an anonymous quote that serves as the driving force behind my service in the military. My desire is to help all human beings achieve true freedom in every aspect of their liv... |
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How Do You Do It? by Elizabeth L. from Travis AFB “I don’t know how you do it?” This question is often posed with a shake of the head and a bit of pity in the voice. Packing up every two or three years, moving away from your friends and your comm... |
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Decisions by Abby B. Terrified and shaking with the fear of a lost small child, I dragged my feet off of the bus while thinking, “What have I gotten myself into? I’m a girly girl lost in a military world; how would I surv... |
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Lines That Blurr by Darwin M. from Edwards AFB When someone says the word “play”, I automatically start thinking of chess, checkers, or Playstation 3. When I think of “work”, I think of doing something for the benefit of someone else, which I wo... |
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Check the Engines by Suzzanne H. from Buckley AFB My Air Force life is nearing completion –almost 30 years ago I enlisted while a senior in high school. The Air Force has afforded my many things: a bachelor’s and master’s degree, incredible tra... |
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Running the Race Marked Out by William G. from Peterson AFB At the beginning of a routine jog in 2009, my father fell while rounding the sidewalk which leads away from our Colorado home. Extending his right wrist, the wrist which has moved a trombone slide bac... |
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The Air Force has been my Family by Dawn H. from Tinker AFB What my Air Force life means to me? The Air Force has been a place for me to meet many different people. I would refer to many of these people as family. It was very hard for me when I joined the A... |
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Is the Air Force Fun? by Justin D. from USAF Academy “Is being in the Air Force fun?” my son asked me. It was an innocuous question that left me speechless. Fun? ...generally rewarding, fulfilling and worthwhile, but simultaneously fatiguing, frustra... |
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My Air Force Life Short Story by Sujane P. from Fairchild AFB "Where are you PCSing to?" or "Where are you PCSing from?" How many times have we said those words or heard those words. If you are in the military....many times. Part of military life. Part of my hus... |
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WINGMAN by Suzzanne H. from Buckley AFB An Air Force Wingman Warrior—men and women who will give their life for their country Inspired—men and women who through action, word and deed define military life Noteworthy—men and women wh... |
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What More Could Anyone Want? by David C. The United States Air Force offers the privilege of serving our great country, the freedoms she upholds, and the opportunity to carry on the work that was first begun by the Minutemen and founding fat... |
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The amazing experience of an Air Force life by Candace S. from Travis AFB Our Air Force life has been amazing! Day to day our life might seem ordinary, but experience to experience it has been extraordinary. In the midst of war, and heartache great things can happen. We ... |
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Pretty In Pink Dolphins by Julia R. from Peterson AFB Growing up as your typical "Air Force kid," I must admit, it's been radical. The Air Force has literally opened my eyes to the cultural differences of this world and helped me experiences unbelievable... |
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The Path of My Life by Antonia M. from Holloman AFB The drum beat was steady and strong as dancers danced perfectly to every beat. The women in the back ground illuminated the men’s voices as they sang words of past traditions, prayers, blessings and ... |
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My Air Force Family of Angels by Dee Ann P. from Hickam AFB On Aug. 30, 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My husband and I were numb by the diagnosis. But the Air Force family pulled us through the eight-month ordeal of doctor's appointments, surgeries... |
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On the Homefront- My Air Force Life by Amanda P. from Hurlburt Field My Air Force life has taken many twist and turns over the years. As a military spouse I am the cornerstone to my family to pick up the pieces while my husband is away. It has meant pushing aside my ... |
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A Day In The Life by Nathan S. from Tinker AFB The glass opens. The wind’s in my hair. Another important mission is under my belt. The enemy was hot on my tail, but I dodged some bullets and survived to live another day. My office has a narrow... |
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Re-birth by Brandi S. from RAF Lakenheath My life didn’t begin until I joined the Air Force. Prior to that time I was a single mother struggling on a single low paying income. I desperately wanted to further my education, but with no family n... |
