Guess I should officially introduce myself.

[princealbertofb]

Hi, I've been a member for a month or so now, and I havent formally introduced myself yet. My name is Daniel, 22 years old and recently come to terms with being gay. It just feels...so right....anyways; I am currently in the Air Force, and hate it, but I try to think optimistically about it because I only have a year and a half left. Thanks everyone for being so welcoming on the forums. Its a breath of fresh air. Also, happy Turkey day. bawk

True, agree with Snow that your avatar is amusing. I know what you mean about coming to terms with admitting one's gay but how right it feels once you've accepted it.
What is your situation Daniel, re the AirForce (it is still Don't Ask Don't Tell, isn't it?) and re boyfriends etc... have you got a private life or are you just waiting to get out to be able to start afresh?
Who else knows apart from us? Your family? Your friends?
Just thought I'd ask a few personal questions as I am wont, and see how we can help you or uphold you while you finish your time.
Good luck, and yes hope your Thanksgiving day was awesome. mile:

[Revolutions009]

True, agree with Snow that your avatar is amusing. I know what you mean about coming to terms with admitting one's gay but how right it feels once you've accepted it.
What is your situation Daniel, re the AirForce (it is still Don't Ask Don't Tell, isn't it?) and re boyfriends etc... have you got a private life or are you just waiting to get out to be able to start afresh?
Who else knows apart from us? Your family? Your friends?
Just thought I'd ask a few personal questions as I am wont, and see how we can help you or uphold you while you finish your time.
Good luck, and yes hope your Thanksgiving day was awesome. mile:

DaDt is a big part of why I hate being in. I feel sort of hopeless because there is no one that I can talk to (who is also in) about it. There are other factors as well....long story short my entire time in so far (4 years) have been a complete waste of time and money. I had one of the longest and most difficult training pipelines in the entire Department of Defense (2ish years), which at the time, I was legitimately excited for. When I finished and was sent to my first base, I sat around for 2 years only to be told I wouldn't be doing what I trained for. It is just one big disappointment, but like I said, I try to stay optimistic because the pay isin't bad, and even though it seems like I have a lifetime left, it really isint a lot of time when you look at the grand scope of things.

I havent told anyone...I was gonna tell my sis over Thanksgiving, but I never really got any alone time with her. As far as boyfriends go, I will be deploying here soon and I can't really commit to anything as much as I would like to (no matter how secretive I would have to keep it). I have a very shy personality, plus the fact that I can't be seen in a compromising situation in public sorta makes the situation that much more difficult.

[marshlander]

... When I finished and was sent to my first base, I sat around for 2 years only to be told I wouldn't be doing what I trained for...

I have heard this sorry tale many times from both US and UK servicemen. Weird that forward planning to meet operational projections doesn't really seem to figure much in the thinking. :frown:

..I can't really commit to anything as much as I would like to (no matter how secretive I would have to keep it). I have a very shy personality, plus the fact that I can't be seen in a compromising situation in public sorta makes the situation that much more difficult.

Of course it does and it is so wrong. May it all change for you soon.

[princealbertofb]

Well Daniel, keep in touch, we'll try to be a lifeline, of sorts, so you can come out of this having learnt a few things but still hopeful that your life does have meaning. You are still young fortunately, and it is probably easier for a young man to find a nice boyfriend, in this day and age, than when you are older, but your shyness will be something to overcome, I'm sure.
You need to build confidence and trust that although you are gay you are not a second class citizen that just has to shut up and do the job. Even if DADT is written off the books, it'll take time for the forces to take stock, I should think and for them to recognise what strength they have in all their gay servicemen (of which there are probably quite a few). Good luck, Daniel.

[marshlander]

... for them to recognise what strength they have in all their gay servicemen* (of which there are probably quite a few)...

There are at least three on here and several more if we count military services outside the US.

*And servicewomen too, I'm sure

[Ultra]

Hey the Revolutions. I've seen ya in the chat once and then ya left. Welcome!

[Revolutions009]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Ill try to hang in there.