Commentary: Boots on ground

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erin Trower
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MORON AIR BASE, Spain --  I'll never forget the first time I wore my issued combat boots. I looked down at them and thought, "This is the beginning of a new future. I wonder where these boots will take me."

I remember when I first contemplated what kind of job I wanted to pursue, and travel agent was the first to come to my mind nearly 15 years ago.

As a 10-year-old at the time, I assumed a travel agent spent their time traveling the world, naturally.

With more research and wisdom over time, my early thoughts were proven wrong.
After two years of college, I still didn't know what direction to follow. I knew I still wanted to travel and see the world, and to better my life and everyone else's around me; I just needed to take the right steps to get there.

Air Force basic military training isn't known to be the toughest amongst the branches. But what does make it equal to the others, is that you have to overcome it alone, no matter the challenges you face.  Physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually, each person who steps foot into BMT will face many hardships, to weed out those aren't ready for the next steps toward their Air Force career.

I've worn the same pair of boots since basic training. I watched them going up and down as I performed flutter-kicks on the concrete with sweat running down my face on hot, Texas days. They held me up when I was getting screamed at and protected my feet from scorpions scurrying around at night. Those boots were with me throughout my whole BMT journey, and I wanted them to stay with me from start to end.

Now, when I look at my boots, I think of all the places they've walked and what I've seen while wearing them. When I remove them at the end of the duty day, I leave them at the door, ready to wear the next day. Although they're no longer on my feet when I'm off duty, the experiences they've helped me create are still imprinted on my mind.

My boots have carried me on search and recovery missions for fallen brothers and sisters, flown over Scotland in an HH-60G Pave Hawk, touched together saluting President Barack Obama, jumped with excitement as I posed with Rob Riggle, actor and comedian, and made the long walk across Arlington National Cemetery, to honor those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Almost four years later, my boots are still with me, fulfilling that travel agent dream of mine. They've seen the East Coast, West Coast, England, Scotland, and, right now across the room from me as I write this in Spain.

As someone who only left California once in high school, I never would have imagined I'd be in the shoes I'm in today; in a different country.

I plan to wear these boots through the rest of my Air Force career, or until they can no longer support me.

They're a reflection of the good, the bad, the hardships and the many adventures I've been fortunate enough to be a part of on my Air Force journey.