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Born into the Air Force by James W. from Tinker AFB I was born into the Air Force life. My father was left with little option but to join the armed forces in order to provide for a growing family. Almost twenty two years later much has changed but th... |
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A Different Kind of Family by Chelsea K. from Yokota AB Recently I joined the World’s Greatest Air Force, and since then I’ve gained over 350,000 brothers and sisters. When most hear the word “family” they think of it in a traditional sense. Over the pas... |
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Not until All The M&M's are gone by Cassandra S. from Ellsworth AFB The experience of a family member constantly departing and returning is unique to the military lifestyle. I watch him as he fills up that huge green bag. I sigh, this is going to be tough. I start... |
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In Memory of My Angel Babies by Amber M. from Nellis AFB Marrying into the Air Force, I knew we would be moving around a lot. I have a difficult time making friends, and my husband has always been my rock. Following my husband’s Tech School he was stationed... |
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Why I joined the Air Force by Krystal C. from Little Rock AFB I have been a navy brat since the day I was born. I lived around the world and was able to meet so many different influencial people in my life. I 19 years old, in a navy recruiters office, I took my ... |
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A Perfect Fit by Jennifer S. from Goodfellow AFB Mothers have always had so many different “jobs” they might do in any given day. I've been no exception – I have always called these different “jobs” my “hats”. Been cooking for the family? Been wear... |
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Cookies, Cookies Everywhere! by Wendy B. from Shaw AFB 2-3,000 Cookies I'm willing and able and, sometimes, I take on more than I should. Case in point: Eglin, Florida. Our first base back in the States and this British wife was ready to jump in wi... |
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14 Years Crammed in 300 Words by Denise S. from Moody AFB I spent many of my first years loathing so much about the Air Force. I never thought it was possible to work so hard, give so much, and neglect so much of yourself for something you hated. I felt th... |
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A Proud and Thankful Air Force Wife by Patty S. from Little Rock AFB It all started when my husband proposed to me at the Senior Prom. He joined the Air Force a few months later, and after basic training we were married. As a young couple from St. Louis, neither had ... |
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More than I could have ever imagined by Deborah W. from Randolph AFB Never in a million years would I have imagined myself marrying a member of the Air Force. In high school, it seemed the only kids who enlisted were the ones who had no interest in or couldn't get into... |
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Born an Airman by Todd C. My Air Force life is not about a pursuit of glory. It's not about a demand for thanks. It's about the opportunity to be a part of something larger than most can comprehend. To give back to those be... |
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My Air Force Life by Tatianna B. from Little Rock AFB I was born and raised in the South Bronx, NY. My father was enlisted in the Army for 27 years and did amazing things. He was my inspiration to join the military. Because he was not married to my mothe... |
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Pig-tails and Pins by Amanda K. from Minnesota-St.Paul IAP ARS “Where are you going?” I asked as my pig-tails with pink ribbons bobbled up and down with the restlessness of an eight year old. “Away for only a little while…see this pin,” my crisply uniformed dad ... |
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A life worth living by Lakesha S. from Buckley AFB What My Air Force Life means to me Growing up in a small town in Mississippi it was often difficult to see past some of the terrible things that were happening around me. Most of m... |
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If This Isn't a Family, I Don't Know What Is by Lealan B. "The Air Force is a great place to live, work, and play." Of that phrase, I could not agree more. It has been five years of more good times than bad since I enlisted into this community. I can’t... |
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My Air Force Life Makes Things in America Alright by Jodie W. from Vandenberg AFB As a military wife for almost 15 years, there is a lot I could write about my Air Force Life. It's stories, details, struggles and joys would fill volumes! Out of all the amazing, sad and funny situ... |
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Air Force Life Gave Me Value by Patrice C. from Minot AFB Joining the Air Force family has certainly put many of life’s issues into perspective. I entered the Air Force in 1992 wanting only a college education and free travel. I left my dad, crying, promis... |
