On the doorstep of a dream Published Sept. 28, 2006 By Tarsha Storey 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Persistence, determination and faith are just a few of the reasons one Shaw member is on the doorstep of his dream -- to be a pilot. "I've never wanted to do anything else but be a pilot," said 2nd Lt. Gershwyn Caruth, 79th Fighter Squadron pilot trainee. Lt. Caruth began his life on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. He grew up with one brother and his mother in a single-parent home. At 22, he was working for a bank and said he was happy, but he was not aspiring for anything more in his life. It was at this time his brother, Anthony, who was living in the United States and attending college, convinced him to migrate and join the Air Force. "Then the Air Force happened to me. It's like a day and night difference. I fell in love with it and I can't wait for that next moment now. I feel like I was not breathing for a while. Now I can't believe how good the air smells," Lt. Caruth said. He said he enlisted in 2000 as a dental laboratory technician and was assigned to the 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron at Shaw. The lieutenant became a U.S. citizen in 2003. Lt. Caruth said American history inspired him to be part of something bigger than himself. After being promoted to staff sergeant and completing four years in the military, Lt. Caruth said he chose to separate from the Air Force and attend college full time. About one year ago, Lt. Caruth said his mom reminded him of his dream to fly and said he was on the doorstep of his dream. "Everyone tells you what's impossible; no one tells you what's possible," Lt. Caruth said. This year, Lt. Caruth graduated from the University of South Carolina and received his commission as an Air Force 2nd lieutenant. During a scholarship dinner, Lt. Caruth met his future commander, Lt. Col. Scott Manning, 79th FS commander. Col. Manning said he heard Lt. Caruth speak at the dinner and found out through the lieutenant's professor of aerospace studies that he would be coming to Shaw. "He impressed me so much that night (with) his speech, his nature and how grateful he was. I said I really want him to be part of the 79th FS," Col. Manning said. While at Shaw, Lt. Caruth is on casual status, awaiting pilot training. He does not know at this time what airframe he will fly, but he said he hopes he will return and fly for Air Combat Command. "I would love to fly F-16s, but the more I talk with the pilots, the more I think the plane chooses you. I don't know what life holds for me, but wherever I go I will be happy," Lt. Caruth said. Lt. Caruth said throughout his career, he has been blessed with good leaders, like Col. Manning, who are consistently trying to encourage and push him to the next step. "Leadership says, 'You can handle 10 pounds? Let's see how you do with 15,'" Lt. Caruth said. As a former NCO and now an officer, Lt. Caruth said he tries to put everything he is into each minute, because no one knows what impact a person may have or if there will be another minute. "I see Lt. Caruth taking (his career) as far as he possibly can -- letting his dreams play out and fulfilling whatever aspirations or goals he has. In 10 years, I see him as a mid-level field grade officer doing great things in the Air Force," said Col. Manning.