MILITARY BACKGROUND

I joined the United States Air Force on September 7, 2015 and from that day forward I never looked back. The journey from that day in Atlanta, GA to being in San Antonio, TX hoping off the plan and onto a bus that drove myself and other trainee Airmen to Lackland AFB (Air Force Base) where the rest of my life would change the moment that Drill Sergeant got on the bus and started yelling at the top of his lungs. 

Those nights, days, months, and all else in-between were days that I will never forget. Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force have their own unique trainings. For me, what was challenging about Boot Camp wasn't the exercise nor the constant standing so long that many people collapsed face first as their knees buckled due to people locking them in position for so long. No, the challenge came from being away from family. Questioning what the point of the trainings are. I learned a great deal about myself and people in general. The grit and determination to push beyond your own limits and grow in a person that protects the world. I sure was a long way from home. 

During boot camp I wrote many letters to my Mom and sister (still have those letters to this day). They kept me up-to-date with everything. Boot camp helped me discover my voice. A voice that would echo throughout different branches of service, cities, and states. I learned in 2015 that when I would speak people would tend to listen. That voice allowed me to discover power in words through conviction. That conviction powered me through boot camp and tech school. During my time in tech school (November 2015 - April 2016) I struggled academically. Difficulty passing tests proved to catch up to me, but I never gave up. I did my best and even in doing my best I still came up short and ended up flunking out of my class. The term they called it was "being recycled." Thanks to my mentor, TSgt (Technical Sergeant) Cebulski (now a Master Sergeant) helped give me a second chance. I got a second chance and passed my class and became a Mental Health technician. That was April 6, 2016. 

April 7, 2016 I flew from San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA and was driven about 90 minutes from the Airport to my cold, empty, lonely dormitory on Edwards AFB remotely located in a desert in Kern county. The closest city from that base was 11-12 miles west. April 8, 2016 I worked as a Mental Health technician and from that day on I have honored my position in the Military. I've been fortunate to help counsel mentally ill people (both Active Duty and dependents) without requiring an MSW for Social Work or a PhD in Psychology thanks to my job title. I've been able to educate and provide services for clients who struggle with alcohol abuse.

I've been able to take part in honoring the fallen when I did base Honor Guard. Personally, that most gratifying feeling I have experienced through the Military was giving back to those who lost their lives. Though it was challenging, I wouldn't change any aspect of it.

All in all, the Military has been kind to me and I am grateful to serve our country, but I am even more grateful to have my family be by my side. Nothing is more important to me than my wife, children, parents, and siblings. I cherish time with them above all else and wouldn't hesitate to tell anyone, "No, I can't/won't do that because I would rather be with my family."