Sympathy for the recently furloughed

[MAJ Matt Mason]

Can we really be sorry? These are ex-military people who bitched and complained for all the years up to their release from active duty. They slammed their branches of service and poisoned the minds of the crewmen they flew with constant grumbling and whining about how they were under paid and under appreciated and deserverd oh such much more money and prestige than they and their spouses received. Now to top it all off, they're calling back to their services and begging for a job. PLEASE

 

[dgs]

Flame bait

Your flame bait has no place in this forum. After retiring with 20 years in the AF, I understand where you are coming from, but it doesn't need to be said here. Go away!

 

[weeds]

MAT,

I don't care if they spent one day in the service and bitched for 24 hours, thats alot more then many others do for our country. If they would like to come back and we have room we need to take them back.

Your time too in the military will end and with time you will be looking for a new job. I know you are not a Marine because we don't treat fellow Marines like that. To bad they let your kind in the Air Force!

If I were you I would quit this sight. I hope that is not your real name? Matt Mason?

 

[Tweetybird]

Matt,

O.K, I'll bite off on this one. Who knows if you're even for real? I have a hard time believing that someone like you would take time out of his/her day to access this site.

Point 1: Since when did it become dishonorable to proudly serve our country for quite a few years and then move on to another part of our great society? Answer: IT HASN"T!

Sure, there are a few out there who don't give a rat's tail about their job and can't wait to get out. However, I ran across a fair share of career bozos in my time that couldn't lead a group of cub scouts through a city park without getting lost. And by career bozos, I don't mean that one who makes the military a career is a bozo. Nothing could be further from the truth. My point is that slackers exist on both sides of the isle. I personally gave 110% right up to the end and I sure didn't burn any bridges. I didn't do this to cover my tail (I never thought I'd be in the AF again); I did this because it was my job. I'll agree that some folks quit prior to actually getting their DD214, but many others keep on truckin' right to the end (separation or retirement).

Point 2: Since when did it become dishonorable to return to Active Duty? Answer: IT HASN'T.

How dare you place yourself on a pedestal, while figuratively urinating on those who are willing to re-join the ranks. Your position is flawed. Do you suggest you don't need any extra help on AD? Are you saying that you don't mind all the additional duties and longer deployments created by a shortage of pilots? Obviously, those in much higher positions than you don't think so. And are you saying that you're a better officer and pilot than anyone returning to AD? Maybe you are. If so, you da man! Based on your comments, I think not.

Point 3: The military rank structure is a pyramid. There simply isn't enough room at the top for everyone. Therefore, pilots must either get promoted or eventually be forced out. So are those who don't get promoted to Maj (LT CMDR), LTC (CMDR), COL (CAPT), etc... also not worthy of your respect? They didn't resign, but they just couldn't cut it could they (sarcastically speaking)? Wrong! It's a pyramid system. Whether a service member separates, retires, or is RIF'd, you have to thank them for their service, shake their hand, and let them go honorably. If one is not worthy of this treatment then there are appropriate procedures in place for them (Discharge Other Than Honorable). Everybody has to leave the service sometime - even you. Then what?

Finally, Weeds has it right. So many in this country scoff at the military, yet when the poop hits the prop they find the nearest service member to hide behind. In no way does an American need to serve in the military to be a good citizen and great contributor. But those who are now serving, or have served, in our armed forces deserve far more respect than you're willing to give.

If you're real, take a walk through a quiet park, avoid alcohol, don't drive or fly, do some needlepoint (oops, check that - sharp objects!) and go see the chaplain man. You've got issues.

God Bless America

 

[weeds]

Tweetybird,

Nicely said!

Weeds

 

[AlbieF15]

As a former FAC and current Eagle driver, heres another 2 cents.

I was in operational (i.e. go to combat) squadrons from 1989 until I got to the FTU business (RAG for the Navy types) in 1998.

During that time, I was in combat or flying in a combat zone DURING EVERY TOUR. I had a current ISOPREP card, a current will, and was deployed over 100 days every year.

Now--I have worked for below the zone x 2 type guys as my ops officers and commanders that have had ONE operational Eagle tour. I have worked for leaders that (due to timing and assignments) have NEVER flown a combat sortie.

