The musings & rants of 3 retired military (2 USAF, 1 USN), 1 former WSO, and 1 AF brat. Old AF Sarge, Juvat, Tuna, LUSH, and Beans.
I Need This ...
OAFS Photo
I live roughly one mile from that scene above. I have discovered over the years, that I need to be near the sea. Not necessarily upon it, but near it.
That's Narragansett Bay, for those unfamiliar with this area. Across the water is the town of Warwick, about four miles away, as the seagull flies. To go by car, it's about 27 miles, roughly 35 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
But I don't need to go there, I can see it from the beach above.
I didn't grow up on the ocean, but as kids my parents took us there every summer. Sometimes for a day, sometimes for a few days. But every summer. (Maine was where we'd go, my Dad loved that place. As do I.)
Many times people will ask, "Why didn't you join the Navy?"
Good question, best answer is, "I don't know."
I wanted to go into armor, the Army kept messing around with me, trying to make me a technician of sorts. All I wanted was to drive a damn tank. They didn't get it.
I also like aircraft, so I talked to the Air Force recruiter. He told me no stories, told me no bullshit, just gave me the straight dope.
The recruiters for the four services all sat in the same office area. The Marine recruiter at least asked if I had considered the Marine Corps. I believe I answered, "I've never been that drunk, Gunny, but thanks for asking."
The Navy recruiter never left his office. Didn't impress me much, in fact, not at all.
One thing I liked about Air Force bases, they don't move.
Want a family? Join the Air Force a friend of mine told me. Sounded good, so yeah, I wore Air Force blue for 24 years.
Would I do it again? Knowing what I know now? Probably.
If I was a young fellow today?
It wouldn't be the Air Force, that's for sure. Probably the Navy this time around.
Anyhoo, I've lived in lots of places, the ones I liked best?
Near the sea.¹
Yeah, I need it.
¹The mountains of Colorado were a close second.
Posted by OldAFSarge at 2:00 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest