Josh, one of our writers, joined the Civil Air Patrol, the all-volunteer United States Air Force Auxiliary, 10 years ago today. He wrote this poem to commemorate his service.

“I became an Airman 10 years ago today.

Started out in Butler County, PA.

My first mission was to Somerset,

my boot broke and I didn’t forget.

My trainer talked like the robot on “Futurama.”

Back when the president was Barack Obama.

I became a Second Lieutenant in minimum time.

Rebuilt the radio station so the signals would fly.

Led a team and designed websites from the heart.

“Blank Space” topped the Billboard Chart.

Built a second unit in Beaver, where I excelled.

Rose to Deputy Commander; made a name for myself.

Drove a van in the parade down the Route 8 hill.

Pinned on First Lieutenant and discovered my paperwork skills.

Loaded up my Milan with radios and tools.

Did an ad for the partnership with CAP and my grad school.

Started making newsletters to help PA with their careers

while countless people asked for guidance and beer.

Went to Dayton; met some great people for a week.

Marched in columns and learned and how to speak.

My package for Captain sailed right through.

I continued helping others, the least I could do.

Went to Cherry Hill, learned about Public Affairs.

Drove an old Chrysler van the whole way there.

Became a Squadron Commander around that time.

All of my Cadets got to fly!

Hit every school in the county with a STEM fair,

ran a carwash at Mission BBQ and made $0 there.

The pandemic hit, and I changed my track

Joined the national mentoring team; never looked back.

My network and my leadership began to expand;

kept making newsletters like the back of my hand.

By now, I was pursuing Level 5

And I wanted to be at the top of the slide.

Made infographics out of the promotion regulation,

my phone rang continuously as I led the nation.

I made Major between years eight and nine.

Now I’m looking at where I’ll next be assigned.

For the better, my life has been changed

Because I became an Airman 10 years ago today.”

This was written by our contributing writer, Joshua Nussbaum.