Didn’t Know Life Could Mean so Much
by Mark F
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 and shook the hand of the President who changed history with his election alone, traveled to states which I never thought I’d go, and worked with technology seeming to come straight from a Star Trek movie. Despite all of these things, the sole purpose that my AF life is truly special to me is because I am making my family and friends proud. The feeling is overwhelming when I hear my father tell me I have grown up to be a great role model for my nieces and nephews, and that he is supporting me through my entire career, or seeing my mother cry when she sees me, because she is so proud of the young man I have become. My friends tell me that they are inspired to do great things because of what they have seen me accomplish, and encourage me to go even further each day. Even though military life is hard at times, my wife pours all her heart into supporting my new life because she sees the good I am doing each day. I’ve been in only 2 years, but with all the support that has built up in this short time, I feel like I’ve been in a lifetime. I have always wondered why the “U.S. Air Force” tape was placed on the left side of the uniform, and from my experiences I know why: People hold things that are most special to them closest to their hearts.