Wow.
I had a similar experience.
I always wanted to be a fighter pilot. Took all the collage prep and highest level classes in HS that I could so I could go to collage and then OCS for the Navy or AF.
Then, my Junior year of HS, I was told the same thing, due to my eyesight, I could not be a pilot in the US Military.
I dropped all my hard classes and just skated through the rest of HS. I did wind up joining the AF and was an A-10 Crew Chief.
Man, i feel it. You feel like like you’re a Giora Epstein...and then it’s just a dream you had.
~W
A buddy of mine wanted to be a naval aviator but his vision wasnt that hot.This would have been around 85 and lasic wasnt allowed here but it was in europe.My friends mother sent him to sweden(IIRC) and had the corrective surgery.He had 20/20 after that and was accepted to AOCS at P-cola.We took him down to P-cola the day before he was to report and had one hell of a party the night before on the seville quarter including TJs.There was no rule about having the surgery like I’m sure there is now but he was TMPQed for 6 weeks.There is more to the story but he did graduate both AOCS and recieved his Naval Aviators Wings and went to the fleet flying seahawks.I cant believe its been that long ago.
Joined Air Force in 1980, went to Officer Training School. I wanted to fly A-10s.
Saturday morning OTS inspection the Col looked at the shoes of a guy that just didn’t care.
The conversation:
THE COL: OT, that shine looks like $h@t!
THE OT: That’s just your reflection sir!
He was gone within hours.
(After pilot training and FAIP assignment, I did fly the A10 - the most fun you can have with your pants on)