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A Life of Trust by Amy T. from Edwards AFB Trust. That one word is what defines my Air Force life and family. There are so many levels of trust in this type of life that it’s impossible to name them all. When I married my husband, I knew th... |
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The Price of Freedom by Melinda M. from Luke AFB Air Force life to me means sacrificing my husband for everyone in the United States to have rights and freedoms that other countries do not get the pleasures of having. It means the freedom to wea... |
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THE MEANING OF MY AIR FORCE LIFE by Timothy C. from Los Angeles AFB My office is a small cabin on board His Majesty’s Star Ship, the St. James. I contemplated the last thousand years of my existence, which accounts for all of about fifty years of my life. How I surv... |
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1L Military Wife by Madeline L. from McConnell AFB A1C Aris Livica always dreamed of being in the Air Force. His father retired as Senior Master Sergeant and his mother is a Captain stationed at Yokota AFB. Aris is the proudest brat and makes sure eve... |
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Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq by Stephen L. from Grand Forks AFB After 22 years of service, I find myself at the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq asking why I love the Air Force. Our work is rewarding and noble, but family separations are not always trouble-free... |
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The Gift by Donna P. from Travis AFB It’s near 11 pm and the only thing stirring in the house is the curious cat stalking the window sill hoping to see a bird fly by. The dryer is running for the third time today and the dishwasher is he... |
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Lorelei Rock by Robert D. from Robins AFB It was the greatest thing, to be stationed in a country and learning about a foreign culture. Even better, we were expecting our newest addition to the family after living there for 6 years. We had no... |
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My Airman is my HERO by Tiffany M. from Elmendorf AFB I am often asked, “What is it like being married to the military?” I initially start belting out negative comments, the deployments, the late hours, the inspections, the exercises, and not seeing my ... |
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USAF IP/PJ does a 70.3 triathlon with AFROTC Cadet by Mandy K. from Randolph AFB When I was ten years old living at Laughlin AFB, TX, I watched my best friends' dad (an instructor pilot and former PJ) compete in a "triathlon" sponsored by the base Outdoor Rec. I was never really i... |
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My life in the Air Force by William W. from Scott AFB My life in the Air Force opened my eyes to a whole new world, no matter who you are or where you are from everyone is family. The Air Force is like the melting pot of America where everyone comes toge... |
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Our Happy Furture by Crystal S. from McConnell AFB My name is Crystal and my husband name is Amir, and my daughter name is Giselle, and we are the Simpson's family. After having a 1 pound 13 ounce preemie daughter in florida, stationed at Eglin AFB, m... |
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Family Business by jason k. from Tinker AFB My Bride's parents just said goodbye to their daughter and granddaughters. They had stayed with them for 4 months while their Daddy flew "his haplane." Eight months prior to that, my in-laws hosted my... |
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The best Choice by Marcos C. from Pope AFB To start off, I used to be in the Army for 4 years. I did not like it at all. I always felt that I did not belong. After the Army I spent 5 years in the Air National Guard, and even then I felt tha... |
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The Quiet Warriors by bob v. from USAF Academy We don't have a holiday in their honor. They just go on sacrificing day in and day out. I’m referring to the folks who truly have the toughest job in the military...the families! They’re the Quiet ... |
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A Knight in Green Pajamas by Laurie B. from RAF Lakenheath “Daddy wears pajamas to work!” My husband flies the F15-e, but to my daughter, he wears pajamas. We’re not like “normal” families. From living in Korea, we have a taste for “kimchi” that most peopl... |
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Battle Buddies by Danna H. from Kadena AB It was early and there I sat a world away watching the sun come up. Being in Kuwait was nothing like I ever thought it would be. Seeing Camels on the side of the road was just another occurrence in my... |
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17yrs old to Forever by Jessica C. from Robins AFB I had barely turned seventeen and my parents had to sign me off to join the Air Force. I knew nothing of the military since no one in my family ever served or even mention the word military. But I kne... |
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Uncle Sam's Wild Ride: An Attraction Worth Living by Erin W. from Schriever AFB Can you recall your first visit to an amusement park? The moment you scurry past those park gates, the rides seem to beckon and the possibilities and adventures are endless! As you anxiously wait to b... |
