My grandfather was adopted and came from Europe in the late 1930’s. He enlisted in the USAF out of New York and did a 20 year career as an intelligence airman on B-52’s. He also loved to build RC airplanes. My father picked up the passion for aviation and building planes from him. So, I grew up watching history channel dog fights and flying sims in the late 90’s.
Fast forward to 2012, and, after going through my long hair, skateboarding and metal band phase, I’m in the food service game and going nowhere, so I go all-in and decide to follow a buddy into the USMC. Picked the Aviation option because I had a history, and there you go. Next thing I know I’m in the fleet, then picked up for an officer program, and now I’m on my way near to where my grandfather was stationed in Columbus, MS (just north of Meridian) for jets. Crazy.