Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Childhood Asthma Waiver

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/22/2009


Question
Hello! My husband is currently in the process of trying to enlist in the Air Force. He had asthma as a child and according to his medical records it resolved itself by age 12. (I didn't even know he ever had asthma until we started talking about him enlisting.) Anyway he got all of his medical records and even had a follow up with his doctor, had a pulmonary function test which he passed no problem and got the results per his recruiter's instruction. He had to fill out a sheet explaining he had asthma as a child and that he doesn't have any problems now.  His recruiter sent the info along with his applications (I apologize my military lingo isn't up to par) to MEPS with the hopes of him going to MEPS in a week or so. Well, MEPS dq'd him before even seeing him, but his requiter said that he really thinks my husband has a chance so he is sending his information to the Surgeon General for a waiver.  I am living on pins and needles waiting for the answer to come back as to whether he will be approved or not. He scored 86% on his ASVAB, is extremely physically fit, did ROTC all 4 years of high school and I think he wants to work as a NDI apprentice but he would do what is asked of ultimately. I was just wondering what you think his chances of getting approved are and what the general time frame is. I appreciate your help!

Answer
Allison,
That's wonderful news!  I'm so glad for him.  Also, it's nice to know I'm right.  I never even hear that at home.
I wish you guys well. You'll love AF life.
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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