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How would you like to live in Hawaii? by Nancy K. Having been accepted to the College of William and Mary in Virginia my Dad came home to say the Air Force wanted him in Hawaii to be closer to Viet Nam in 1967. No argument there! We landed at Hickam... |
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A Thankful Life by Barbara L. from Charleston AFB My Air Force life has been a thankful life. Thankful for all the things I’ve learned such as the true meaning of patriotism, pride, and country. Thankful for the ol’ tried and true—our red, white... |
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My "Family" by Brandy S. from Buckley AFB On February 25, 2001, my beautiful baby boy was born. My son was the final piece to my family. Everything seemed to be going along as planned. Within three weeks, I was having problems seeing. My ... |
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Air Force - Opportunities Abound by Annette S. from Kadena AB As an Air Force spouse, I have had the tremendous honor and opportunity to travel the world and encounter new cultures. I have experienced things that I never would have dreamed possible as a chil... |
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Roller Coaster Anyone? by Mavis W. from RAF Lakenheath I can't believe I'm doing this! Can I handle it? "I can do this," I repeat. A slow climb begins. My heart beats wildly.... a hesitation.... AA AA HHH HHHH! Racing downward, a jerk ... |
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The Call of Freedom by Jesse G. from Mountain Home AFB When I was a young man I joined the Air Force because I understood that freedom wasn’t free. I worked my way through the enlisted ranks and eventually gained my commission as an officer after 15 year... |
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The Military Family - What I Will Cherish for Life by Richard T. from Peterson AFB Without saying the USAF is a great career to flourish both professionally and personally for not only the uniformed member, but that members’ family as well. What will resonate most in my mind on... |
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To My Deployed Husband by Becky W. from Dyess AFB Dear Deployed Husband: It is 9:00pm on trash day and…I remembered! I am sitting at the computer paying bills and adjusting the budget for the new printer I bought. The old printer decided it did no... |
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Starry Wintery Night by E. Marie W. from Davis-Monthan AFB There are numerous heartwarming stories about courage and strength we give each other as an Air Force family. Sometimes it’s the things that this community puts together that make a difference. Hom... |
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My Air Force life means to me? by Miriam C. from Buckley AFB My name is Miriam Clark and I'm very proud to be married to my husband;he is currently in the Air Force.The Air Force means a lot to me,I learned a lot and the Air Force gave me windows of opportuniti... |
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The Best Life I could Imagine by Christina P. from Mountain Home AFB My Air Force life means that not only do I get to serve my country and protect my family, but I am a vital part of the mission, to “fly, fight, and win in Air, space, and cyperspace”. I know that wher... |
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My Air Force Family by Tanya C. from Tinker AFB My Air Force life started out when I was 7. My dad was active duty Army National Guard. He got stationed at Cannon AFB, NM. When moving to my first military house, I soon found many friends who over t... |
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At the Trailhead; Are You Ready for the Journey? by Andrew W. from Randolph AFB Dogged-eared and scrolled like a weathered map, the Airman Magazine was like a guidebook for uninitiated traveler. The trail marker was a glossy montage of photos; space suits and rocket-like aircraft... |
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Life is what you make of it... by Heidi z. from Scott AFB Everything has its time and place, that is my motto. In the last 6 years I have learned about true sacrifice. I always get that question, How do you do it, being by yourself so much?. I answer, Ho... |
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Paraphrased Life by Laeon C. from Vandenberg AFB I will not bore you with mundane stories of why Air Force life is perfect like a Disney movie or hard like a drug addiction. Instead, I will display 14 Carter life paraphrases my Air Force life has i... |
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Air Force Family by Kenneth N. from Dover AFB Growing up in a military family, I thought that I knew everything I needed to know when I joined the Air Force. I was as prepared as I thought necessary for everything that the military could offer, ... |
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Always There by Tammy H. from Pentagon Shortly after a terrible bout with the flu, my husband was diagnosed with Type I diabetes (insulin dependent). While we were learning the impact of taking insulin daily I almost lost him. It wasn’t ... |
