Life after the Air Force Before I met my wife, I never thought of early separation from the Air Force. Having served almost 10 years at that point, I had always planned to finish my 20 years and retire. That was before I had met my soulmate and before I had held my daughter for the first time. Just 2 years after meeting my wife, we were on our way back to my hometown here in Mississippi and I was out of the military. Our lives have changed in several positive ways since I left the Air Force. We now have much more control in regard to where we live, what I do for a living, and the basic structure of our lives. When I joined the military, I signed a contract that promising to live wherever I was needed and work in whatever career field I was needed. This included moving out of state and/or country as well as possible deployments into combat zones. During my time in the military I was stationed at several bases, served overseas in …show more content…
Prior to separation we were required to live in big cities as this is where military installations are typically located. My wife and I wanted our daughter to grow up in a smaller, safer, more friendly town. We moved back to my hometown in Brandon, MS the day I was discharged from the Air Force. Our daughter now has regular visits with my parents and we can take a much shorter 10-hour drive to see my wife’s side of the family. Since we moved last October, we have had 5 big family gatherings where our daughter was able to get to know her extended family. If I had stayed in the military, she might get to see one side of the family once a year at best. Also, my wife and I really enjoy having my parents to babysit. Before, we never went anywhere without our daughter. Now, we go out as a couple once a week. This has definitely strengthened our relationship as it gives us time to not be parents and just enjoy each other’s