Time to hear this, yet again

Bullet

10-Year Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
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Pima and I have been active posters on this site for a while now. Basically, we've seen A LOT! One thing we see every time this time of year are the posts from those who got what the were hoping for; either that slot at the Academy of their dreams, that wonderful ROTC scholarship that allows them to afford the college they want to go to, or that slot in Summer Training they have competed for over the past two years. Congrats to all of you! You should be proud of your accomplishments SO FAR (and I say this, because this is only step 1 of a Loooooong series of challenges over the next decade of your life, minimum).

But Pima and I also notice something else. Those posters who didn't get that slot, or that scholarship. Some post the news here, some don't. Some stay on here for a while, some don't (but they may lurk watching for news on some of the folks they met here and became friends with). And a few years ago, I passed on MY story, in the hopes that some of those who are feeling a little crushed now learn that just because things don't go your way today, it doesn't mean you can't get your dreams tomorrow. The real challenge if you want to eventually get your dream (and it can easily still happen) is to NEVER GIVE UP! Just because you hit a roadblock now in your path doesn't mean you won't get to your ultimate destination if you keep trying.

Sometimes, we all need to hear (read) that.

So, rather than posting my (LONG) story yet again, I'll simply link you all to it HERE

Not a "look what I did!" attempt, just a simple story to let you all (kids and parents) know that if you never give up, and still work your butt off for it, it can happen. Shake off toady's disappointment, and keep on trying!

You see, even this idiot could do it. And you folks all seem smarter and more capable than me.:thumb:
 
Thank you Bullet for reminding those that don't receive the "golden ticket" to their respective program that the dream of service doesn't have to end - just a chance to change the path they use to get there!

Two years ago DS and I were part of the AROTC 2011 January and March boards -- spent those long days waiting and facing some personal challenges along the way. He came away empty on AROTC boards - changed his approach and right now is on FTX with his fellow cadets: scholarship, SMP and walkons. The challenges have never stopped, contracting this fall was a huge step, but each month something seems to put it all on the line (some his doing, some beyond his control). The dream is still within his reach and those long days waiting for AROTC boards are just a memory - could have been a road block - but he turned it into a stepping stone.

So, to all you waiting and especially those that do not receive that "golden ticket" -- make it a stepping stone, part of your story but not the ending chapter.

Good luck and take care!!:smile:
 
Thanks Bullet...

I recall reading this a couple of years ago as my son received his QNV letter from AFA just as the '15 class size was being reduced. Now as he awaits an EA decision amid sequestration uncertainty it is again timely. (Fortunately for him he is focused on his NCAAB brackets over these next couple of weeks.)

However...for me what resonates the most in your posts..."one Power Point Presentation at a time"...yep...that about sums it up :smile:
 
Thanks for sharing Bullet! You actually got me teary-eyed. You obviously set a hell of an example for your boys. The dream is definitely achievable as long as you keep at it... my DS being a good example of one who earned an in school scholarship during his sophomore year after some screw-ups in his freshman year. He just got word two days ago he'll be serving as a company XO during the upcoming fall semester. Determination is the order of the day! :thumb:
 
My favorite Bullet line concerns having your runway or landing strip staying at the same location you took off from. How does that one go again?
 
Great Story - Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am glad that you were able to realize your dreams and you give me the certainty that I can realize mine!
 
Both you and Pima are very wise. Thank you for this post and your many others.
 
Both timeless and wise advice Bullet. Thanks for the reminder!:thumb:

BTW - Is that you and your son in your avatar?
 
BTW - Is that you and your son in your avatar?

Yes, at his commissioning last May. I'm the one proving the tensile strength of polyester.

He finished IFS a couple of weeks ago (great learning experience for him; happy to have it in his rear view mirror, 4 of the 22 guys in his class busted out). His UPT class is supposed to start in a couple of weeks (I say supposed based on word that the sequester may impact UPT classes). Someone, he got it in his mind that if he does well enough he wants F-22s. I simply remind him that he won't be able to enjoy the company of a WSO if he goes that route (or F-16s, his second choice). He simply smiles when I say that. WSO-hater!
 
My favorite Bullet line concerns having your runway or landing strip staying at the same location you took off from. How does that one go again?

"I always took comfort in knowing that the runway I took off from is going to be at the same place when I got back."
 
kinnem,

Congrats to your DS. That is an achievement to be proud of.

Most old posters know that Bullet and I have been together since his college days as a 200. (30 yrs this June 18th). I am going to give another perspective....helpless!

I was there on the other end of the phone line when he got the scholarship.:yay: I was on the other end, when he busted Fishpod :frown: I was there when he lost the scholarship :eek:

Like many parents my stomach was in my knees when the phone rang. There is nothing you can do or say that will make them feel better at that moment. It is the hardest thing to do when it is someone you love so dearly.

However, what I have learned over the 30 yrs is to believe in fate, and remind them when they are ready to hear it, and accept it, that it isn't over. My new favorite quote:

'Everything will be alright in the end so if it is not alright it is not the end.'

For those that are just starting this path, and were fortunate enough to get a scholarship, don't rest on your laurels, because there will be a non-scholarship wanting to prove to the unit that they are the future. They are hungry. Trust me, come Aug/Sept. there are many scholarship recipients that bust PFT. Work out this summer. For non-scholarship recipients work out this summer. You only get 1 1st impression. That 1st PFT is your 1st impression. They will teach how to salute, how to march, etc, they expect you not to know any of that. However, you don't want to be on the run with a PT instructor like our DS screaming your last name over and over again for everyone to hear....Pick up the pace Cadet Smith! You don't want an instructor yelling at you because your form is wrong doing sit ups or push ups. It will not only hurt your score, but more importantly they know your name and not in a good way.

For AFROTC, I don't know A/NROTC, but come fall nobody talks about scholarships. It is a clean slate, HSSP means squat! For AFROTC only about 20% are on scholarship, they are in the minority.

Best hopes, thoughts and wishes. Thank you all for stepping up to the plate to defend this great nation, so my younger children don't have to!
 
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Bullet, +1 to your story!! Love the added bits of humor every now and again.
 
Yes, at his commissioning last May. I'm the one proving the tensile strength of polyester.
Probably just an optical illusion, but one of you looks a little heavier than the other. :wink:
Congrats to you, Pima and your son! :thumb:
 
Thank you for sharing your story Bullet! It helps a lot to read about people's success through trail and error. These sort of real life stories helps me keep focus and strive to achieve no matter how tall the walls may be.

Again, thank you!
 
Excellent Bullet!!!

Congrats Kinnem, DS is progressing and before you know it, he will be an officer.

Best wishes
 
Wow! I just had the pleasure of reading your story and am typing this message with tears in my eyes. What an inspiration! DS was "lucky" enough to be awarded a 4 yr AROTC in Jan. but we are well aware that this is only the first step of a long journey that may or may not follow the path we have in our minds. Thank you for sharing your journey. It fills me with encouragement and hope.
 
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