Even till today, my boss sometimes tell me I talk about the air force like I am still a part of it. Though I have adjusted to a private sector quite well over the past two years, there are still times I dreamt of being a passenger in a military cargo plane, leading a small team and doing something I like and know is of great importance. And yes, I still feel it in my blood whenever I see the plane fly pass where ever I am or during National Day. When I went for my reserve in February, the reservists knew instantly I was a regular, not just by my rank but also my mannerism. I am a very different man when I am in my uniform, very different.
It was a major decision made at 20 to sign on as a regular. Not something I thought I could do. But I had a wonderful and fast moving career. The promotion from a Third Sergeant to Staff within four years was unprecedented in my brigade. And yes, I am still bloody proud of being that.
On 30th June 2005, I left the air force after a eight years of eventful and fast promoting career. It was a struggle. While it was a decision made after one year of considerations, it was still very painful to face as the day closes. I remembered I broke down in tears in front of my computer. It was like asking to end a eight years marriage.
One of the oldest picture of me in military camp. My enlistment was two days after my birthday in June 1997. Probably when I am the lightest and yet most healthy. I like how my face look here. tsk tsk, almost angular.
Another botak photo. :) Just another little recruit boy in Gryphon company in BMTC School 2. Very fresh meat. This is also where I had my first attempt to provide a listening ear to my bunk mate who was eventually posted out due to mental stress in army. Spent two weeks talking and trying to make him until he started to show suicidal signs and I had to bring it up to the instructor.
About one year into army where I was posted to Sungei Gedong to be trained as a armoured infantry leader. One of the most difficult periods which I earned my favourite black beret. The black berets are first worn by the fashion-conscious French army. These days, black berets are worn by mainly armoured battalions around the world.
Taken at the graduation ceremony of my airforce conversion course. Big messy hair period. I spent too much effort and time to care about my hair. Of course, the hard work paid off when I was given the Merit Award. Not too bad since I started the course one month late due to the longer armour sergeant course.
Unfortunately I won't be able to put up any pictures of my actual military stuff. These are photos during the two Dinner and Dance where I served in the 500 strong specialist mess committes.
Danny... my best friend in the unit and the first guy to know I am gay. One of the few colleagues who actually met my partners. His gf is such a lovely girl and they are together for nine years.
When I am not running the Dinner and Dance, I was always made to drink.
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