God damn, I’m so proud of my twelve years in the United Friggin’ States of America’s Air Force! I always am, but some days bring it home more pungently than others.
Hoo-ya! (blow me, Army.)
Check out this video of President Obama’s first Air Force One flight.
Hard core, nut job lefty that I am, I joined up in March 1980, when Carter was almost out, then endured eight years of Reagan (whom I LOATHED LOATHED LOATHED), then Bush I (whom I pitied, but respected), and was out by the time of Clinton (for whom I had such high hopes and for whom I actually voted). But I always served with the diligence of my WWII, Jim Crow sharecropper father before me. And my brother who hated America’s racism but was nonetheless motivated to join during the Iranian hostage crisis (and the uncle who lost a leg in Viet Nam).
I kept my eyes on the prize of America, just like the motivated AIR FORCE individuals staffing Air Force One. The military is a conservative place; likely, most of the crew wanted McCain to win. But check the pilot talking about the time honored military credo of ‘respecting the rank, whether or not you respect the individual,’ and you’ll understand why we don’t have banana republic-coups here every other week.
GO AIR FORCE!
