Our adventure started with a room. August 2008, my best friend and I, Isaiah Gomez, walked into the downstairs lounge of the ROTC building and agreed to start the long process leading up to our hopeful commission. We were very nervous and so clueless on what was to come, but since we were doing it together, had no reservations. The 2.5 years held MANY adventures. As we both got into some legal trouble, both turned 21, both got through the military's version of boot camp and returned victorious. Now we were the big kids around the detachment. Later that same year, he graciously accepted my offer of being a "grooms-maid" in my wedding. I wouldn't have had my wedding party any other way. After this, we both served on Wing Staff together, and had a great time. We learned a lot about responsibility and how to manage people together.
Finally, the time had come for commissioning. I couldn't commission this year because I am lacking one military class, but my buddy could, and did. We walked into the downstairs lounge of the ROTC building December 18, 2010. We talked of how excited we were that he was going off into the real world and of course promised to stay in touch. He was the first out of two commissionees, and as he walked up to the podium I felt such great pride. I was so proud of my friend for all he had accomplished, and for this grand step he was taking to be a part of the greatest Air Force our world has to offer. He was sworn in, gave his first salute, and now for the speech. He thanked his family, friends and then it was my turn. As he turned to thank me, I felt those hot tears slide down my cheeks. He talked of our long journey we'd taken together in ROTC, and how he couldn't have done it without me. He walked over, hugged me, and I finally found that I could stop crying. I can't express how truly proud I am of my best friend for signing away his life for at least the next four years. Like him, I don't think I would have made it through without his help either. I can't wait for him to start on Active Duty and get to know the real AF. He's definitely going to go far in whatever he chooses to pursue. As this adventure started with a room, it ended with that room.
Finally, the time had come for commissioning. I couldn't commission this year because I am lacking one military class, but my buddy could, and did. We walked into the downstairs lounge of the ROTC building December 18, 2010. We talked of how excited we were that he was going off into the real world and of course promised to stay in touch. He was the first out of two commissionees, and as he walked up to the podium I felt such great pride. I was so proud of my friend for all he had accomplished, and for this grand step he was taking to be a part of the greatest Air Force our world has to offer. He was sworn in, gave his first salute, and now for the speech. He thanked his family, friends and then it was my turn. As he turned to thank me, I felt those hot tears slide down my cheeks. He talked of our long journey we'd taken together in ROTC, and how he couldn't have done it without me. He walked over, hugged me, and I finally found that I could stop crying. I can't express how truly proud I am of my best friend for signing away his life for at least the next four years. Like him, I don't think I would have made it through without his help either. I can't wait for him to start on Active Duty and get to know the real AF. He's definitely going to go far in whatever he chooses to pursue. As this adventure started with a room, it ended with that room.
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