News Search

My protective shell

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
I thank God as I stand in my protective shell of Air Force Blue.

It's like I work in a building in a city full of other buildings, and I watch them fall down all around me.

My building is the Air Force, and the buildings all around me represent the unfortunate decline of our economy. Times are tough and I am grateful for what I have ... security.

For a moment, I thought about getting out and working in the civilian sector. I thought, "Hey, I've got a four-year degree now, maybe I can make more money out there." Before I made my decision, a friend and co-worker had the same choice and declined re-enlistment.

Unfortunately, my friend has moved to one of the falling buildings and I sense his regret for leaving. As I see what has happened to him, I take a closer look at what the Air Force has given me, things many take for granted, and I realize where I was before I signed the dotted line.

It's 2001; I just finished my associate's degree and I'm ready to hit the job market with enthusiasm. My sights areset high. After many months of filling job applications and handing out resumes, I lower my sights and accept the only job that was offered to me, at $10 per hour.

I did everything I could to just get by. I had a cheap car, cheap insurance, a cheap apartment, used cheap furniture, I even ate cheap food. Yet, after the bills were paid and the groceries were stocked, I would have $15 left to my name. I had no option to get sick and miss work, or to go out and enjoy a night on the town.

Sitting depressed on the couch I thought, "I've got to change this, but how?" As that thought crossed my mind, an Air Force commercial aired on T.V. I signed up two weeks later.

I joined the Air Force in hopes of achieving a great career, acquiring a bachelor's degree and moving up the chain to the officer's bracket. Eight years later, I've achieved two of those goals and am working on the third.

I'm not rich, but I do get by just fine and that is good enough for me because many don't even have that. I have many benefits, paid vacation and great Airmen to work with.

I thank God and the Air Force for my way of life, and I almost gave it up. Luckily for me, I didn't have to lose it before I realized what I have.