My Air Force Story
by Art H
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 cruise with the Navy, boats weren’t for me, I took my entrance exam for the Army, nope, tents weren’t my thing..Hotels and TDY's to vacation spots won me over. 20 years later, I can look back and say I made the perfect choice. Staring out in SAC pulling alert on the Looking Glass, and knowing we were protecting America, to having the privilege of flying the Secretary of Defense around the globe. Flying over the Pentagon on 911, and seeing firsthand the carnage from the sky, I realized this was Pearl Harbor of our day. I know being in the Air Force is not possible without an understanding family, and I have the best family ever. I have kids who were born on a fighter base and slept great when the skies were filled with F-15 fighters overhead, but wouldn't sleep when they went home because it was too quiet, to my wonderful wife who has been lucky enough to take incentives rides on every aircraft I have worked on. But the greatness of my Air Force life doesn't stop there. We travel, we play, and we feel comfortable on military bases. My children think volunteering on base and seeing people in uniform are the norm, and feel that everyone should serve in one capacity or another. I feel proud knowing our children will follow in my footsteps and they too will be able to say this is "My Air Force Family"! Until then,we will continue to play in this small world we defend, and enjoy our Air Force Family.