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Ready to Fly by John R. from Davis-Monthan AFB M-BEEP, M-BEEP, M-BEEP…ugh 0400 show, forgot to order weather, and I have 15 minutes to get out the door. Successful, thanks to the team effort/prior planning of breakfast burritos ready to microwave... |
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My Family by Lynette N. from USAF Academy The Air Force is more than a way of life; for me it has become a large, wonderful extended family. My husband got out of the military for a few years, during those years I nagged him to get back in. ... |
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My Air Force Life by Roberta F. from Kadena AB I am torn between two. My number one fans-my kids- and my career as an active duty Air Force militia. My heart tells me to stay and "fight the famouse fight" and defend my country onward, but my chi... |
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The Diary of a Technical Sergeant by Lucian B. from RAF Lakenheath Where do I begin? Last I checked, it was seat 6E……..or is it E6? Moved up a few spaces to get a better vision from the window. Can’t say for sure where we are at the moment. Just awoke from a nap.... |
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I cannot confirm or deny..... by Rheanna B. On August 14, 2004 I became an Air Force wife. I had known my husband for six years and I had just as much signed on for this life as he did. We met when we were 15 and 17 respectively. I reside in... |
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From Leopard Print to Leopards...My Air Force Life by Christina R. from Edwards AFB One minute I'm 'Stina Sparkle', twirling my light-up hula hoops at one of the trendiest night clubs in Tokyo, performing with my hoop troupe 'The Tokyo Hoop Stars'. The next minute, I'm telling visit... |
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You can pick your friends but not your family by Twila H. from Little Rock AFB We've all heard the old saying you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family....if there's one thing the Air Force has taught me it's that this statement isn't entirely true. I have a ... |
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Two Branches Of Service To My Country by Ernest W. from Seymour Johnson AFB My first attempt to join the Air Force June 1953, I was told they had a six month waiting list. I did not want to get drafted, so I joined the Marines. While I was in the Marines I got married. I com... |
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My New Family by Amber P. from Davis-Monthan AFB Since the day my husband joined the Air Force I have felt as though I had gained a new, exciting and extremely large family. Although I was happy to be part of this family I knew that with it came ma... |
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AIRMAN by Anda G. from Goodfellow AFB One lonely petrified blade of grass clings to my combat boot. I stand at attention, knuckles white, excoriated by my flight commander. Why are you bringing turf in my office? I reach for answers in a ... |
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"My Air Force Life" by Sierra L. from Ellsworth AFB With all things in life there is good and bad and we always hope for more good. There is something beautiful about traveling the world knowing that all the things you give up is in order to protect... |
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THE MEANING OF MY AIR FORCE LIFE by Timothy C. from Los Angeles AFB Tensions were thick on the bridge of the Imperial star ship St. Zoe. Captain Patina Star looked nervously at me while I surveyed the bridge. Her five-foot-one stature was topped by dark hair pulled ... |
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Special Memory by Lori M. from Whiteman AFB In March 2002, I was asked to play the piano for a 2nd and 3rd grade honor choir concert. This was a special time because my oldest son sang in it as well. That evening, he excitedly put on his ... |
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"Our Air Force Family" by Megan M. from Andersen AFB Wow where to start..So many things could be said from being able to travel and live in so many different places to experience other cultures that not many can say they have.To having those dreaded dep... |
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From First Misstep to Future Success by Zachary S. from Tinker AFB The nervousness finally worked its way down to my feet as I slowly walked up the stairs on my first day. Questions flooded my mind as the magnitude of my career choice came into clear focus. Would I ... |
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Leukemia can't stop us. by Christopher L. from Offutt AFB Leukemia. One word that devastated not just our family at home, but our Air Force family as well. It was Sept 3 2008. My wife had been sick for a while, but we never would have expected that at 44 ... |
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My Air Force Life. by Steffie P. from Little Rock AFB I reach over to turn off the alarm clock. My husband reaches over and pulls me to his chest to hold me just one more moment. We eat breakfast together. He always offers a bite of his. I make his lunch... |
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The People of the Air Force by Scott W. from USAF Academy They asked for three hundred words, and all I could think was “How am I going to fit what needs to be said in that?” My dad woke up every morning before I did, came back after I was asleep. My mom w... |
