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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.

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.