Topic: Right place at the right time... sweeeet

[DammitDan]

So I've recently been thinking very seriously about joining the military and going into WOCS for Army Aviation (hopefully for Blackhawks).  This was mainly because I can't find a job in my field (recording/music production). 

A friend heard about that I was considering the military and thought she would help me out.  Instead of the military, she said, "Why not go back to school and get your masters in communication?  I could probably set something up for you."  Boy, did she ever!

I went in to talk to the chair of graduate studies, and when he found out I have a bachelors in Recording production & technology from MTSU, he snagged me and and led me around, introducing me to all the professors in the Communication department.  When he introduced me to the guy who ran the University radio station, he said, "Hey David, I want you to meet Dan, your new Graduate Assistant."  HOLY #$%*!  Then he led me around and made sure I had all my paperwork together and filled out, shook my hand about 20 times and said, "I look forward to working with you in the program, and we really don't want to lose you."  HOLY #$%* AGAIN!

So with this Graduate Assistant position that i had HANDED to me, I get into a 2 year Masters program in Corporate Communications (broadcasting focus), all tuition and fees paid for by the University, with an $800/month stipend to boot!  And on top of that, I get on-the-job experience in a working radio station during my studies, as well as an internship with basically any radio station in middle Tennessee (e.g. Nashville).

My head is still spinning I'm so damn excited.  Apparently they've been looking for a GA to work the radio station who has experience in a technical background, and I came along at the right place at the right time!  Woot!

[78 k550]

Nice how thing's fall into place like that. Very happy for you.

Paul

[rachet]

Dammit Dan!..

That's awesome!  Congrats and way to go!  Now Rock on!

Rachet~

[toycollector10]

Yeah mate, your stars all lined up that day. Good luck, build on it and have fun while you're at it. Cheers..

[DarkRider]

Thats great dan!!

[Demon67]

Dan you've lucked into an awesome deal, I wish you all the best, now don't screw it up.
Bill the demon.

[gerhed]

Dan,
Congrats on some well deserved luck.
Now you can get back to thinking about bikes !
gerhed

[troppo]

That is just bloody incredible, congrats mate and you make the most of it.

[azuredesign]

Excellent!!!

[Rocking-M]

Great break for you Dan! (and you stayed out or the military too!)

[Klark Kent]

that rules, man.   I have been contemplating continued education and struggling in my chosen field for some time, but never thought to threaten military service.  good on ya.

[heffay]

way to go dammit!

i'm just glad you found anything aside from the military.   

now... go blow that first stipend on a new project.   

[754]

+ you get to keep your hair!!!

[DammitDan]

Whoo hoo!  Hair! 

Thanks guys, this is quite literally the opportunity of a lifetime for me.

Technically I wasn't "threatening" military service...  Flying helos in Army Aviation is something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid (especially since I live next to Ft. Campbell, home of the 101st Air Assault).  However, after talking to the recruiter I found out my chances of actually making it into Aviator school were less than stellar.  I would have had to get waiver upon waiver signed for my eyes (LASIK) and my shoulder (2 surgeries from an AC separation), and even then the prior service guys would have had first preference.  I sat down with Dad (who is a retired a Lt. Col) and asked him his opinion about it.  He said that he was supportive of any decision I made, but I should remember that in the Army you're always a soldier first.  If they don't need pilots, that means you're gonna be doing something else UNTIL they need pilots.  He said if I had no problems with that, then the Army would be a fine career choice.  I had never thought of it that way, and I honestly wasn't ready to be as committed to the Army as I was to the idea of flying.

Then this opportunity landed in my lap, and my decision was made 

[Klark Kent]

if i cant engage in envious ribbing, then you cant post when great stuff happens to you.  with troop levels indefinitely frozen and the tours back to 12 mos. there is no doubt where you would be headed, and the jibe was more out of relief that you had been given an alternate path to take.  sweet-ass path that it is, the jealousy kicks in and there you have it.  if only sarcasm and good-naturedness could be translated through the printed word- who am i kidding i have a hard enough time getting that across in real life.  maybe i should use more emoticons. 

looking forward to reading more about your adventure in grad school

[DammitDan]

I know you were being sarcastic and lighthearted there KK, no offense intended in the response! 

