The Wild Blue Yonder

The Cornell Daily Sun ^ | 4/22/02 | Matt Flahive

[The American]

Classmates, friends, relatives and professors all ask seniors the same question -- "what are you going to do after you graduate?" Most will attend grad school, work in the corporate world, or go home and print out more resumes. But I don't fall into any of those categories. I'm taking my diploma off into the wild blue yonder ... as part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

I'll spend July going through field training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Once I finish, I will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Then I'm off to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to learn everything there is to know about the U.S. space and missile program.

And to think that, just 18 months ago, military service hadn't crossed my mind.

During winter break of my junior year, with the economy in a decrepit state, I figured it was about time to secure my post-graduation plans. So I took a sheet of paper and listed what I want from my professional life. Topping the list were advancement opportunities, financial stability, the ability to make a difference, and a love of my job.

Then it was a matter of finding the route that would lead me to my goals. I knew I'd be miserable if I went straight to grad school, so that idea was eliminated.

I had plenty of options in the job market -- from control engineering to medical technology to utilities research. Pay and advancement came with all these opportunities, but these industries just did not appeal to me. Only the defense industry genuinely piqued my interest.

So I looked at defense contractors, only to learn that these companies would stick me as a lowly engineer with little influence for years. But I wanted more than that; I wanted the responsibility and adventure that only Uncle Sam can provide.

The military was my solution; it fulfilled all my criteria. But which branch would suit me best, I wondered. After investigating the jobs I could hold in each of the services, I narrowed my list to the Navy and the Air Force.

Navy recruiters wined and dined me for months. They flew me to Florida, gave me tours of a submarine and a destroyer, and made me a lucrative offer. I nearly signed up ... twice. But being at sea for months at a time wasn't for me. What I really wanted to do was work on our space program.

When I returned to campus last August, I visited the Air Force ROTC detachment. Five minutes later, one of the detachment's officers won me over. My heart was set on the Air Force. But before I got too excited, I needed to take care of some formalities.

I filled out the paperwork. Never knew there were so many illegal drugs.

I took the qualifying test. Standardized test, number 2 pencils, just like the good old days.

I survived the medical exam. Apparently my circulatory system won't give up blood without a fight. That day was ... exciting.

On Nov. 27, 2001 I took the oath and committed myself to the Air Force. Since then, as an ROTC cadet, I've engaged in thought-provoking discussions ranging from terrorism to future military threats. My classmates have taught me the value of teamwork. And the training has helped me develop and improve my leadership skills. Oh yeah, and I've gained about 50 great friends.

When I wear my uniform on Thursdays, I feel proud of my decision to join ROTC. Words don't do justice to the feeling. The uniform enhances my self-confidence. It symbolizes everything I believe in. It tells others that I am dedicated to the principles on which our nation was founded.

You don't get that aura from a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Now I'm just a few months from being commissioned. I have my professional career planned out and could not be happier. Soon I'll be Lieutenant Flahive. I like the sound of that.

[The American]

Gotta respect those ROTC cadets -- especially those who join for the right reasons.

[TomB]

A dormmate of mine was in AFROTC, with the intent of becoming a pilot. I saw him about 2 years later at a football game, he told me he was flying an F-16 and I asked him how he liked it. I'll never forget the expression on his face, his eyes lit up like he was talking about his first born child and he said; "I can't wait to get up in the morning".

I've always envied him.

[NerdDad]

My oldest son is 17 y/o. Junior in High School and 3rd year AFJROTC cadet. Likely to be Cadet Commander or Deputy Commander next year. He has already applied for admission to the college ROTC program. Since he was 5 his only desire has been to be a fighter pilot. Dad has done everything possible to encourage that goal. I was a 2 term AF enlisted man. It did my heart proud to see him receive the Air Force Association award (highest Jr. ROTC national award) this past Thursday. I will be prouder still to pin those bars on his collar in a few years.

I travel with these kids to drill meets at least twice a year. They do an incredible amount of work (mostly after school hours) to prepare themselves academically and physically. Most of them have no intention of going on to serve in the military. They are there because they recognize the value of the discipline and education the program provides them. I love to see the pride in their bearing when they wear their uniforms. Makes me feel that maybe, just maybe, we are not headed for hell in a handbasket as quickly as I sometimes think.

Thanks for posting the article. I wish this young LT well as he carries on a proud tradition of service. If you know him personally, please express the thanks of and old sarge.