What I learned about entrepreneurship from the Air Force

What I learned about entrepreneurship from the Air Force. 

In 1999, I joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC, a college program that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. military. My dream was to become a fighter pilot. ✈️ 🧑‍✈

I had it all figured out. 

I had completed my aircraft mechanic’s certification in high school, so I then enrolled at the College of Aeronautics and joined the US Air Force ROTC program. My drive had materialized into a full scholarship and a ten-year commitment to military service so that I could accumulate the flight hours needed to become a pilot. Everything was going according to plan. I passed both the physical fitness test and the ASV AB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test, with boot camp scheduled for the following summer in San Antonio, Texas. Everything was going according to plan…until it didn't. My parents were struggling financially, so I wound up dropping out of both college and the Air Force to take on two jobs as an aircraft mechanic. 🔧👨🏽‍🔧

In the Air Force, I learned a lot about the importance of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. The program taught me the value of hard work and dedication, and how to be a leader in any situation. It gave me the courage and discipline I needed to make big changes when things don't go as planned—all things I later applied as an entrepreneur. 👨🏽‍💻📈