When I was a young lad, I thought to join the Air Force. My dad was in the Air Force and he was happy to hear it. I rode an hour on a bus to the place, went through all the tests, etc. and near the end learned that I’d be a helicopter mechanic. I didn’t want to be a mechanic I wanted to be a pilot, that’s why I wanted to join. I didn’t bother saying that to anyone, but that’s what I wanted.

When it came time to take the pledge I remained seated. The Air Force folks who ran the place were pissed. They kicked me out the front door and didn’t offer a ride home. I had to call my dad to pick me up. My dad was a reasonable man, and kind, so he didn’t lay into me but I could tell he was very disappointed.

Looking back on it, helicopter mechanic would have been a good fit for me, I’d probably have been very good at it, and it would have been an interesting career. Had I been better prepared, I would have done it. And, my life would have been much different I’m sure. Maybe even better, I’ll never know.

(This was over 40 years ago, I don’t remember the details too well.)