What My Air Force Life Means to Me
by Mark W
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 to go around. I was breaking new ground for my family by going into the military. My Dad served in the Army during the Korean War, but only did one tour and separated. I needed a career, some direction, and much self discipline…so here I was at Lackland AFB. The first part of my technical school was in Monterey, CA. The place was absolutely beautiful and there were enough distractions to make learning difficult. It was here at the Defense Language Institute (DLI), trying my best to learn Chinese Mandarin that I found all that I was searching for. Making it through my class at DLI was the single most difficult experience of my life to that point. Academically, emotionally, and maturity-wise, I was challenged to succeed. The support I needed was there in the form of classmates, student-tutors, Academic Training Advisors, etc. If I wanted to succeed, the AF provided to tools…I just had to use them. I made it through and remained a Chinese linguist for my entire 25yr career. I absolutely found a career, found direction and self discipline. I also found friendships that have lasted my entire career, I discovered that I absolutely LOVE to teach in the military environment, and that one person CAN make a difference. The AF brought me Texas, where I met my wife, my best friend, and the greatest blessing of my life. The AF made me a confident, successful leader and a better overall person. In a word, what my AF life means to me is: EVERYTHING.