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THE MEANING FOR AN AIR FORCE LIFE by Timothy C. from Los Angeles AFB Lieutenant Stephen Metcalf stood with his back to the window. Outside could be seen the HOLLYWOOD sign, as it flashed the current date, September 30th, 3008. He was dressed in formal uniform and tri... |
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My "Air Force" Life by Cary C. from Edwards AFB When I think of my “Air Force” life, I think of how every decision I make not only affects our immediate families, but our “Air Force” family. This union further emphasizes how we are all interconnect... |
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The Growth of a AF Wife by Michelle B. from Shaw AFB Being a AF Wife has helped me grow so much in so many ways, when I first learned from my then Fiance that he was joining the AF, I was like nuh huh it must be a joke. However, it was very real. Afte... |
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My Everything by Kenneth C. from Grand Forks AFB What does my Air Force life mean to me? Simply put everything. In the span of 12 years I have grown into the man I am today, mended wounded family relationships, met my wife, and become the father o... |
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Service Before Self by Josephine J. from Tinker AFB Being an Air Force member has fulfilled my life dreams and brought me many blessings. At eighteen I joined the Air Force dedicated to serving my country and traveling the world. Now 32 years later I... |
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Have you ever wondered why? by Dorothy M. from Scott AFB Have you ever wondered why? Why do you continue to do a job that most of America is afraid to take on? How can I continue to do something that I don’t understand? When am I coming home? Where are my ... |
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Cleaning Under the Microwave by Naomi H. from Moody AFB “Oh my goodness I really need to clean under the microwave”, I thought as I walked by the cabinet it sat on. Then my next thought and question to my husband was, “What did you do with the microwave?”... |
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This is the Life (I Chose) by Christel P. from Vandenberg AFB One year 2 months and 21 days into my Air Force Career I gave birth to my daughter. She’s gone from the rear facing car seat, to the front facing car seat, to the booster seat, to the passenger seat ... |
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Jasper the Air Force Rabbit by Daniel F. When I was a young child, I asked my mother to purchase me a rabbit from the pet shop down the road. Finally, after years of pestering, she relented. On my 8th birthday my wish came true and "Jasper" ... |
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The Air Force saved my daughter's life. by Evan C. from Offutt AFB On 13 March 2008, my daughter Reagan was born. Along with the joy of having a new addition to our family came the stress of having an infant born with a rare and potentially life threatening illness.... |
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AF has been a great place to live,work,and play: by Miriam C. from Buckley AFB So far it's been a great journey.We had the great privilege to travel and be stationed in Alice Springs,Autralia,where we learned a new culture and where our first 2 children were born.It was exciting... |
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Have Lived Every Aspect of the Life by Amy H. from Shaw AFB As a child I swore that when my dad retired from the Air Force I would never have anything further to do with the military. To my suprise and everyone else's, I joined when I was 21 years old. I spe... |
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Patience really is a Virtue by Marcos C. from Pope AFB The first 9 years of my military career was different to most. I enlisted into the Army with no direction. After the first year in the Army, I realized that it was not for me. I just did not fit in.... |
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Freedom - A Beautiful Privilege by Barbara Ann P. from Scott AFB Freedom is a beautiful privilege I do not take for granted. My husband and many others work hard to protect it. We military families also sacrifice and work hard so our spouses can do their jobs wit... |
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The AF chaged my life by Danielle R. from Offutt AFB Where does one go to change their life from, ‘going nowhere fast to proud medic, wife and mother” in a short time? Well, the USAF for starters. My life didn’t make much of a difference until I joined ... |
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One of Them by Lee S. from USAF Academy Not many people can say they live on a national reservation in the Rocky Mountains. Especially a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. I’m constantly being asked where the water is which would require a Sa... |
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This is For You Mom by Olivia L. from Holloman AFB Looking back on the beginning of my enlistment, a surprisingly short 4 years ago, I remember all the anticipation and excitement I held about joining a world of close community. I had no idea what I h... |
