Thank you Larry and everyone else for all your kind words of encouragement, it's greatly appreciated.
Loosing my retirement and life medical benefits is going to be the hardest to except, but like I said already all is not lost and life moves on. The VA will be there to help and I'm already doing my homework to file all my disability claims.
This new company SpaceX has been rapidly expanding and has a lot of really good benefits for its employees. The position I'm going to apply for is a propulsion test technician, basically I'll be responsible for loading/unloading rockets on test stands and performing test runs/maintenance on all SpaceX rockets that get sent to the facility. I've always considered myself a mild space nerd and has always been fascinated with space and stars, so this opportunity I have, in some form, can relate to my dream job.
I see moving back to Texas a bonus for me as well, I was born and raised in South Texas (way south/northern Mexico - Brownsville, TX). My son hasn't been raised as a military brat and lucky has spent his youth living in South Georgia, he hasn't had to experience permanent change of station (PCS) and hasn't had to leave his friends/schools. He understands he will have to do this soon, but isn't phased by it and actually wants to move to make new friends and be closer to his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This experience thus far has actually brought my family closer and we are working together as a well oiled machine, life actually feels like it's getting better. My house isn't even on the market yet and I already have one offer for sale and another interested for renting. It really feels as if the stars are aligning for us.
On the flip side, my co-workers and subordinates seem to be the only people at work that are mad that this is happening to me and sad to see me go. My 1st shirt, hasn't done anything to help me out and is one of the people telling the commander that based off my medical records and PT history i need to be discharged. I'm not getting kicked out of the Air Force so therefore I will not be getting any severance or separation pay, I cannot collect any retirement because I'm not at 20 years and early retirement isn't an option unless they choose to medically retire me from the MEB. As it is, my discharge will be an honorable discharge - it just looks like I'm choosing not to reenlist and give up 15+ yrs of service and except to give up all my benefits, however this isn't the case as my commander will not allow me to reenlist and is only allowing my to finish out my service commitment so that way I won't get severance or separation pay. Way to stick it to me!! I've known people who have gotten kicked out for DUI or some other disciplinary reason and have been paid a separation or severance package and they were actually in trouble and didn't even get an honorable discharge. This military experience has left a bad taste in my mouth and I'm completely disgusted with how I'm being treated, I'm currently an E-6 (Technical Sergeant) (Subject Matter Expert - SME) (Lead Technician) I run the flight line and expedite all the aircraft maintenance. My Section Chiefs appointed over me haven't even lifted a finger to try to help fight for me to stay in, their all yellow bellied and seem not to be bothered by it. Despite all these things I've just mentioned, I'm looking forward into my own future trying to secure something for me and my family because it's all I'm gonna have left. I'll always consider military to be apart of my family, especially the people who have made an impact in my life and have helped me along the way.
In the end, it's been a good ride, I've met many great people and have gained a lot of experience. I plan to use any and all VA benefits I'm entitled to and do what I've got to do to keep food on my table. I will continue to provide for my family and make sure they are taken care of, my son is the love of my life and I'll do anything to make sure he's well taken care of. My wife is my rock, she believes in me more than I believe in myself and supports me every step of the way. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. I have to believe in her and keep her happy, we've been married for 12 yrs and I have never felt closer to her anymore than now.
Anyway, like I said before...thank you all for the kind words of encouragement and support. It's been a pleasure to serve and I'm honored to have been able to do it.
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I have one at Robs now getting the new 510 installed and when it gets here another will be sent in. If it's real bad you can put a couple wraps of Teflon around the threads until you can get sorted out. Just don't put too much on or you will lose the electrical contact.
