T-Minus and Counting Down

07PETKO
Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:07:47 +0000

Ditto to what Falcons, Redhead, and others have already mentioned. You’ve heard all of our advice, and you’ll go in knowing FAR more than the average appointee. BCT is not always a load of fun, but it’s very doable and every single one of you can complete it successfully. Time will go faster and faster, and parts of BCT are actually fun as well (the 4th, CATM, Ops Warrior, beautifying your squadron in Jack’s, jodies, Acceptance Day, etc). I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of you, and I think you’ll fit in well here. Just always keep going, and keep looking forward. You’ll be wearing your shoulderboards before you know it.

One thing I found motivating in BCT was the opportunities that would eventually present themselves. ‘If I can just get through this one year, I’ll get to do all kinds of cool things.’ What a difference a year makes. 365 days ago, I was exactly where you are now. Nervous, excited, nervous, and not really thrilled about leaving home. But the clock just never stops. BCT came and went, as did PW, Prog, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Before I knew it, we were already into second semester. Some of those same familiar feelings arose again before Recognition, but that passed quickly too. In a single year, you’ll make the remarkable transformation of a civilian to a basic to a four degree to an upperclassman. A year ago, I hadn’t even begun, but look at where we are today! Last week, I got to fly an F-16. Next week, I’ll be jumping out of airplanes. And what I’ve accomplished is nothing special - you can all be afforded the same opportunities. Everything the Academy has to offer - an outstanding college education, amazing summers, and a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force - can and will be given to you. All that’s asked in return is a little hard work. Give it your all when you get here, 2012. This place is a journey that very few will ever get to experience. Our staff decided that out of thousands, you are the best qualified to someday lead the Air Force and America’s sons and daughters, which is truly an awe-inspiring responsibility. They think you can do it. We know you can. It’s showtime, '12 - make us proud.