Air Force ROTC, Detachment 040

Well, a new chapter of my life began in January 2003, with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Some of you who know me, and my Film Studies experience, may wonder why I haven't chosen to just graduate and start being a video editor. Well, I took a good long look at where I was headed this last summer, and decided I'd like to get a Master's of Business Administration degree. Of course, no (reputable) MBA program will take *anyone* before that person has at least 4-5 years of professional business experience, outside of college.

I could have just edited video for four years, then applied. But, in all honesty, while I do love the excitement of the film industry, I've been up to my eyeballs in it since I was born (See?). So that I don't get *too* tired of it and lose interest, I've decided to do something more exciting, patriotic, andpersonally fulfilling - become an Air Force officer. Right now, I'm interested in the Space/Missile, Intelligence, and Public Affairs fields.

This upcoming Spring 04 semester, I'm a Cadet Captain, and the Flight Commander of Foxtrot Flight. Foxtrot consists of almost all Air Force cadets from all of Orange County, so that's pretty exciting. It's a lot of responsibility, and will no doubt be a lot of work, but I'm looking forward to it. :) I'll post a picture of me in my new uniform as soon as I get the opportunity.

Me at the 2004 LA Marathon in AFROTC gear.

A cool US Air Force formation over the Rose Bowl this year

FIELD TRAINING 2003

A nice Texas sunrise.

My flight at our "Field Training Exercise" getting ready to execute a combat land-navigation course.

Getting buzzed by a Blackhawk at the end of our combat land-nav exercise.

My flightmates Kittrell, Halderman, Jordan and I.

Two of my giggly flightmates, Schreck and Meier. We all got in trouble often for laughing/smiling in formation, so they were trying to train themselves *indoors* to be able to not laugh. It doesn't appear to have worked, however.

Schreck and I shining our shoes.

My buddy Pincombe and I in our hut at FTX.



A couple of pictures that are inspiring to me:

My Grandpa Ray's ID card from World War II. He was a B24 bomber pilot in the European theater (Italy, specifically) in 1944-45.

My Grandpa Mac flying one of his planes nice convertible!

The RV-4, the airplane my Grandpa Mac built over the past six years. Someday, I would love to learn to fly it. I'm shooting for this summer or next. It's got an 800 mile range, 200 mph cruising speed, and can take two passengers plus 80 pounds of luggage.

Here's a shot of the plane with grandpa, my dad, myself, and my brother and sister.

And a beauty shot of its wing I love that paint job. :D

Cadet Yee and I outside in our "Service Blues."

Here's me in Battle Dress Uniform, with my car :D

I will post more pictures of my Air Force experience as they become available.