What I Learned Serving in the Military 

Hope you guys enjoyed the different style I took with this one! Definitely wanted to find a fun way to share what I've learned during my past three years in the Air Force. As always, if you have any questions or future video recommendations that you want to see, drop em below! ☺️

Being a USAF veteran myself (1971-1975), I really enjoy your channel and love your attitude. I often reflect upon my time in the USAF as a result of your videos. You can have the best of both worlds if you decide to separate....that is to remain in the USAF Reserves. I wish I would have done that looking back now. However, it was a different time then and I did have a rewarding career as a CPA after my service. Keep up the your good work Sam!

I’m 22 an live in st.Louis, I’ve been thinking about joining the Air Force. Thanks for sharing the insight it really is helping me pick the right choices.

You perform a great service to the individuals who are thinking about joining the AF. I served from 1981-1985 and enjoyed traveling while in the AF. My job was supply on the flight line so I had the opportunity to see many planes and jets. My bases were in Eilison, AK, Luke, AZ and Langley,VA. During that time I worked hard in my job and got E-5 in 3 years and a few days. My friends told me to stay in but being young and single you don’t always think about the benefits. I enjoyed my time because coming from NJ I traveled to Hawaii, Alaska,parts of California, Seattle, Wyoming, Vegas, Arizona, Colorado and Virginia in my 4.5 years. I’m glad you are taking advantage of the opportunities while you are in the military and giving an example of military as an officer! Good luck in the rest of your career and the future!

I talked to my Air Force recruiter yesterday I’m only 17 rn but he’s helping me get everything ready rn so when I do graduate high school next school year everything will be Out off the way and ready to go

HI Sam, just want to thank you for this video. I will share it with my son who is a Doolie and things are tough right now. You sure are inspirational and i am sure your family is so joyful to see you in your journey, moving forward in your destiny. Thank you!

As silly as this may sound, your video was really uplifting. I came across your CH-47 video which brought back really good memories of jumping out of them in the 70s, as a young member of the 82nd Airborne. But to see the enthusiasm of a young officer just kicking off his career gives me a lot of hope for the future of our military to strike a balance between being professional and being human.

That ad not promoted was the best ad Ive ever seen lmao

Great video as always! Wish I could've served, but due to an eye injury, I was DQ'd, so I love your videos. Your advice is spot on for any job. Hard work and dedication will you get you a far way in life. BTW, your shots of STL are amazing, I really miss it.

Great video and great advice. Consider a video about service in the Reserves. I was a direct commission after my medical training and really enjoyed my time in the Reserves for many of the reasons you discuss. I will never forget the people I served with and the sense of mission we all had.

Thanks Thanks, Sam. Very well articulated video and point of view.

Nice video and congratulations for your 3 years in the Air Force!😊

Thank You! That was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time to make video like this.

You’re so thorough, love it. Be awesome if you could do one on the commission process once someone is already in.

Thanks Sam they were really good tips not just for the military but for life in general.

Nice vlog. Informative, well edited and with nice scenes! 10/10

Just stumbled on to your page and really diggin it!! Thanks so much for sharing!

Hi mate, Just stumbled on your channel I think you put out great stuff. I am a brit, in the application process to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). I would assume allot of the lifestyle changes s similar whatever country your from. From what I've learned from my own recruiters and what people like you say, it's a career like no other not to be missed Keep up the good work I look forward to learning more about how you do things over the pond

Thanks for your videos. I am a USAF Veteran and also enjoyed the experience .

You Should Continue To Upload!! This is awesome!!

My new fave channel. Cool vids my guy.

Congratulations Sam! For your RU-vid 3 years anniversary, maybe you can sing to us just like your first video.

As an enlisted member your videos have been really enjoyable to me and helped me learn a lot… also we need an a-10 video

New subscriber here and this is one of my favorite channel already

You are crushing it for PA! Keep up the positive work.

Thank You for the Video

In the Civil Air Patrol, one of our core values is excellence in all we do. I am extremely glad you described that! I hope to fly with you someday!

AMEN. You said it, having the initiative and being positive about everything can get you places others will never get to, in the army I applied the same principle and did 25 years of active duty service and I would do it all over if given the chance.

A video of the 3rd year SrA stuck in Minot since Tech school would be a nice perspective to add.

Congratulations on 3 years. 👏🎉🎈💯👍😎

Love ur vids

Great insight on the Commissioned side of the Air Force Lt and just the Air Force in general. Love your content! Are you up for Captain yet? Keep doing what you’re doing!

Hey Sam, I love your videos! They are extremely helpful and interesting. I'm very excited to be joining AFROTC as a freshman in college this coming fall!

This video really encouraged me. A high school student.

Great advice guy....as with anything in life...have to make the most of it...Even retirment

Sam, you are definitely an asset to the USAF!!!! Great video!!!

Something else that happened historically with the arch is I've had a buddy pee on its base during a bachelor party and get chased away by a guard.

The quality & editing is amazing!

Great advice!

I’m starting my Navy career at the end of the month when my OCS class starts. I hope to produce content like you to showcase what the military is like!! Keep up the great work.

So it’s like your third anniversary in the Air Force congratulations 🎉

I am joining the AF at the end of the summer, I’m pretty excited for the opportunities it has to offer!

Congratulations Sam. 👍🏻 Sound advice. Can one go inside the arch?

