Mikachu · nu

I was in the Air Force. Now that I’ve been a civilian for over 2 years, it almost feels like I didn’t serve in the military at all. The only thing that reminds me is the fact that I receive a disability check once a month (I won’t go into that) and all of the friends & coworkers I have on my Facebook that are still in.

I experienced a lot of struggles and stress while I served, but I’m proud to have served and to have that experience under my belt. I’m actually sad that I wasn’t able to serve longer. It’s an invaluable life experience that not a lot of people feel comfortable enough to give themselves to go through (or don’t agree).

Strangely enough, the fondest memories I have will always be of boot camp. It wasn’t fun, per se, nor is it something I’d necessarily want to re-experience, but certain mornings I’ll be reminded of how it was in San Antonio, Texas in the summer, having to work out or march around at the butt crack of dawn. Nobody but Air Force boot camp trainees will understand how GOOD chow hall food is at Lackland. Nobody knows if it’s because you think you’re always hungry, but for some reason the food is just better.

The girls in my flight never managed to work together and there was too much drama for my liking. That’s not uncommon, though. Girls tend to be out for themselves in situations like that.

I know how to iron, starch, fold, and roll my clothes. I know effective ways of sweeping large areas of floor as well as fold hospital corners on a bed. I managed the highest academic test score in my flight. It’s kind of amazing that I managed to pass through and even obtain Honor Graduate at the end of it all when I always considered myself average at best.

I’m proud to be an Air Force veteran, even if people make fun of me for it sometimes (I’m sure you’ve all heard of the “chair force” joke, etc.), and especially since people doubted I’d even do it or manage to get through it! So ha! Take that!