I've Found Peace

Chapter 1: Intro

Basic training was the best yet the worst thing that ever happened to me. I loved it, because it helped my grow emotionally, and physically stronger and how to handle conflict with other soldiers. However, being the shy nerd that doesn't talk much, it was hell in the beginning. I hated it, and I had thought about going home, but I stayed. Why? I'll be damned if I know. It might have been because I needed a way to pay for college, or maybe because in the back of my mind I secretly liked it.

Either way I succeed, and graduated from the 4 months of the best hell ever with flying colors. I was more physically fit than ever. I was confident. I was smarter. I was happy.

Now, I'm done with college. Not for ever, but for now. I've gotten my masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, and I'm a pilot for the United States Navy. I've been in actual combat twice. Once in an AC-130, the Angel of death, delivering supplies and more soldiers into a combat zone as well as helping repair damaged aircraft.

The second in a fighter jet. An F-22. To help clear out a path for the Navy SEALs that we're stuck fighting the opposing country, and fighting their fighter jets off as we escorted the cargo plane holding all the supplies the special forces equipment. It was the best thing ever. I absolutely loved it. The adrenaline rushing through my veins and I felt so alive. My senses were spiking because of the stressful situation. And then that's when it clicked.

Basic was for this. It all made sense and as much as I hated it then, now that I look back, I can really say that I'm grateful for it. I see all of the reasons my drill sergeants made me run one mile every morning. Why they made use do endless counts of pushups for our mistakes. Why they constantly yelled in our face 24/7.

It was for people like me. To get us out of our comfort zones and think under stressful situations, even if we are physically so tired we can't see right. Leading my platoon in basic thought me how to think of other people and listen to there suggestions, as well as stand for my own. I learned to be stern and sure of my long thought out decisions.

Being a commissioned officer it's very important quality to have. I still get nervous and anxious, but that's normal for everyone. Out of this did I ever think I would be told I would be giving a movie star a ride in my A-10 warthog in a few weeks.