Why I stayed

I decided to join the military in 2005 for various reasons: I was bored in school, I didn’t like my job, I didn’t want to live at home anymore, etc., etc., etc. My first year as an Airman, everything seemed to have gone wrong. I didn’t get the job I wanted, while everyone else in my BMT flight got that career, the base I was stationed at was less than ideal and I missed home (ironically).

Since that first year, I’ve had my ups and downs with the military but I realized I have done, seen, some pretty amazing things and have been to places I couldn't dream about. I get school paid for, I make good money and I have no real worries in life … all thanks to the Air Force. I have also met some of the best people anyone could ever know, some of who I would never have had the chance to meet any other way than being in the military.

But those are not the reasons I stayed in the military. I stayed because of the pride I feel every time I hear the National Anthem playing and know I am a part of something bigger than myself and am contributing to a campaign to sustain the American way of life and the American dream.

I know this sounds cheesy, but it’s true. You don’t see it much when you live in a military town, you know the community is appreciative of you and what you do. But I just went to Boise, Idaho, for the BSU vs. USAFA football game and wore my uniform for all our community outreach events. It was there I realized that more than military communities appreciate what you do and many people around the country are proud of you and you should be proud of yourself as well.