I suppose deep down I always knew this day would come. I envisioned this day, feared this day, I hoped for this day, and I never wanted this day to come. However, none of that makes me any more prepared FOR this day. For the last twenty-six years (all of my dating/married life) this day has felt so far away...and then all of a sudden just like that it isn't, and we are staring it right in the face. The military and serving are all Clark and I have known all our adult lives, and it is all our children have known. I hear there is a saying that when you know, you just know. I guess he knows. After all, you don't want to stick around so long that you are no longer valuable, so long that you begin to hate the job, so long that there is no more passion, and so long that you wore out your welcome a LONG time ago. You want to stay long enough to say I'm going out knowing it was a damn good ride, I made a difference and I loved every minute (okay maybe not EVERY minute) but that I still enjoyed being an Airman. You have been beyond prepared sweet husband of mine for this day (wish I could say the same) but since the day you joined the military you have always been looking towards the future, the next step, the next chapter, the next mission. You have prepared yourself well for the rest of your life post-military. As your number one fan, I couldn't be more proud of all your accomplishments, hard work, and dedication to everything you have done as you worked your way to the top 1 percent.
As I watched you put on your uniform a couple of weeks ago, the same way you have every day for nearly three decades, I saw a difference in you. Not a happier you, not a sadder you, but an extremely peaceful you. A man on a different mission. Yes, we had been talking a lot about post-military jobs, moves, and what's next, but I was deciding to push that to the back of my mind thinking it was still going to be a couple years away. Then as I kissed you good-bye and squeezed you tight as you left for work I just knew you would be coming home with a very different vision for our future. When you came home I knew that you were at peace with your decision because you had trusted your gut and the guidance of God. You didn't reach out to friends, family, or fellow wingmen for confirmation that you were making the right move. You just knew, you felt it and you took the leap. The very big leap of faith and you are completely at peace, and ready to start the rest of your life.
As I sit here and reflect not really sure how this day is upon us, I can't help but be thankful for the life that the military afforded us. Starting out in our lil house on wheels (aka trailer) I never could have envisioned the road that the military was about to take us on. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. (Anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of hearing the iron story) that would be one of the worst of times.....and a story that we look back on now and laugh about, but it shows the rawness of challenges along the way. There were struggles, there was laughter, there was fear and there were tears.....lots and lots of tears. We traveled the world, met some of the most amazing people that have become family, and made so many wonderful memories. The military helped us grow in our marriage, in our family, and in our hopes and dreams for the future. The very future that is now upon us.
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As one of your biggest cheerleaders, I love that you have never been afraid of trying something new, jumping into a new position, or changing paths in the military. The Air Force didn't make you a career Airman, it allowed you to dabble in so many different areas that broadened your skills and knowledge. That is going to be so beneficial to civilian life. It allowed you to be very passionate about so many different things and one of those things was being the best you that you could offer in whatever job you were in. I know many of you are saying how is 30 years, NOT a career? A career in the sense that you got comfortable in a job and stayed there for 30 years. Clark, you weren't afraid to branch out and see all that the Air Force had to offer. Whether it was assisting in building schools in poverty-stricken countries with the Red Horse Guard unit, teaching recruits as an MTI (Military Training Instructor) the oath and what it means to be an Airman, or going out and recruiting the next generation of men and women as a recruiter for the Air Force Reserves. The very generation that would be taking your place one day to lead and train younger generations to serve in the greatest branch of the military. Whatever hat you wore, the job you worked, or the task you accomplished you always found love and grew a passion for it, and for those around you. You created the best version of yourself in every position.
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I have no doubt there is much more you could accomplish as a Chief in not only recruiting but in the Air Force in general, but I just knew that as I watched you that day that there was nothing that was going to stop you from taking that risk. As you have always said the military will come to an end for you one day so you can't deny the inevitable. And when there are several opportunities that are placed in your lap you can't ignore them. After all missed opportunities are often times some of life's biggest regrets! When the door you were waiting for to open remains closed a little too long, is stalled, or locked shut but you notice other doors opening, you can't ignore the other doors. As you often say everything happens for a reason. You are you and no matter what you do for the rest of your life, I have no doubt that you will continue to make an impact.
As your military days are now numbered, and as we prepare for the next journey, I support your decision with a full heart and no regrets. I am beyond blessed and grateful that the military gave us such an amazingly memorable 30 years and allowed me to stay home and raise our boys.
Although you won't be hanging up the uniform for good just yet, and the mission may look a little different you are still going to be able to be very influential to a different generation. You'll be able to mentor and train teenagers in the JROTC program, although I think you're a little crazy for wanting to step into that line of fire, I know damn sure you will love it and find a deep passion for the possible future generation of leaders. I am dang proud of you babe, and thank you for having me by your side for a damn great ride! Congratulations on your retirement!!!
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The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does!
