I was in the Alabama Air National Guard as a Life Support Technician from 1995 to 2001. Life Support has since been renamed Aircrew Equipment, and you basically take care of the pilots equipment and teach them survival skills if they get shot down. I went through both land and water survival schools, but never was able to make it to jump school before I was out processed. My out process date was September 9, 2001 and we all know what happened 2 days later. Since I was already out I didn't get to do anything after that since they never called up reservists.
I spent time in Turkey at Incirlik Air Base taking care of the pilots who patrolled the Northern No Fly Zone over Iraq, and in Norway doing joint exercises with the Norwegian Navy and Air Force.
I dont ever really consider myself a vet since I served in times of peace, but I wouldn't trade the time for anything. Being in the military is one of those things that I credit with me being able to look a person for his worth not how much money he has or what kind of car he drives. I've met guys with their GED who were wizards when it came to fixing jet engines, and I've known people with masters degrees who couldn't find their own hat.
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