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I'm writing this narrative in the hope that my story gives someone the strength to hang on to their dreams. Back in the mists of time, when I was around 10, I formed the idea that I would become a pilot. Dutifully, at the age of 19, I applied for ROTP and with my 20/15 vision was bundled off to ACS at Downsview. Everything went well until the very last medical test involving the ultrasound. A mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was picked up and all I remember was a Full Col telling me that I couldn't be a pilot. This was a relatively common condition that I was told could incapacitate me if I was subjected to high G forces. 'Devastated' and 'utterly' would be the words I would use to describe how I felt.
Due to my performance at ACS, I was offered entry as a ROTP ANav. I finished my degree in civilian university, did the usual military courses to get going and eventually started Nav school in Winnipeg. Making a long story short and coincidentally substantially shortening my military career, at the age of 20, I really pissed off the LCol in charge of the school. If I knew that pulling myself off the Nav course was going to get me into that much trouble, I would have at least had a go at his daughter while I was at it...
With hindsight and the experience of raising teenagers and helping out at the local air cadet squadron, I absolutely understand how wrongheaded I was at the time. C'est la vie.
Fast forward a few years to Oct 05 when I start my application process to rejoin the military. My choices were MARS and MARE since I'm currently employed with the Coast Guard as a Leading Seaman/Rescue Diver. During the normal course of the application process the RC asked that I get the opinion of a civilian cardiologist as to what's been going on with that ticker of mine. " Sure", I say, off I go. The Dr puts me through the wringer and lo and behold, he can't find a thing!!! The wheels in my head spin and I boot it down to the RC and politely ask if I can switch my choices to place Pilot as #1.
The recruiters were very accommodating and set me up for all the required prerequisites before I was once again trundled off to ACS. Again, everything went well. Again, I got pulled aside because of my MVP but this time the Dr explained that in my case the MVP was slight enough that I could pass the medical now. I felt as if I had been given my life back.
About a week ago, the RC called to say that the Pilot boards had sat and they've approved a spot for me. I've been waiting 21 years to hear that message. All I'm waiting for now is an enrollment date and when they want to send me to training. I guess I'll suck it up and wait a few more weeks....
Even if I don't get my wings, though I'm planning on moving heaven and earth to get them, I'll be a happy man that I was given a second chance at fulfilling a life long dream. All I can offer for advice to those of you waiting for your heart's desire, is never give up, have confidence in yourself, stand up for what you believe in and keep looking for that silver lining no matter what life gives you. Don't sit back waiting for life to come to you, get out there and grab it hard with both hands.
Due to my performance at ACS, I was offered entry as a ROTP ANav. I finished my degree in civilian university, did the usual military courses to get going and eventually started Nav school in Winnipeg. Making a long story short and coincidentally substantially shortening my military career, at the age of 20, I really pissed off the LCol in charge of the school. If I knew that pulling myself off the Nav course was going to get me into that much trouble, I would have at least had a go at his daughter while I was at it...
With hindsight and the experience of raising teenagers and helping out at the local air cadet squadron, I absolutely understand how wrongheaded I was at the time. C'est la vie.Fast forward a few years to Oct 05 when I start my application process to rejoin the military. My choices were MARS and MARE since I'm currently employed with the Coast Guard as a Leading Seaman/Rescue Diver. During the normal course of the application process the RC asked that I get the opinion of a civilian cardiologist as to what's been going on with that ticker of mine. " Sure", I say, off I go. The Dr puts me through the wringer and lo and behold, he can't find a thing!!! The wheels in my head spin and I boot it down to the RC and politely ask if I can switch my choices to place Pilot as #1.
The recruiters were very accommodating and set me up for all the required prerequisites before I was once again trundled off to ACS. Again, everything went well. Again, I got pulled aside because of my MVP but this time the Dr explained that in my case the MVP was slight enough that I could pass the medical now. I felt as if I had been given my life back.
About a week ago, the RC called to say that the Pilot boards had sat and they've approved a spot for me. I've been waiting 21 years to hear that message. All I'm waiting for now is an enrollment date and when they want to send me to training. I guess I'll suck it up and wait a few more weeks....
Even if I don't get my wings, though I'm planning on moving heaven and earth to get them, I'll be a happy man that I was given a second chance at fulfilling a life long dream. All I can offer for advice to those of you waiting for your heart's desire, is never give up, have confidence in yourself, stand up for what you believe in and keep looking for that silver lining no matter what life gives you. Don't sit back waiting for life to come to you, get out there and grab it hard with both hands.