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The AF Life - Live, Work, Play by Michael S. from USAF Academy I woke up this morning looking forward to a new day in the life of an Air Force officer. I rolled out of bed in my cozy warm home in Colorado Springs knowing that my family has a comfortable roof ove... |
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Our Military Family by Nicole G. from Dover AFB When you typically talk to a military spouse, you always hear how being away from home during the holidays is hard, and I will not lie, it's very hard. Then I begin to reflect all the holidays I spen... |
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Opportunities by Dawn H. from Tinker AFB Being in the military for the last 19 years has afforded me many opportunities that would have never been given. We have been stationed various places all over the world. Places and people I would h... |
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My Red Rose by Melissa F. from Randolph AFB This year has been a red thorned rose draped in blessings. I just hadn't realized it yet. When I was a little girl I wanted to grow up to have a family and a husband. Somewhere with love and laughter.... |
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What My Air Force Life Means to Me by Ryan S. from Peterson AFB Looking back on the past two years, I am honestly able to say that these have been the best and most accomplished years in my life. The Air Force has provided me opportunities that I was never able t... |
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My Daughter and 300 Words by Darwin M. from Edwards AFB I asked my 15 year old daughter to write a story for submission to this contest. She spent a few hours thinking about it and came back to me saying she couldn’t do it. When I asked why she couldn’t ... |
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My Air Force Life Short Story by Timika W. from Shaw AFB We found out deployment was envitable and I watched my TSgt gear up, pack up and get ready to leave for 4 to 6 months. My heart felt pulled in so many different directions, one being selfish and want... |
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Travel, Education and Love....what could be better by Franklin M L. from USAF Academy I have been blessed in the Air Force. Not only has this great service provided me with a home for over 10 years, but it has also given me the chance to earn a Master’s Degree, meet and marry the great... |
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"My Rock, My Salvation, My Air Force Life" by LaRona M. For the last 15 yrs the USAF has been my way of life. I joined the AF to make a positive change in my life. I was working 3 jobs going on 3 hrs of sleep after being declared an independent student. I ... |
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What the Air Force means to My Family by Christine B. from Maxwell-Gunter AFB The Air Force has always been key in our family. It always comes back to our early days together: the reason my husband & I met was because of the Air Force. Nearly, seven years later, weathering a 3... |
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Military Life is a Blessing - Not a Curse! by AMBER M. from Tyndall AFB As a child growing up in a military family, I was certain that my parents were the devil – what kind of people force their children to move every three years, leaving behind best friends, memories, an... |
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Making something of myself..... by Justin O. from Lackland AFB Being a high school dropout, I never thought I would amount to much. At the age of 18 I worked at Wal-Mart cleaning toilets and mopping floors without much else going for myself. After marrying m... |
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Living for Today by Giovanni A. from USAF Academy Enlisting in September 2006, I thought that I had had enough of school and was ready to travel and embark on a journey free from academics, but the Air Force had different plans. I was immediately sen... |
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A Family Of Heroes by Victoria S. from Elmendorf AFB Air Force families are heroes. We know what it takes to make the country function in happiness and security. We understand sacrifice, and receive it willingly. I live in a houseful of heroes. Jus... |
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Military life as seen through my eyes! by Brenda B. from Schriever AFB I grew up in a small town and from a young age knew I wanted to join the military to travel the world. My grandmother thought the idea was great as she too could live her dreams of travel through my ... |
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My Life in Boxes by Jacqueline S. from Scott AFB In the 27 years we've been a military family, we have developed a rhythm, and it's almost like a song. If you listen closely you can hear the melody of it. Time to pack. I hope everything gets 'There'... |
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New Brothers by Ryan S. from Mountain Home AFB I am just starting my Air Force career but 300 words will barely cover what I have experienced in my short Air Force life. I cannot imagine there are many civilian men lucky enough to have had been th... |
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