On Wednesday, November 27, 2013, while surrounded by my family and with my hand raised in front of the American flag, I enlisted in the Idaho Air National Guard. This decision has been a long time in the making, and officially--I did it.
This begins a whole new & HUGE chapter in our lives. Daniel, who is coming up on 11 years in the ANG, has been one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to join. The Guard has done wonderful things in his life (it brought him to Idaho!), and I'm ready to go with him hand-in-hand on this new venture.
Of course this means some big changes for me. I am going in as a traditional (weekend drills only), so I get to keep my full-time job at the hospital, which is just wonderful--it's like the best of both worlds! But, as you can assume, since I've joined the military, I will have to go away for some training. I don't know dates at this time, but I do know that the training involves spending 8 weeks at Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) in Texas, followed by another 6 weeks of tech school in Mississippi.
We are so excited for this, because we know it is the right thing for us and our future. For me, it's a whole new career set that I'll develop and that I couldn't get anywhere else. It's a wonderful addition to add to my resume, and I know it will help build me as a person. For Daniel and I, it is a step to help set up our future together. And, last but not least, I get to serve our country! This is such an amazing opportunity for us, and we are running fast after it with so much excitement. This is it!
We have been talking about this for such a long time, and I'm so excited that I finally did it. And it wasn't easy! The test to get in, the ASVAB, was a pickle (though I did end up scoring well, thank goodness). The 4-hour physical was another trial. Wading through the paperwork and the forms and the questions and the unknowns... it's all been a lot... but finally, I enlisted and this begins a whole new chapter. I'll be learning everything as I go--it's all new to me--taking in each moment, and loving this new opportunity that is going to bring great things. I'm just so excited.
If you have questions about the Guard, which I'm sure you will, please don't hesitate to ask them below. I hope you'll join us in our celebration of this new step & journey in our lives.
126 comments:
Wow! I have goosebumps just reading that. Congratulations! That is amazing and so selfless of you in so many ways. Best of luck, Aunie!!
Congrats on an amazing decision Aunie!!! There are lots of men in our family that are/were in the guard. Sometimes I wish I would have done it when I graduated High School, I would probably be a lot further in my life than I am right now. I guess it is never too late! What did the physical test entail? I cannot wait to read along on your blog of this journey you are about to take!
What an amazing thing! Congratulations beautiful!
congrats! Thank you for serving our country!! Can't wait to see what this adventure brings you guys!
That's so amazing, Aunie, congrats!! And thank you for serving our country!
So awesome, I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear more about this journey!
Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Ahhhh! Congrats!!! That is so exciting! My husband is trying to reenlist into the Marine Corps, so I know the hoops it takes to get to this point ;) Thanks so much for your service!!!
Congratulations!!! That is so very exciting!!
My husband is a pilot in the Kansas Air National Guard - it is definitely a great life and I hope our boys decide to join when they are old enough.
That's so awesome! What a fantastic thing for you and your marriage! I can't wait to hear about your adventures!
Congrats lady!! How exciting!!
Congratulations! That is so awesome. Thanks for serving!
Congratulations! That is so exciting!
Oh how wonderful! Congrats! Thank you! :)
Whoa, so THIS must have been what you were alluding to in your email! WOW! I'm speechless! Congratulations, and I am praying for this change in your life! Wow wow wow!
(Also, Texas you say?!?! Hmmm we might need to talk about that! I'd be willing to drive some distance to see you, since you'll be in the state and all...) :)
WOW!! Congratulations to you on this new venture. You will be amazing and successful at whatever you do!! Let's talk about running in the mornings again if we can make it work!! Miss you!!
Congratulations!! You will be amazing - and the Guard really is the best of both worlds. Excited to see how your journey shapes up!
WHOO HOO!! You go girl. This is amazing and I'm so excited for you :) I can't wait to see what it brings you and even if it means stopping the blog for a little bit, be sure to fill us in a little bit when you get back. Praying for you and Daniel and you start this new journey together. Also, all my love to you guys in congratulations to your 1st year of marriage. love you <3
Congratulations!! I'm so proud of you! You're going to be amazing. They are so lucky to have you!
And Texas?! Girlfriend...let me know when and where and I will drive to come see you. We must hang out at some point!
