Military Anniversaries, do you reflect?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:03:27 -0400

Today marks my 17th year in the United States Air Force. It has been a long trip since I left Manchester PA behind and I haven't looked back or regretted a minute of it. I have seen some great places and made some of the best friends anyone could ask for. Being an Airmen is literally one of the most rewarding careers one could ever hope for regardless of the ups and downs and the go and bad. It is the mission and the people that make it completely awesome. Not to mention, without the Air Force I wouldn't have my family either! Here is to many more years to come.

I was 17 years old to the day when I signed my DEP contract so my 17th year in is even more special to me.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 2:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:06:18 -0400

My anniversaries always seem to sneak up on me, but I definitely reflect back as they pass on where I've been and look forward to where I'm heading.

Congrats on 17!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 2 at 2015 2:10 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:10:29 -0400

It's been 21 years, 1 month, 1 day (Coincidence) since I left for boot camp.

Great people met, great experiences had. Met my wife. Don't regret a thing.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 2 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 16:10:22 -0400

Well I have 2 breaks in service. if we go from when i left for basic in 1988, it has been 26 years 9 months 10 days. If you do time in service with out breaks I have 15 yrs 6 months and 23 days.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 5:02 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 17:02:16 -0400

I imagine there are many of us who have left service now have two days of reflection... Our enlistment date and our separation date. Both of mine just recently passed... 02 July 2002 and 13 Aug 2009.

I find myself weighing what was gained (and lost) on both days. Mostly I look back with satisfaction over everything that happened and feel a sense of nostalgia for the "old" days.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 2 at 2015 5:19 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 17:19:07 -0400

Just passed 30 years total service in April, and I'll hit 26 years Active at the end of the month. It's been an interesting ride.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 8:36 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 20:36:42 -0400

At the end of this month it will be 55 years since I left for the Air Force.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:06 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 22:06:32 -0400

Congrats TSgt Joshua Copeland ! I'm prior enlisted so I have a couple of dates that I used to celebrate; however, I finally settled on my TAFMSD... Last June it was 15 years for me.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 4 at 2015 9:45 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:45:50 -0400

Yes, just a few months ago, I passed the 30 years since graduating boot camp. Was lucky enough to be able to have mom/dad come see that. This year when putting on CMSgt, they were able to attend. So, they got to see the beginning, and the beginning of the end.
We are rapidly approaching 15 years since 9-11. Soon we will have SMs that were not yet born when it occurred.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 4 at 2015 9:49 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:49:43 -0400

Best "party" I ever attended with a group of fellow clowns that I wouldn't trade the world for. 21yrs, five months ago, I was PVT Swan at Ft. McClellan AL. Time damn sure is moving.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 10:50 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:50:21 -0400

I celebrated my 20th TDY with a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bag of ice