simply made, made difficult

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. This is an adage used often in the military. What exactly is it saying though? The principle is understandable and entirely logical: If you do something slower than you will do it better and it won't be messy, preventing you from making mistakes that will slow the process or have to be done over. Simple enough but I have always been one for math. It doesn't quite line up so nicely algebraically though. There is a simple rule in algebra: If A=B and B=C than A=C. This is logical right? if both A and C are equal to B than they must be equal to each other so you can ignore B all together. If we apply this to our sentence above Slow=Smooth and Fast=Smooth so we can eliminate "smooth" and say that Slow=Fast. Wait a minute, that doesn't make sense! Slow can't equal Fast they are opposites, bookends, they are as much the same as microwaves and four-leaf clovers. So how can this make sense? The adage is both logical and illogical at the same time. It is simple yet defiant; caught between a world of logic and irrationality. You were probably fine with the first explanation until I ruined it with my algebra that you are probably trying to forget anyway. I guess I just think too much.

USO yeah!

To most a 3 hour layover in Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX airport might be something to dread. True it seems a waste of time and you would rather just get on to where you are going but new advantages and opportunities have openned up for me as I swore in yesterday as an active member of the United States Army. I have discovered this happy little place called the USO that makes layovers worth laying over. The United Sevices Organization (USO) is an organization that "represent[s] the American people by extending a touch of home to the military," according to there website http://www.uso.org/. They are wonderful places and I think they do a good job at providing that touch of home. At the same time they also provide a networking opportunity where if you will put down the X-box controls and listen, or ask the right question you can learn a whole lot about the military, about war time efforts, the different branches, and about different bases around the world. I have been to two so far today. I was first introduced to the USO at Denver Int. Airport. It was a nice little facility with a very friendly and leisurely atmosphere. They had a quiet room with comfy recliners and dim lights where you can lay and rest your head for a moment and can even set an alarm clock in the room to wake you if you need. They have food for and beverages, computers, games, books, tv, and as mentioned- friendly people, all of which are free of charge to the active service men and women of the United States armed forces and their families. I am now sitting typing this in the DFW airport USO which is a little more compact yet busier but offers a few more accommadations like a portable phone to use for long distant calls to family and loved ones.

Thank you to the USO for doing such a grand job at serving. I am a big fan.

why fly? why the army?

September brings new adventures and possibilities to my life. I now have two weeks remaining before I swear in as an active member of the United States Army. It has been a long and at times challenging road to get to this point, but I am here and am excited to begin this new adventure. Part of my application process for the army's flight program required I write a short essay on why I want to be an Army Aviator. This is that essay:

"Why I want to be an Army Aviator.

"Helicopters and the freedom of flying has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy. I have always looked upon the helicopter as the most boundless, controllable form of flight. As I have grown and matured I have become more acquainted with this type of aircraft and the dedication and responsibilities associated with becoming a pilot. My desire to become an aviator for the United States Army is threefold. It stems from a passion for the craft, the opportunity to serve, and from the thrill of adventure.

"Passion for the craft- Since I can remember I have always admired and sought to learn about helicopters and the gift of flight they offer. I have recently more earnestly desired a career as a helicopter pilot and have started taking flight school to become an aviator. The base of my desire to become and aviator for the army comes from my intense desire to understand and master the control of this fascinating piece of machinery.

"Opportunity to Serve- I pride myself in coming from a family in which service is an honored tradition. My parents have taught me by word and example the value of hard work and service to others. I have not always been interested in joining the United States Armed Services but as I have investigated my career options and contemplated the possibilities I have found that the best option for me is to become a proud soldier of the United States Army. I love serving others and the U.S. Army is a wonderful way to serve the country which has blessed me with my personal freedom, and to serve those who stand in need or who perhaps do not yet enjoy the freedoms you and I do.

"Thrill of Adventure-I love adventure and doing new things. Adventure to me is something new, something bold. It fortifies courage and provokes thought. Adventure motivates me and recharges enthusiasm. I believe that becoming an aviator for the army will satisfy and support this craving with new perspectives, new sights, new comrades, and new challenges.

"I appreciate challenges, both large and small. I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from working through and solving challenges. I know that becoming an aviator for the Army will bring many new challenges into my life, however I am confident that these challenges will strengthen me and my abilities will strengthen those whom I serve."