Aunie- You don't do anything in a small way - that's for sure! Only you
and Daniel know if this is the right decision for you and with that said
- CONGRATULATIONS! You're off on another adventure that will impact the
rest of your life. Run with it as you do everything you embrace! Godspeed sweetheart. We'll miss you here though!
Congrats!! This is awesome!
Congratulations on your new journey, It's great you can do it with your husband and it's great that you can still work at your regular job. So happy for you!
Congratulations!!! I'm so so excited for you! Having my husband in the National Guard has been a huge blessing for my family and I hope it's wonderful for you!
Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH. Congratulations Aunie! This is big BIG news! Holy moley. I'm so excited for you and nervous for you. Woah. Ahhh CONGRATULATIONS darlin' you're going to do awesome! So happy for you!
Congratulations! I'm so proud of you. :)
wow! that's amazing! congrats :)
I am so very proud of you! Congratulations!
holy cow!!! you are AH-mazing. 'nough said. so proud of you! tell me, the tech school in Mississippi. is it in Gulfport? we're moving back to Mobile in January & that's only about an hour away. i'll visit you if you have any off time :)
Congratulations! That is such a huge and exciting step! You have way more guts than I do!
Wow! That's crazy! Congratulations!! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as Daniel!
You're doing an beautiful thing by serving our country. Congratulations and thank you, thank you, thank you.
XO,
Shannon
www.brasshoney.blogspot.com
CONGRATS! This is a wonderful new journey! I can't wait to read about it!
Please send pics of you in the uniform! I can't wait!
Oh wow!! Congrats!! That is very exciting for you!
Oh my gosh this is amazing! I'm so excited for you!
Wow! So exciting and I am proud of you! That is a HUGE decision and it's a wonderful thing BOTH of you are doing. Good luck moving forward. I'm sure it will be such a rewarding challenge. :)
Annelise, I'm so proud of you. If I had it to do all over, I would have been a career Navy RN. Blessings to you!! <3
Congrats! What an exciting new chapter! I have so much respect for anyone who enlists in the military. So cool that you and Daniel are both apart of it.
Congratulations Aunie! This is so exciting for you and your family! Thank you so much for your service, and good luck my dear! xoxoxo
Congratulations!!! I know you are so proud. My boyfriend is in the Army Reserves and has been in the armed forces for nearly 10 years now. We've joked about me joining in order to do something different with my career, but MAJOR PROPS to you for going through with it! I can't wait to hear about your journey!
Congratulations, Aunie! This is so exciting for you and Daniel. Best of luck on your new adventure. I'm sure you will excel. :)
Congrats!!! That is so exciting!
That's awesome! Congrats!
I'm so excited for you & this new stage in your life!
Whaat? You are the jack (or jill?) of all trades! Congrats on this new chapter.
Aunie, congrats to you girlfriend! This is awesome!! I'm sure scary and a little unnerving about what could be next, but awesome. And special that you and Daniel can share that together! Can't wait to follow along.
perfectly priya
Congrats aunie! Im do happy for you. Itll be a whole new adventure!
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!!! CONGRATULATIONS, AUNIE!!! :) You were already part of this wonderful military "family", and now you can serve in your own way...awesome decision. (My husband is an Infantry Officer, so I could talk all day long about how much I love my Army family!) I'm so excited for you and this new adventure that you and Daniel are embarking on together. Thank you for your desire to serve our country.
Congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity. You'll have to fill us in later on all the details. Way to go!
Oh my gosh Aunie that's huge! Congratulations on making such an important decision and taking an amazing step in your life and career. You are a Wonder Woman!
WOW! Big things happening over there! Congrats, friend!
Excuse me for a moment while I pick my jaw up off of the floor...
That's better.
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I did NOT see that coming. I've been wondering for a while what your announcement was, and now I know!
You go girl! This is awesome! I'm proud of you! I'll be praying for you as you go through BMT. I'm guessing you'll be at Lackland? That's where my brother graduated from, and it's a pretty nice base.
Here's a cyber hug from me. :) :) Be sure to keep us posted! (Obviously not through boot camp, but as often as you can).
http://wwwlifethroughmylens-emily.blogspot.com
amazing! congratulations on this big step!
WOW!! Such a huge step for you and your family. Congrats to you and Daniel!!!!
