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Blast from the past - finally commissioned at 40

Cron

Cron

Yankee Uniform Tango
Not sure if anyone here remembers me anymore - I used to be pretty active on this forum back b/w 2008-2012. Long story short, despite my best efforts back then, I was never able to make it to USMC OCS and become a Naval Aviator. I was was accepted once (OCC-201 in May 2009), but was disenrolled before attending due to not having an approved NAMI flight physical. By the time it was approved, the OCS boards became insanely competitive and I was never accepted again. I kept applying every 3 months for an additional 4 years until I aged out and had to move on with my life.

In 2012 I designed the logo for the Marine Corps Aviation Centennial and was there for the celebrations in DC. It was an amazing experience and I thought that would be the extent of my involvement with the USMC. I became a pilot in the civilian world and have been working in law enforcement. I kept an active interest in all things USMC and overheard over a year ago that the Marine Corps has raised its maximum commissioning age limit to 42. Long story longer, I found an amazing OSO that loved my story, got me an age waiver and fought for me every step of the way - I just commissioned a few weeks ago, at the grand ol' age of 40 🫡.

Becoming a Marine Officer has been a dream come true. It's hard to express in words how much it means to me, especially after all these years. I used to love hanging out at this board and figured I'd reach out and see what's been going on since I left! I'm a ground contract at TBS now and while its insanely doubtful I will be granted a NAMI age waiver for a competitive SNA contract, I will try as hard as I can until they tell me 'NO' and then try some more ;)

Any AirWarriors old timers, feel free to reach out and / or PM - and if you are in the Quantico / DC area, the drinks are on me! (Yut, yut, debil dawg.)



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Griz882

Griz882

Frightening children with the Griz-O-Copter!
pilot
Contributor
Congratulations @Cron! I always love to hear about people who keep reaching for a goal until all options are exhausted (and then trying some more). I knew quite a number of old dog JOs when I was in the Corps a billion years ago. Most were computer geeks, MPs, and one PAO, but they all served with capability and pride.
 
Cron

Cron

Yankee Uniform Tango
Thanks gents!! I remember many of your handles, nice to see so many of you are still hanging around these parts. Drinks on me IRL, as mentioned 😎


MIDNJAC said:
Congrats! And welcome to the 40’s club. If you’re lucky, the grey hairs haven’t taken over yet :)
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Started graying quite quickly once I began my law enforcement job...can't blend in with the kids unfortunately 😳 The big joke around TBS is that if I wore oak leaves on my collar, no one would question it!

JTS11 said:
That's awesome. If LeBron is out there winning NBA games at around your age, TBS shouldn't be a problem....interested to hear of any good nicknames you've received so far.
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I didn't get as much crap or as many nicknames as I imagined I would have! "Grand Old Man of OCS" was one. Also got called an "old motherfucker!" by one of my Sergeant Instructors 🤣

Meyerkord said:
What an inspiring story. Congrats on the commission and I wish you all the best!

Btw that is a very cool logo for the centennial. How’d you go about getting involved in that process? Were they looking for volunteer artists?
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That was pure luck! I was a graphic designer by trade at the time and somehow I came across a Call for Submissions ad for the Centennial logo. Surprisingly my submission was picked, out of something around 50? It was an unbelievable honor! The MCAA staff were amazing, showed me around DC and even introduced me to the Commandant at the time.

Odominable said:
I mean this without any snark - passing OCS at your age is extremely impressive, congrats!
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Thank you! I physically prepped for a long time and was very happy with my performance. I had no issues other than the long rucks - those sucked!
 
JTS11

JTS11

Well-Known Member
pilot
Contributor
Cron said:
I didn't get as much crap or as many nicknames as I imagined I would have! "Grand Old Man of OCS" was one. Also got called an "old motherfucker!" by one of my Sergeant Instructors 🤣
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I was actually partial to Blue, due to my love of the movie Old School...as @johnboyA6E alluded to.

johnboyA6E said:
Blue! you're my boy!

seriously, congrats!
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Odominable

Odominable

PILOT HMSD TRACK FAIL
pilot
Cron said:
Thank you! I physically prepped for a long time and was very happy with my performance. I had no issues other than the long rucks - those sucked!
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Unfortunately there’s more coming at TBS. No stupid DI games, thankfully, but the rucks are longer and with a heavier pack. Injury prevention is the name of the game, pack smart and make sure your gear is properly fitted. Good luck!
 
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