Becoming a Man
by Jacob M
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 had before. Where there was little foundation of values before, I have adopted the Air Force Core Values as my own. During my first assignment to Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, I went TDY to most of Asia including, Thailand, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Korea. The missions that we went on were vitally important repatriation missions where I was recovering remains of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, who were previously listed as MIA. It was so important because it gave closure to the families that had been waiting since the Vietnam War. When I returned to the United States, I ended up at the legendary “Green Ramp” 43d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Pope Air Force Base where I recently contributed to JTF Unified Response to help the victims of the recent Haiti disaster. I saw my efforts having a direct impact and actually saving people’s lives. The Air Force was designed to fly, fight and win, with war in mind, but this operation showed me a side of the Air Force that I cherish and hold dear to my heart. I put people on the ground to help those unfortunate victims of a terrible tragedy. What I thought of a family before was a mother, father and children, but now my idea of family has extended to include all of my brothers and sisters that wear this uniform alongside me! My efforts have been so vital that even though I lost time with my family, I was enjoying my time with my Air Force FAMILY!