So...who has served more? On one hand is a guy who has had his nose to the grindstone for 14 years, spent countless hours away from his family, and (in my case) saw combat on the ground during Desert Storm, and flew repeatly in harm's way since. On the other hand are (some) guys who spent their careers on staff tours, in the training command, or making their THIRD assignment pass as an IP in the FTU--and along the way got promoted early. Have they done more for their country in 20 years than I did in 14?

My point is there are some hard working guys who have seen more and done more combat in 7 or 10 or 14 years than some guys ever have in 20. 95% of the leaders I have worked for in the AF have been superior officers, fighter pilots, and all round great guys. There is a reason they got the job--they are good leaders. However...you will occassionally find the self-righteous tool-belt that thinks he has got the moral high ground due to his 20 years (or more) of service. What they don't say is they didn't exactly suffer those 20 years--its a career path they wanted all along. The fact is, as mentioned by others...there just ain't room for everyone to stay to 20, and there is no dishoner is serving and then leaving when your committment is done.

Mind you--not every guy who never got a chance to go to combat planned it. Conversely--most "real" fighter pilots were chomping at the bit to go and get very frustrated when their former squadron mates, students, or buddies end up flying the combat missions (this happened to me with the Kosovo campaign--I was already an IP in the FTU and an old buddy shot down a Mig-29).

However--I have had a couple "old craniums" give me a bit of the whale-eye for wanting to leave and fly for the airlines (dispite the fact I would continue to fly with the ANG). For those individuals, there is nothing you can say or do to change their minds.

So--follow your dreams if you want out. Lack of a retirement check is tougher these days with furloughs up and the stock market down--but you can't fly for Uncle Sam forever and if the chance to go fly airlines presents itself, you have to make your own decisions.

Fly safe (as always..)

Albie

 

[DLFLYR]

Man, I tried to stay out of this one, but I can't stand it anymore! I flew with crew members who were this way: Infact, I admit I am one myself. From time to time, we are all quilty of it. After all, we are only human. From my experience, however, most of those who carry themselves to be "team players" and bleed red, white, and blue are the real hypocrites - you know, the ones who kiss ass and stab you in the back to get ahead; the kind who really have no concept of true team work.
I'm sure you are aware of issues that we as military pilots and crewmembers have to deal with such as lack of support (i.e. from our own leadership, support out on the road, doing WAY more with less, etc.), volatile lifestyle, CYA concept, and on and on. When we signed on the dotted line, I'm sure we didn't know exactly what we were getting into, but we all swore to lay down our lives for this great country if called upon to do so. I firmly believe that each and every one of us, when/if the time came, would lay down our lives and carry out our duty without hesitation. On every mission I flew, I had no doubt that each of my crew members were putting out 110% and yes, this includes the "out spoken" ones.
To all of those flag waving, shallow, and self righteous lost souls, think twice before you bad mouth one of your own. We ALL paid our dues and served this country proudly.

 

[Seeniner]

I, too, have been sucked into this against my will:

Shannon Spann said it best as her husband, former Marine, and CIA agent was being burried, "...he best served his country by being good...." Whether Maj Mason is for real or not, whomever wrote this post should serve your country by being good, not a jerk.

Now, I would never in my life asked to be furloughed, and I would by no means say being furloughed is fun, but I will say spending unlimited amounts of time with my children is priceless.

See

 

[LJDRVR]

Teenagers W/Computers

I've re-read your post twice now "Major Mason", my guess is that you're some 15-year old whose parents aren't providing you with the supervision your toddler-like personna so desperately needs. If you're for real, then have the cajones to identify your background like the rest of us, (space-sled?!) and attempt to defend your opinions.

If you were really in the military, (prove it tool-boy) you would be hurting to see your brothers and sisters out of a job. You would welcome those fortunate enough to recover a seat in the military. Do you really think they're just looking for a job? Uhh..we're at WAR junior. If you are for real, you would be delighted at the force-multiplying tendencies of returning aviators.

Either defend your infantile ramblings or GO-AWAY. By the way, if you are for real, I do so look forward to sharing a cockpit with you someday. You are probably one of the 1% of ex-military guys who are distressed to learn that you are flying with a Staff-Sergeant from supply. I delight in the possibility of raising your blood pressure, and that look that comes across your face when I answer your "what did you fly in the AF?" question is PRICELESS.