Thank you for taking such a courageous step and for serving our Country. I appreciate you!
Wow that is AMAZING Aunie. Congrats to both you and Daniel!
Congratulations!! I hope it is everything you hope it will be! I'm a military wife and the sacrifice is truly appreciated.
Congratulations, Aunie. I knew there was something exciting happening in your life. You are awesome. Thank you for your service to our country!
Ahh, how awesome. :) And kinda cool to see another military girl with a blog. Good luck in BMT! Hopefully you'll score a stay in the new dorms. I've seen pictures and they're pretty nice. Basic training is still a pretty horrific experience, but being in a better dorm thats not falling apart will make it slightly less horrible, lol. I went to tech school at Keesler AFB in MS and had a blast there. What's your AFSC? I was in the 336th Red Wolves in tech! Hopefully you won't be there in the summer though. I remember 5AM formations, soaking through my uniform because it was so hot. Yuck. Anyway, congrats on your enlistment!
This is awesome Aunie! Congratulations! I'm so happy and excited for you!
Congratulations! You are so awesome! I admire my husband and his military career but I don't think it's something I could do myself which makes me so impressed with you! And thank you for your service. :)
Congratulations Aunie!! You are truly an amazing person! :)
Thanks so much, Alyson. There are just so many benefits, so I actually feel a little selfish. Honestly, the benefits of doing it greatly outweigh the cons!
Thanks so much, Brittany! You know, I wish I had done it right out of high school as well. I will probably be one of the oldest people in my flight, but that's OK... I'll have a leg up, right?
The physical test was essentially a long doctors appointment. I had to do test vision, depth perception, eye pressure, reading aloud (to make sure I didn't have a speech impediment, as that can prevent you from having certain jobs), hearing test, bloodwork, urinalysis, physical movement test (like basic exercises to determine stability and muscle control), clean and press to determine the weight I could lift, and then a doctors exam where he checked my eyes, ears, nose, heart, blood pressure, and did a "female exam" as well :) It was very, very long! :)
We are excited too. It's fun to be doing something together!
Re-enlisting is one of the hardest things. I wouldn't want to go through the whole process again. Good for him. Marines are hard core!
How wonderful! I bet the training to become a pilot is so intense. Good for him, what an amazing way to give back to the country and support your family!
Hellooo! Yes, this was exactly it. I would have gone more into it with the email, but when I begin talking about it I end up talking forever... so it's just a lot! And yes, I'll be at Lackland Air Force Base. Not sure when, but it will be for 8.5 weeks. The sad part is that I don't get to leave base :(
I would love to run in the mornings with you again. Let's do it. Though it's rather cold, you're so brave!
Thanks so much! You're right, it is the best of both worlds. Can't believe I get to keep my civilian job. I bet it will give me a whole new appreciation for it!
Thanks so much, Lily! I'm not going anywhere yet... I won't go to basic for a few months at least. So there will be plenty of time to fill you in as it happens :)
I wish my time in Texas was going to be more easy-going. I will be stuck on base for the entire 8.5 weeks. It's at Lackland, right outside San Antonio. Are you by there?
Thank you SO MUCH, Aunt Linda. And you're right, I never ever ever do anything in a small way. It's always gotta be BIG! :)
Thanks so much. I'm hoping I love it as much as I think I will. Daniel and I are planning to both retire with the Guard ;)
Thanks Julie. Can you remind me, is he a traditional or AGR out at the Guard?
Thanks so much!!! You know exactly where I'm coming from with all this... it's going to be such a fun adventure!
Is Gulfport the base name? I'll be at Keesler... is that very far? I've never been to MS, so I have absolutely no idea!
Nah.. I just was looking at some closed doors right in front of me, and this one opened so I went right on through it. I'm excited about boosting my career and resume, and this is a great way to do it. Maybe it's guts, or maybe it's just an open door :)
Thanks so much, Shannon :) It's so exciting. I just can't wait to actually get going with it!
Me in uniform... I can't even picture it right now! I won't get my uniform until I go to basic training, and that is MONTHS away. But I will be sure to share photos when the time comes~
Thanks Tina! It sure was a big decision. We talked about it a year ago and backed out because it was just too big at the time. But right now, it's the best time. So excited for all of it ;)
That would have been amazing. I think the work you're doing now is so wonderful... are you still traveling as a nurse? And if I could go back, I would have taken this step right out of high school. But oh well, gotta make the best of it!
