<p>After a lot of soul searching, a couple talks with my parents, and probably a few jars full of tears (add to that the ones from as I type this), I am here to say that I have just declined my appointment to USAFA, and I will be attending Yale. I’m not sure how much of the choice was my own, but when it boils down to it, despite my current love for the AF and idealism about USAFA, I just can’t say whether or not I can commit for five years after. My parents told me, and even I realized after some serious thinking, that it’s best to keep my options open as much I can. I can still serve the AF in other ways, and if my desire to serve is still strong after a year, I will apply to AFROTC at (I believe) University of Connecticuit or do OTS once I graduate. Even though a part of my heart is breaking right now, I realize it’s all going to be okay.</p>
<p>I want to thank you all, first for answering all of my questions. You all were truly part of what made me love USAFA in the first place because I was better able to understand what life would be like as a cadet. I also want to thank all the grads and current cadets on this board for making the sacrifices that I suppose I was not strong enough to make, for serving your country, for not caring at all what anybody thinks about you, for loving the USA and the ideals that this country stands for. Thank you, so much, for all of that and more.</p>
<p>Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2009. My thoughts and prayers will be with each and every one of you, and I will probably be thinking about you in BCT most days of my summer. I am only sorry I cannot be there to share the experience with you. NEVER give up and never forget how much you love the AF and what a great place USAFA is when all is said and done. Remember how great it feels to have the chance to serve your counrty. Remember during the darkest days of Beast those bars that will be pinned on your shoulders in August and ultimately those leiutenant bars that will be pinned on your shoulders on June 1, 2009. Remember how lucky you are to have had the chance to get them.</p>
<p>That all being said, I’m probably going to migrate to the Yale board, so I want to let you all know that I wish you all the best of luck and only hope your time at USAFA is rewarding. You’re all going to survive BCT and make fine 2LTs one day.</p>
<p>Once again, thank you everybody for being so nice to me and making the past year so wonderful for me, at least USAFA-wise. Congratulations, thank you, and God speed.</p>