Posted on 01/03/2008 4:37:16 PM PST by SandRat
1/3/2008 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Three Airmen deployed here from the 110th Fighter Wing at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., received a welcome holiday message recently.
Staff Sergeants Bryce Moore, Kevin Rynbrandt and James Liston received word on Dec. 21 that they all were selected for pilot training.
"Our supervisor must have been pretty confident we would get accepted," Sergeant Rynbrandt said. "He purchased cigars ahead of time to celebrate."
For the three selectees, it was the culmination of nearly three years of preparation.
"I starting working on my package in college, and decided toward the end to apply for an active duty position with Sergeant Rynbrandt and Sergeant Liston," Sergeant Moore said.
The Airmen had a tense few months after submitting their applications for consideration last September.
"We were really on the edge of our seats," Sergeant Liston said. "The original results date was supposed to be Nov. 27, but that got pushed back to Dec. 15. We never heard about another extension and were checking the (board results) Web site six or seven times a day," he said.
"We were banking on hearing by the 21st or else we would have probably had to wait until after the holidays," Sergeant Moore said.
After their deployment and training, the three Airmen have a good idea of what their future holds, and are excited about it, they said.
"I'd like fly an F-15 Eagle before moving on to some of the newer aircraft like the F-22 Raptor," Sergeant Moore said.
"A-10 Thuderbolt IIs for me," Sergeant Rynbrandt said.
"I would like to fly any fighter," Sergeant Liston said.
For the three Airmen, the news has made deployment away from loved ones over the holidays a little easier, they said.
"I think I speak for all three of us when I say it was the best Christmas present we've ever gotten," said Sergeant Moore.
FR WAR NEWS!
Go get 'em, lad!
Very cool!
I know the feeling. Good for them!
OUT-freakin’-standing!
I’m a 46 year old prior AF medic (10 yrs, SSgt), used the GI Bill, got my RN license and I’m actively looking at re-entry back into the AF as a Capt. this spring or summer myself. So I can imagine their excitement somewhat!
After 15 years of being out, I can hardly wait to get back in!
Believe me I understand. I retired in Feb ‘92 and since 9/11, I’ve volunteered 4 times to be a retread and go back. So far no luck.
Same here.
any shot at reserves or another service?
NOPE. Regular Army Field Grade now Retired.
I well know that, got one right up the road from here.
Just another square to fill, they will get lots of 'real' stick time. The ultimate in video gaming, I should think this generation would have no trouble with it.
I know my 13 yr old would like to give it a test...:)
The very picture of “High speed, low drag” Steely eyed fighter jocks.
Or
UAV assassins. Either way the bad guys had beter watch out. New bumber sticker making the rounds - Don't bother to run, you'll just die tired... naw, you just die!
More than likely future UAV pilots, but that also means they may get more opportunities to drop/fire live ammo in the future than their A-10/F-16/F-15 counterparts.
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