Best decision is Air Force life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian L. Lilley
  • 23rd Maintenance Squadron
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) --  Three years ago I was in college debating on the many options out there for me. I had no clue as to what my next transition was going to be. I finally made a decision that would change the next six years of my life. I went to the registrar’s office and told them I wanted to drop out of school -- to join the U.S. Air Force.

It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Besides getting the traveling experience the Air Force has to offer, I wanted to apply different things to my life. I never had any experience in any mechanical or maintenance areas, so I challenged myself by enlisting as a munitions specialist.

The first thing the Air Force taught me was the ability to adapt to anything through basic military training. That and the discipline I gained mean a lot to me because those qualities are important to have anywhere I go in life.

A few days before I graduated from tech school, I found out I was assigned to Pope. Our class had the option of switching permanent-duty assignments with someone leaving around the same time. An airman in my class offered me her ticket to Aviano Air Base, Italy, because her family lives around the Fayetteville area. At the time it wouldn’t have taken much for me to choose any base over Pope, because I had heard nothing but bad things about the base. Plus this would be my chance to experience life overseas. That was until I was told that Pope was only a few hours from some major East Coast hot spots, therefore, I declined her offer.

I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at Pope. It had always been referred to as “No Hope Pope.” I wasn’t sure if this base could offer me the things I wanted to gain from the Air Force life I had previously envisioned.

I’ve been assigned to Pope for about two and a half years now and have visited 16 countries, seeing parts of the world I never thought I’d see. I don’t think I would have gotten that opportunity if I was stationed elsewhere. I had the opportunity to help set up a bare base at a forward-deployed location, something I never thought I’d have the ability to do before I joined the Air Force. Being a part of the 23rd Fighter Group gave me that chance.

The Air Force has built my confidence. I realize that I am capable of performing any task and can adapt to any present condition. I don’t think I would have gotten what I had anticipated if I wasn’t stationed at Pope.

I take pride in myself and feel like a part of something when wearing my uniform. I’ve gained more from experiencing the Air Force life then I would have staying in college. I can live the Air Force life while taking college classes, while having it paid for.

I’m glad I made the decision to join the Air Force and came to Pope. I’m farther ahead in life than I ever thought I would be at 21 years old.