I was just saying that my consideration of the military (while misguided and not fully thought out) was nonetheless genuine.  I wasn't considering the fact that this country is engaged in a war with no defined enemy with no foreseeable ending, all I saw was that I might be a pilot and none of that other stuff mattered.  Forget the fact that I might be taken out of WOCS and sent into Infantry, because you know, the Army can do whatever they want once you've signed the papers.

You're right though, my friend who set it all up certainly saw the military as a threat to my wellbeing! 

[DarkRider]

Now go find yourself another CB man!

[Rocking-M]

I know you were being sarcastic and lighthearted there KK, no offense intended in the response! 

I was just saying that my consideration of the military (while misguided and not fully thought out) was nonetheless genuine.  I wasn't considering the fact that this country is engaged in a war with no defined enemy with no foreseeable ending, all I saw was that I might be a pilot and none of that other stuff mattered.  Forget the fact that I might be taken out of WOCS and sent into Infantry, because you know, the Army can do whatever they want once you've signed the papers.

You're right though, my friend who set it all up certainly saw the military as a threat to my wellbeing! 

I almost ended up in the Navy Flight program for the same reasons. Glad your friend thought so much of you.

[tramp]

yea, your right
right time and right place
whoever set you up for the interview, keep them happy

[gerhed]

I know you were being sarcastic and lighthearted there KK, no offense intended in the response! 

I was just saying that my consideration of the military (while misguided and not fully thought out) was nonetheless genuine.  I wasn't considering the fact that this country is engaged in a war with no defined enemy with no foreseeable ending, all I saw was that I might be a pilot and none of that other stuff mattered.  Forget the fact that I might be taken out of WOCS and sent into Infantry, because you know, the Army can do whatever they want once you've signed the papers.

You're right though, my friend who set it all up certainly saw the military as a threat to my wellbeing! 

I almost ended up in the Navy Flight program for the same reasons. Glad your friend thought so much of you.

I actually did end up in the military as a young man during a difficult time in our country's history
and it turned out to be a very positive and defining time in my life--so you just don't know
do you?

[Cvillechopper]

Congrats!!!  Give your friend something nice, like your first born.   Seriously, glad you found a group that'll appreciate you as more than a piece of meat to throw at flying lead. 

[SD750F]

Way to go Gerhed! A Vietnam ribbon with a star (2 campaigns)! Quite the accomplishment!!!

[heffay]

Way to go Gerhed! A Vietnam ribbon with a star (2 campaigns)! Quite the accomplishment!!!

so, is that patch called a ribbon?
star?

what?

yes, gerhead... way to go... just trying to figure out the comment.

[andy750]

Great news Dan!! Good luck with where it takes you!

cheers
Andy

[keiths]

Way to go Dan.

[dustyc]

Heck yeah.  Congratulations. 

[SD750F]

It is called a ribbon. And then for the Vietnam you get an additional star on the ribbon for every champagne you serve. One star means two champagnes...

[DammitDan]

So normally for 2 tours of duty one would have the Vietnam theater ribbon once with a star on it, but instead it has 2 ribbons (each with delineating years of tours) and even though there isn't technically a star it is still referred to as a "ribbon with a star".  Right?

[SD750F]

A ribbon is another means of displaying a medal. And the Vietnam Service Medal patch pictured in Gerhed's photo has each campaign year indicated. Please note that a campaign does not necessarily coincide with a calendar year, but a tactical change in military or political action/direction. So Gerhed's patch may not be a true reflection of how many campaigns he served during the Vietnam action. The ribbon with any additional star(s) is typically worn on the rack... And there are a total of 17 campaign stars authorized for the Vietnam Service Medal. Personnel are authorized one bronze campaign star for each qualifying campaign with a silver star worn in lieu of five bronze stars.

Long winded yes, but I hope that answers your question... And no, I did not serve myself. Wanted to but getting glasses prevented me becoming a Naval Aviator like I wanted to. My father served over 27 years and has 4 bronze stars on his Vietnam Service Medal. He was selected for Admiral (O7), but declined offer and got out.

Scott

[Sam Green Racing]

Really well done Danny Boy, I remember one of your posts, worrying about your job prospects. Turned out real good for you.
Being paid while you learn instead of paying to be taught is fantastic, hope it all works out and there's a good job waiting for you at the end. Don't forget to have fun though, you're still young.

Sam.