Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/high school preparation for AF Academy

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 5/10/2010


Question
Hello, my name is Alec and I am 15 years old. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am currently in CAP, I am a Cadet Staff Sergeant.

My life's goal is to be accepted into the Air Force Academy. I am an honors student, and participate in soccer, basketball, football, track, volleyball, forensics and play piano. I am interested in reading all military history, specifically WWII. I placed First in an area competition that involved 17 schools, for current events.

My question to you, Sir, is what do I need to do, and how can I best increase my chances to be accepted into the AF Academy?

Answer
Comment - Thank you, sir, for your clear response and encouragement.

You've helped me to get to my goals.  What you said about "hoping to see me in blue" made me feel proud.

Thank you, sir. I will keep you updated with my activities, if that is alright. I will also ask you other questions as they come up when I start high school in September. My high school had 3 individuals accepted to the AF Academy last year.

Thank you for your time and kindness, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you and talk with you.
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Alec,
Thank you for then good rating.  I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have as they arise.  It can be a scary thing when you embark on a new career and it’s a major life-altering event.  The better informed you are, the better prepared you'll be, and will eliminate "surprises" that may pop up.
Please keep me informed of your progress, I like to hear success stories.
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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