 

[XNav]

I knew an asskisser extraordinaire a few years back who would openly say around the squadron that he was praying for a major recession so that all the guys who were going to the airlines would come crawling back to the military begging for their jobs. He was the most unsafe and tactically unsound aviator I ever saw in 10 years of flying Uncle Sam's best. He was also the single most divisive and troublesome piece of trash ever to have any influence within a military squadron. All I can say for him (and for you) is that I hope he dies a slow, painful death with the taste of his own blood in his mouth.

 

[RueterF16]

ExNav,

His brother must have been in my squadron... he made O-5 and was put on the commanders list... what a joke... I think Rome fell this way too...

 

[rapidD]

Guys

I really hate responding to flame bait, but I also can't resist! I can't agree more with all of the replies, with the exception, of course, of Major Mason. I agree, he must be some unknowing malcontent or a young, ignorant one with the lacking experience and perspective to be commenting on something of this nature. My two cents worth: I am a retired USAF lieutenant colonel who also finds himself on the furloughed list of a major carrier. I left the service after 20 wonderful years of both flying and serving my country in staff jobs. I was fortunate enough to have actively flown in the Grenada invasion, Panama, Somalia, DS, and Bosnia. Flying not for the weak hearted, as I flew transports with no ability to shoot back. I left the USAF because I was fed up with what it took to be successful....and I was one of them! Two BPZ promotions and a White House tour. I think I'm qualified to speak from either side. Bottom line: too few good guys, too many horrible aviators who made rank in less rewarding and non-contributing ways drove me out. I'm proud of my time wearing the flight suit and I'm equally proud to be on the furlough list at Delta waiting for my recall. Nobody should feel sorry for us. Yet, nobody has the right to make gross generalizations about the goals and intents of anyone who wears the uniform unless they can step up to their own accomplishments openly. Those of us who left the service, regardless of at what career decision point, served our country and made the conscious decisiion to move on. I respect that a hell of a lot more than those who throw jabs from the outside. If I could go back today and make a contribution to the boys fighting the war, I would. I'm also happy, however, to be associated with all of my brothers and sisters who had their dreams and family fortunes shattered by 911 and the economy. To Major Mason, I say, get a life. To all of you ex-military who also find yourself in dire straits and waiting for the opportunity to fly people and boxes safely around the world, I say "keep the faith" We shall return.

 

[DaveGriffin]

I believe Matt may actually have a valid point.

I never liked or respected the unhappy, short timers (4-10 year mini-careers) who readily accepted their training and paychecks, and then bitched and moaned the whole time about how f****d up the military is. They actively discussed and sought higher paying civilian opportunities, springboarding off their "earn-while-you-learn-best-in-the-world" training, doing everything possible to lower unit morale while they were in. When these guys don't have things work out on the outside (as will often happen with this ungratefull and unhappy personality type) it is difficult for their former shipmates to welcome their return to active duty with open arms.

That is quit different from the career soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who served their 20 or more and then go on to their second career. It is also different from the short timer who served willingly and happily, without complaints, and then moves on to civilian life.

 

[bssthound]

I recall a lot of folks being "furloughed" from the military back in the early '90s. A lot of good folks who wanted to stay in were unable due to the drastic cutbacks. In the Air Force, those who remained could look forward to spending a lot of time in Saudi Arabia. Military members saw firsthand that the service wasn't the secure job we'd all thought it was. As a result quite a few bolted for the airlines as soon as they were hiring. They'd seen the govt's definition of loyalty and didn't want to be stranded when the next RIF was announced. That and not have to worry about spending months in a God-forsaken sandbox.

I don't for one second begrudge anyone who left the military for the airlines. He served his time and honored his committment.
That's a lot more than the vast majority of this nation's citizens, who think we all live in barracks and get up at 4:30 when Reveille sounds. The system isn't set up so we all can serve 20, some of us will have to do less. I'm less than five from my 20, I've bitched most of those 15, bitched yesterday and today, and plan to go to my Reserve Squadron tomorrow, where I will bitch long, loud, and vehemently. However, if called to serve I will unhesitatingly go. I will be BITCHING the whole way there and back, though. Good luck distinguishing me from my squadronmates, however. As hard as I might bitch, they usually run circles around me. Let Dubya call us up, though. We'll all be there. Bitching.

