Not yet an airman
The first day of boot camp was the longest day of my life. I had to wake up early, spend
time in three different cities, and then I find out that I am not even in the Air Force.
I woke up at five thirty in the morning and It took me a few seconds to gather my thoughts
as I was little unaware of where I was. Then it finally dawned on me that I was in the
cheap hotel that the Air Force had provided for me so that I would be closer to the regional
airport. I did not sleep well from all the angst I was feeling about boot camp. Most of the
night, all I could do to calm my nerves was smoke so many cigarettes that I probably
smelled like the Marlboro man. Then when I did try to sleep, all I could hear was the
ringing of the bath tub every time a drop of water fell from the leaky shower head. I was so
tired all I did was sleep on the way to the M.E.P.S. center.
I spent the next four hours doing the initial in processing. Then I raised my pale white arm
and stared aimlessly at star spangled banner and pledged my allegiance to the United
States Air Force. When I finally arrived at the airport it was so still and quiet I thought I
was in an abandoned suitcase factory. I spent the next four hours in the desolate airport