Biloxi!! which is a smidge closer :) seriously, keep me posted! i'll be your Gulf Coast buddy
Thanks Amy! I've always had and known that respect, too, as many of my family members are in the Army, Air Force and Guard. So thank you very much for extending that to me, it means a lot!
He is a traditional in the Army National Guard
Thank you so much! How amazing... he's put in some good time, good for him! I bet he loves it. And that is the major reason I joined... to do something different and expand my career to a new area :) It's so exciting.
I love that!! I feel like I have this huge bucket list and I'm just checking things off as I go... thanks so much, Kacy!
Thanks so much, Priya. It is a little intimidating to know that I have absolutely NO IDEA what to expect, but I'm looking forward to it all the same ;)
You're so sweet! I'll be at Lackland Air Force Base right outside San Antonio. I wish I was given permission to leave base, I'd eat at your house anytime!
Thanks so much, Heather! So you knew it before I said anything? What gave it away? Good for you for reading between the lines with everything I was saying... I knew someone had to know where it was going :) And that's amazing that your husband is an Officer... that's my goal someday. I already have the degree... now just need to see that I make it happen!
Oh, I sure will!! I don't know much myself, right now, so I will definitely be including more as it comes. It's all pretty far out at this point... like basic training won't be until next year so I have plenty of time to get ready :)
You're so sweet, and totally warming my heart. I wouldn't necessarily say Wonder Woman, but I'll agree that it's a huge decision. Thanks so much for all your support!
Thanks so much, Emily!! I didn't mean to totally shock you (or maybe I did, ha!). Are you good surprised or like "WHAT IS SHE DOING?" surprised? :)
Yes, I'll be at Lackland. I'm not sure when I'll be going, but I've heard good things about that base, despite all the basic training horror stories. I know I'll survive, though it will be super tough!
And I will keep you updated. Haha, you know the drill... no posting at basic! :) Bummer, but it will be good for me!
Thanks Brittany! You know, it was either babies or the Guard, and the Guard just seemed like the right fit for right now! So excited for this new adventure. Isn't it amazing how many different paths we can take in life? It's just beautiful.
Thanks so much, Kel... I really appreciate that!
Thanks, Sarah! That's what we're hoping for, too. We know He has guided us this far... just need Him to keep me on the path and striving toward what He wants :)
Thank you, Sarah... and thank you for the service of your husband. I know how much he, and especially you, have had to give up. It's a lot and so appreciated on my end, too!
Thanks Katie! The way we looked at it, it was either this or babies, and babies are too soon for us right now... so the Guard it is! Woo hoo!
Thanks so much, April! Ditto to the military girl with a blog thing. Can't wait to go check yours out! I don't have a clue as to when I'll be going to basic training right now, but whenever it is, I'm excited. I heard great things about the new dorms as well, though it won't make up for the scariness of basic! :)
My tech school will be at Keesler, too! My AFSC will be 3S0X1, Personnel. What's yours?
I was told this morning that the first opening for my tech school is in August. Is it brutal there then?
Haha! This is awesome. Thanks Sierra!
Thanks so much, Jane. Growing up, I never had any desire to join the military, but lately it's been all I can think about. I wish I'd have been bitten by this bug sooner! Thanks so much for your husband's service & your sacrifices!
I appreciate you so much, Vicki. Thanks!
Deal! That would be so awesome!!
Perfect. What an amazing way to do it. It's such a great way to provide additional support--especially with a family!
Yeah, I figured you wouldn't have much time to spare for recreational activities. ;) It's about 3.5 hrs from me. A day trip! ;) I've been telling Aaron that we need to take a trip to the Hill Country which is the Austin/San Marcos/San Antonio area around where you're going to be. Soooo....if you have any time to spare to have a meal or something...maybe we'll make that trip happen. ;)
OK as dates get closer I'll let you know! Rumor has it that it might not be until August/September... ugh!