Anyway, this "Mason" fellow sounds like someone who is bitter because military pilots have the option to go to the airlines or else he's a kid who saw the words "Reconojet" and "Space Sled" on his cereal box and ran to his computer so he could pontificate coldheartedly on a lot of good people who are naturally concerned about supporting their families.

 

[RMI]

My roomate in college used to tell me there was a saying in the army his dad (a sergeant major) had told him : "a bitching soldier is a happy soldier". If we weren't complaining about this stuff, we would most assuredly be finding something else unproductive to waste energy on. Just because people complain about the vagaries of the SYSTEM doesn't mean they are not passionately commited to the IDEALS of the service.

 

[Woodstock 58]

He's not for real...

I could be wrong but there's another message board I belong to that has a Matt Mason show up out of nowhere to post insanely inflammatory things and then just disappear.

The coincidence seems too great. Sorry for those who don't know me... I lurk on this board but I'm not a pilot (my husband is). I just had to post that when I saw the name Matt Mason. I almost knew before I read his post that it would be flamebait.

<back to lurking>

 

[Spectre]

Listen Matt,

I'll be one of those furloughed pilots in January. I'm sure the furlough will be shortlived though. I did my share of combat flying over Bosnia. However, if my gunship squadron called me back to do some more shooting, I'd be back in a heartbeat. The reason pilots get out of the military is usually not money related. If that was so, I would have taken the $250,000 bonus the military offered. Most leave for quality of life issues. I wanted to return home and have my family grow up like I did--the same house, same village, same church. My next assignment in Japan would not have offered that. I was proud to serve my country and enjoyed every minute of the military. I still serve today in my state's air national guard. I'm glad in my 10 years in the military, I only met great people and never met one the likes of you. You sound a little bitter. Maybe you are a military pilot too, but none of the airlines would hire you.

 

[bssthound]

I interrupted my bitching at my Reserve Squadron today long enough to log onto the LAN. On the Air Force Global email there is no Major Matt Mason. Of course, someone entrusted to fly the formidable "space sled," or "reconojet" would certainly be in some secret capacity to which we mere mortals would not be able to access his email address.

Let's let it rest. He's just some idiot who decided to get us all
riled up. Besides, I've more bitching to do.

 

[Seeniner]

True.

Man I miss flying with you Navs.

 

[MAJ Matt Mason]

I just want a little editorial balance here. I am not referring to reserve officers. Before examining the present situation, however, it is important that all you people achieve your potential as human beings. You may balk at this, but since you realize my opinion was the truth about yourselves, most of you just want to post a large number of thoroughly warped extravagancies, inconsiderate, and, above all, the most uncompromising opinions against everything that I hold most sacred and most dear. I wonder what would happen if we really did allow the malcontents back in the services. There's a spooky thought. As a parting thought, maybe it’s most of your opinions that are steeped in mephitic atavism.

 

[RueterF16]

Get A life

Matt, I'm sorry you couldn't make it in the military. Somebody who complained louder than you, got thatpromotion and teh assignment of their dreams, or better yet, they fulfilled their obligation after being suckered in to an eight year commitment, and went to the airlines. Big deal, get over it. Just because they've been furloughed and have a skill that the Military requires doesn't mean you can complain about them wanting bacl in. So what if they complained??? Get a life..... and do something about being a human being...

 

[Magic]

Good laugh

While I have better things to do than respond to the fool that started this thread, I had to help out those of you trying to find "Maj Matt Mason." Major Matt Mason was a toy from the 60s. I got one for Christmas in 1968. They were like small G.I. Joes in outer space. He even has a picture of one under his name. Just thought I'd save anyone else from trying to find some idiot named "Matt." I did get a good laugh from the efforts though!

 

[Magic]

By the way, I'm pretty sure the reconojet and spacesled were vehicles you get for him to ride in. I had the spacesled but we weren't rich enough to afford no reconojet!

 

[Focus]

This individual is not worthy of your responses. I grew up on Air Force installations through the mid 60's, 70's, and early 80's. Grant it, I did not always live in base housing but I was always close enough to know the basics of what the military was about. My father spent 26 years Active Duty. The first four were as an enlisted man in the Navy. I joined the scene when he was a Butterball at Macdill. My father was passed over for 06 a couple years after I graduated from college. At that time he decided to leave the military and start a new career. I can honestly say that during those times I have never seen my father so distraught. It wasn't because he was passed over however. The military was his life. He loved it...

