Joining the military was just something I always felt a calling to do. I've been so privileged to grow up in the United States, I guess I've always felt that giving back to my country would be my small contribution to try to repay all those before me that made this place so great. I figured if I get to live in the best damn country in the world, why not do my part and defend it? (I will say, watching the twin towers fall from across the Long Island Sound only made me want to serve that much more, but that wasn't my only reason.)
When I sailed on commercial ships for a year and I saw a lot of other countries where people didn't have the same liberties that I did growing up. Although I got to see and experience a lot, I couldn't have been happier to see the coastline of the United States when I finally sailed home. If I ever doubt whether or not I truly want to be here on Active Duty, all I would have to do is look back to that day and remember the pride and patriotism I felt when I saw the shoreline of New York appear over the bow knowing that it was my country, the USA, land of the free. Yeah it sounds like a sappy movie....but hey it keeps me going.
Yeah flying is great, and I love it. But if for some reason my flying days were done and they offered to let me stay in the Navy, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I'm a Naval Officer first, and a Student Aviator second. Putting on a uniform every morning and knowing that I am doing my part to defend the best damn country in the world is far better than being a cubicle monkey any day.