Haha just don't volunteer to be chow runner while in BMT and just lay low and it'll be way easier. I made the mistake of sticking out the first week and by day 3, a lot of the instructors knew my name. I could write pages of do's & don'ts after all that! It was a really long 8.5 weeks, I'll say that much. :) I'm sure your husband has given you the full rundown about this BMT experience, but if you ever want to know anything from a female's perspective, def give me a shout!
I'm in comm, 3D0X2. Computers, geek stuff, lol. I was in combat comm at Ramstein AB, Germany, Air Operations Support at Osan AB, South Korea, and I'll be on my way to Base Comm at Yokota AB, Japan next week!
I think you'll be in the Dark Knight squadron in tech school, if I remember right. I had a couple friends in that sq who were personnel. Whatever the case, all of the dorms are located within the "Triangle" pretty close together. I left Keesler in August back in 2010, and I rememeber it being hot, but it was just starting to cool off a little. It definitely won't be near as bad as early/mid summer.
Ahhh I'm anxious to see how everything goes for you! It's always exciting to see strong females representing in the AF! It'll be a challenge, but you're going to do awesome~
How did I miss this post?! Congratulations! You are so brave. Just another reason I look up to you! xoxo
Well, I appreciate you back!! :)
Such good advice... thank you! Yep, my husband has loads of advice, but none from the female perspective (obviously!). I heard I also do NOT want to be dorm chief! I can't believe all the places you've served... and Japan! What an amazing adventure that will be.
I truly and sincerely appreciate your help. I can't wait to just find out when I go... my very first student flight is tomorrow. Looking forward to it!
Thank you SO MUCH, Megan! Haha, it's OK... when I post so often, it's hard to read all of them :) Thank you again!
Hi! My name is Jennifer and my husband is a chaplain in the USAF. I just wanted to encourage you that there is a lot of ways you can connect with other Christians while in BMT. Our friend, Randy Holloway, is a BMT Chaplain. He's GREAT! If you need anything, look him up. Blessings on your new adventure!
Congrats, that super exciting! I can't wait to hear about the new adventure!
xoxo,
Emily
That's wonderful, Aunie! I'm so happy for you! I have actually been to the Air Force Base that you will be doing basic at (Lackland Air Force Base) and it's nice! The mall on the Riverwalk in San Antonio is pretty nice too, if you're able to get off base at all for a little fun....
Congratulations Aunie! Since my husband is also in the Guard, this hits close to home. Thank you for signing up for our country!
Jennifer--thank you SO MUCH! I can't wait to meet Randy... that sounds great. I hope he will be over the church services when I'm down there. I've heard the BEST things about the church at basic. I'm so encouraged that there is a good Chaplain there. I think being a Chaplain for the Air Force would be the most amazing job. Thank you again so much for letting me know!
LesLeigh, thank you so much! What did you go to Lackland for? Were you there for a graduation ceremony?? :)
I will get to leave base the day of my graduation. And since Daniel has spent so much time down there he mentioned that we will be going to the Riverwalk :) I'm so excited!
Thanks again, Sarah :) I appreciate you welcoming me to the family in your email. So cool to be a part of it!
My sister and brother-in-law met in the Air Force - she served 8 years and so did he! I have nothing but respect for the military and those who chose to serve! Awesome choice!
Oh how wonderful! I know quite a few people out at the Guard who met there and have since gotten married. So sweet and such a great thing to be able to share together!
If you are going to be in San Antonio I'd love to give you a list of awesome places to eat and visit. I know that trainees don't always have access to vehicles so don't be afraid to ask for help!
I was in AFJROTC in high school, and every year we took a field trip to Lackland to see a graduation ceremony and to tour the base. The ceremonies are awesome! Enjoy the Riverwalk when you go! =)
Daliene, thank you so much! I've heard that the leave I will be allowed is after I graduate from basic, for a day or two... so that will be exciting. I'd love a list of good places!
Oh how neat! I've heard from several people who also agree with you--the graduation is awesome. Can't wait to be a part of it... and I hope my family gets to come. Good for you with the JROTC... I wish I'd have been smart enough to have done that in high school!
Welcome to the Air National Guard!! I'm in the Arizona Air National Guard. I hope you get a fantastic job! I love mine!
Dina, thanks so much! I'm going into Personnel... what's your job?
I'm a photographer. :)
WHAT?! For the Arizona Air Guard? LUCKY!!! What an amazing job!
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