There are many days that I wish I followed in his footsteps but I was a pretty wild kid back then and I thought I knew alot more then Dad. The reality is that Dad was always right on target.

The military is a great place to learn some of the most important values of the freedom that we as Americans enjoy. I now look back and wish I had been more mature and responsible in my college days to have seen the light. I had a scolarship to one of the Military Academy Prep Schools that I scoffed at back then. Had I only known then what I know now.

Many of you that are reading this were wiser then me and seized the opportunity to join the ranks of some of the finest Americans in our country. I really dont know where this guy is coming from but for what its worth you earned the right to enjoy any and all privledges our country has to offer. After all, you guys have been providing the blanket of freedom we all sleep under.

I salute you all.

PS. If its not to late I would love to sign up.....At 38, it probably could not be waiverd. Rock on Boyzzzzz

 

[SpeedRacer]

Reply to Major Mason and DaveGriffin

To begin with, you both can kiss my a$$. I did my 10 years in the USAF and bitched the whole time - who the heck are you to say you've got to shut up and like it? Maybe for idiots like yourself but not me!

I received the "standard awards", NEVER failed any checkride and helped my friends along the way. I served my country and went on to better things - my life doesn't revolve around the military - I never required that "structure" that losers like you depend on! Also, life's to short to deal with all the crappy so-called "benefits" Uncle Sam throws at you(Q-how's that wonderful retirement/TRICARE/BX privledges you're looking forward to?!)

I bet you're scared to get out because you won't be able to boss others around and get away with it. You guys were always
"wrapped" too tight for normal society....

From "DaveGriffin"

I never liked or respected the unhappy, short timers (4-10 year mini-careers) who readily accepted their training and paychecks, and then bitched and moaned the whole time about how f****d up the military is.

I got news for you "Dave" - tough crap! Life's a choice, me and many more chose to speak out against the morons, like yourself, who were "running" the squadrons (and moral) into the dirt - the ENTIRE time kissing some O-5's butt to get yourself promoted. You guys/gals were ALWAYS crappy pilots and officers - period.

I'm glad I bitched AND I'm out flying for a major airline, so when you losers get passed over or you're forced to separate and get (you hope) an airline job - you'll be at the bottom of a seniority list kissing a schedulers' butt's (naturally) for any flying. You'll probably even cross the fence and become a manager because you can't hack it on the line- everyone knows managers are crappy pilots too!! I'm sure guys/gals like you will fit right in!

I look forward to your response

 

[AlbieF15]

Speed,

I have worked with a variety of supervisors in my 14 year career, some good, some bad. I'm not there yet, but some pretty smart folks mentioned to me I'd find the same in the airlines, both on the line and in management. By the same token, there are happy airline pilots and miserable airline pilots, and it seems to me about 85% of the difference is attitude.

If you served a day for your country..you did a service that many never do. I don't care if you were dropping bombs, flying cargo, passing gas, or flying DVs around in a C-21...you did what your country asked. I'm glad you were on the team.

I'm also glad you found your niche in civilian aviation. I hope to join you there in 2 weeks. In the meantime--how about remembering a little board etiquitte? I am getting out...I agreed that the grass for me was greener on the outside. However...rants against guys who stay in with terms like "loser" and "too scared to get out" don't do justice to the guys who stay in. Right now there are friends of mine scattered across the globe in some crappy places far from family. They are there to impose our national will on those who would do us harm. They aren't there for the pay...you can't pay me enough to enjoy 120 days away from the family at a pop. (Navy guys do this routinely on cruises) You may think being a well-paid airline pilot buys you security, but another shoe bomb or hijack that doesn't get thrwarted may very well mean more furloughs, airlines going out of business, etc. Especially in aviation, right now your job security is on the razors edge...and the success of our military operations have a direct effect on your economic livlihood. If I were you, I'd be very thankful there are people willing to try to stay in 20-30 years and doing the leadership jobs--making due with much less money than you (and hopefully me soon) will be making, and being greatful for the (often closed) commissary and (overpriced and poorly serviced) Bx/Px exhanges.

Again--I'm getting out...happily! I also saw some non-effective officers and poor policies. I also worked with some of the best people I have ever met. However...I am forever indebted to those guys who stick it out, move every three years, endure the remotes, work the 14 hour days, and, oh yeah, occassionally die doing their jobs. If they weren't there making sacrifices, you can bet the "our Delta is better than SWA who is better than United" BS banter would become moot in about 48 hours.

