“Even just saying [‘I’m going to be an Airman’] means a lot to me. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was 12 — it’s an amazing feeling. To be an Airman is like being the role model you always wanted but for someone else. I know when I was growing up, I really wanted someone to look up to, but I never really had that. Whether it’s being a mentor or helping people in the community, in the unit, or others close to you—that’s what I think being an Airman is. There’s such a sense of pride and leadership.
I’m coming into the civil engineering unit as a pavements and construction equipment specialist. My civilian job is very similar to the job I chose in the Guard. I’ve been working with this company for four years now, but I feel like in the Guard, or in the Air Force and military in general, there’s always something new and something to look forward to every day.
After being with the unit last drill, I noticed how experienced the people are; there’s a lot of knowledge, and I can learn something from them. I’m also looking forward to the camaraderie. I thought it was going to be a more strict and uptight environment, but being there showed me, even in uniform, people are still people.” —Jesse Bradby, Virginia Air National Guard Student Flight trainee