Air Force Career Analysis

1. I have faithfully served in the Air Force for the past 14 years and 10 months. The first four years of my career were as a 1C8X1, Ground Radar Technician, at the 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker AFB. Due to force shaping of the 1C8X1 career field, I retrained to become a 3D1X4, Spectrum Operations, in 2005. Since becoming a Spectrum Manager I have successfully served at three different assignments; Randolph AFB, Cannon AFB, and Robins AFB. Over the course of my career, I have been awarded six military decorations, four quarterly awards, four miscellaneous awards, and seven annual awards, which have culminated in achieving the rank of MSgt.

2. I found the medical record narrative summary on me to be factual, but emotionless in describing my condition, ulcerative colitis. This diagnosis does not tell the entire story about whether or not I am fit for duty. For example, during my near fifteen year career, I have traveled TDY over 17 times and completed a 186-day overseas contingency
I have managed my condition successfully since being diagnosed through proper diet and medication. For example, coworkers and supervisors have had no idea of my condition unless I disclose it to them because there have been no discernable signs. Whatever, task they can perform I can perform. I agree that from a strictly medical perspective, ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition. However, that does not mean it has to spell the death of my Air Force career. I have devoted too much time and effort into becoming among the best at what I do to be denied the opportunity to finish my career. Again, I have consistently excelled on Air Force fitness assessments and have gone everywhere and done everything I have been tasked without reservation. Ulcerative colitis does not have to be a death sentence because it has not been for me since 2005. My burgeoning military career since being diagnosed is testament of this and I feel as fit and healthy as