As always...fly safe. And try to play nice.

Albie

 

[AlbieF15]

Speed,

I also noticed you aren't on the list of site contributers. Perhaps you'd have a few more dollars to spend on worthwhile endevors if you still could shop at the commissary.



For all you guys interested in the SCAB LIST thread...are non-contributers to the board to be treated with similar contempt?



Fly safe,

Albie

 

[SpeedRacer]

Reply

Albie,

This board's "etiquitte" is not in jeopardy by my honest opinion's concerning certain military career wannabee's (Maj Mason/DaveGriffin)and their dislike for people leaving after their commitment is up. I volunteered for 8 yrs after UPT and got my current airline job because of the hard work I put into my flying career - no one gave me any free rides - I busted my butt in every squadron and never asked for any recognition.

I don't have to be politically correct or "sugar-coat" my comments when responding to idiots like these guys. I chose to make a comment on the board, even if they were trying to "flame" some responses - that's what I call a livey discussion.

I do know several losers who stayed in and they flat out said they couldn't get hired because : one said "he never liked taking checkrides", another said "his miserable checkride history of several failures would get him shot down" and another who said " he preferred to lead men" WHAT the HECK that means is still beyond me because this guy was the fartherst one can get from a "leader".

I do know several good guys staying in the Air Force because of the obvious furloughes and one even wanted to serve his country - I respect these guys for their honesty.

Finally, I contributed money via my church to help the victims and families of 9-11. I enjoy reading/posting this board but don't believe in contributing to any internet site/company or board that I can't fully verify where my money is going. I can do that at my church.

You can stick that SCAB threat in your ear or WHEREVER you "twin tail f@gs" like to put things nowadays

P.S. Please tell me you didn't send your crewchief knee pads for Christmas - I bet he already has a pair!

 

[AlbieF15]

SR,

The money for the board was not for charity, it was for webmaster expenses. I also give to church, but last I heard none of that money was subsidizing the "flamebait" you seem to enjoy fighting.

And while I never had to, I'm sure there are tons of non-fighter pilots out there who would have gladly had homo-sexual relations with a crew chief if it would have gotten them into the world's greatest air superiority fighter. However--I'm fortunate in that at least so far, none of my squadron mates or maintainers have ever approached me for such an offer. Do I exude heterosexuality...maybe...or perhaps I'm just ugly. However..I do know when it comes to fighter pilots, there are those who flew the Eagle and those who wished the did.... The 104:0 kill ratio speaks for itself.

The other point I want to emphasize is I know TONs of guys who are making a career, and it has nothing to do with dollars. One of my best buddies from my current squadron is soaking up a staff remote in Korea at the moment. Why does he stay? Perhaps the fact his dad was killed in an F-4 when he was a junior has something to do with it. Be very careful with the "idiot" and "loser" terms...you just might offend someone who really is helping you accomplish YOUR dreams. Yeah, we all know there are some in the forces that would starve on the outside, but there are also some very talented aviators that simply have made the choice to stay.

Fly safe...and pay up.

Albie

PS...if you are so proud of your service, why do you put "USAF junk" as your description. Was the plane you flew "beneath" your talent or skill?

 

[SpeedRacer]

Albie,

I got a laugh out of your response! I don't know what "caliber" of people think it's worth a homo experience to fly a fighter jet but I think they're crazy! I've heard several true stories over the years and they all seem to center around the F-15 community....

We're not in the O'Club so you can forget the fighter bravado - Your "meathead mentality" is exactly what I found ridiculous about how seriously you guys took yourselves....lighten up Francis!!

By the way, I never addressed folks who stay in for personal/family reasons -

? Perhaps the fact his dad was killed in an F-4 when he was a junior has something to do with it. Be very careful with the "idiot" and "loser" terms...you just might offend someone who really is helping you accomplish YOUR dreams

- don't try to misdirect my origional comments toward Maj Mason and Griffin guy....nice try Albie..

My USAF junk is really that! The C-141 literally had a wing fall off and it's long overdue for retirement. Also, I am neither talented or skilled - just a hard worker grateful to have the opportunity

P.S. I AM jealous with one point: I joined wanting to fly the OV-10 but the USAF retired them right when I signed up - timing is everything!