I spent ten years as an enlisted aviator in the Air Force.  It was enjoyable, at times.  I met some wonderful people, life-long friends. I traveled to four continents and numerous countries, tasted delicious foods, heard many languages, and saw the vibrant colors that each new place had to offer.  There were incredible times...

But there were bad times, horrifying times.  I remember staring out my console window and seeing miles upon miles of explosions lighting the night sky.  Hundreds of bombs being dropped as if it were a highly-orchestrated firework display filled with brilliant flashes of devastation.  I had front-row seats to the show of my lifetime.  I can't make sense of it.

Ten years, and I get high year of tenure, caused by a DUI and lost stripe.  I have my demons, we all do.  We have been touched by the horrors of war, and the impression is long-lasting.  I'm thankful for the good memories along the bumpy road, but I'm elated to say good-bye.  To new beginnings.