The quality is amazing

Proud of you sam working as a fighter jet pilot.. 🥰😁😁😁👨‍✈️ A big salute....

Thank you Sam for uploading quality content, it's definitely motivate us. Can you recommend beginner level camera,lens and which video/photo editing software is best for beginners level?

Sam, thanks just found your channel today and really enjoy it. It retired Air Force myself. I spent my entire career working on Minuteman missiles. What career field are you in? Oops! Never mind, I just watched you’re video on what your job is. You should try to make it to Wright Patterson some year for the Air Force Marathon weekend.

Hi everyone great video Sam Eckholm

Congrats!!

How comfy are the chairs in the Air Force? Asking for a friend.

Sam, Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. Thank you for your service.

Nice vid keep it up

I’d love to see Sam do vlogs!

I’m enlisting in the US Air Force Reserve soon as an “old dog” at 34 and as an NPS (non prior service) just passed MEPS last week. Unfortunately, i won’t be doing close to what you have as I will be going in as an E-3. However, it will be a life changer for me😊 oh and Sam, if you know ANY MEANS of flight training that is offered to enlisted personnel, please feel to share them with me. My new career goal is to be a first officer for SW Airlines.

How do you have so much free time? Like when I think of the air Force i vision a life just on base you know? Are you on active duty or reserve?

I love your attitude

I like how I got an ad for the Air Force before this...

Hey, You are so cool man 😎 Near future I will be also pilot in Indian Air Force

New subs from Philippines🇵🇭stay safe and Godbless

Congratulations!

I'm sure the new experience is much different as a young guy coming out of the academy going straight into the Air Force as an officer vs a young or old people enlisting and being in for three years

I continued to work as a Civilian for the Air Force, through various positions. In 1989 I met with the recruiters about joining the Air National Guard. I was turned down several times due to a history of Asthma, but fought to join anyway. I began a regiment of exercise, running, ect, and eventually was able to surpass all the physical requirements and was permitted to join with a waiver. I took a year leave of Absence from my Civilian job, and left for Basic Training and Avionics Technician Training in January. I was "Lucky" enough to be assigned to "Hells Corner" at Lackland AFB, where the Training Instructors were notorious for being extra tough. We had one who was a former British Marine and was very intimidating. Our flights had many extra requirements for our uniforms and appearance. You could definitely see the difference while interacting with other flights in Training. I graduated Basic Training, and went directly to Avionics Technician Training at Keesler AFB. It was a tough course for most, and we had about a 70% "washout rate" not able to maintain the required test scores. I graduated with a 97.8% overall average. I returned to Fairchild to complete 90 days active duty with my unit for training. Within a short period I watch the news as the Gulf War began, the F117s knocking out command and control targets. Our Guard Unit was soon deployed for almost 24hrs/day Refueling Operations. I was placed on extended active duty, but not allowed to deploy with my unit as a 3-Level technician straight out of tech school. I was tasked with getting qualified on all the systems. After the initial training was completed I went back to my Civilian position. Soon after I was promoted to a new Job as the Squadrons "Data Automation Manager", in charge of computer and network systems in 32 facilities, including 4 dining facilities, and operations on the Base and USAF Survival School. I was sent to Headquarters AFMWSA, a couple times for computer and network training, and for design of a new MIS system and implementation. Between the Civilian and Military requirements I sometimes worked weeks on end without a break. During my time in the ANG I deployed to Volk Field Wisconsin for Chem Warfare Training, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Yokata Japan for Joint Military Operation "Red Flag" After 6 years of Enlistment I reached the rank of Ssgt. I also was awarded "Airman of the Quarter" for the entire Air Refueling Wing. I was honorably discharged. I left my Civilian position after 10 years of service.

Thank you for this. Just commissioned a few weeks ago, trying to absorb everything I can

I've made my decision to go into the airforce just recently, and I haven't even started the first step I've literay only put in my application, a couple of things that I know when I get into the airforce that I want to do, first and foremost I am a musician, I love music and I love making music I know there are opportunities in the airforce for me to continue that path, but I also have a dream of traveling the world making a name for myself, seeing things and growing my passion and see where it takes me, I also really enjoy drones

I am an air guard member stationed at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Going to school for my commercial license, hope to fly for the Air Force someday!

Hey could you maybe start listing out what songs you use in your vids? I really like the music you choose, especially the lofi.

Yup. As soon as I saw this, straight here. Nothing else.

Haayyyyyy I'm in STL too in the process of joining

I drive a Grand Cherokee too! Love my Grand!

Hey bro, I’ve been binge watching your videos and I was curious on your thoughts about Security Forces and on family life in the military

I kinda recently found your channel but I would like to be a mobility pilot and I'm gonna be a junior in highschool this year I don't really have family that's served so I don't exactly know where to start but what are some things I should start preparing while still in highschool? I hope what I typed makes sense😅I also really like your videos thank you for making them😁

Have you ever heard of these laser deflecting eyeglasses made for pilots called MetaAir by Metamaterials, Inc? I'd like to see a pilot review them on a video to see if they really work as shown. Edit, what does the military do to protect pilots in case of an enemy crowd shining lasers at them?

Loveeee your video❤🥰🌏❤

I was born in a Military hospital, father Was Air Force. He initially worked on the Atlas Missle Silos, he was deployed to Thailand during Vietnam. He had cross trained into Photo Reconnaissance, we spent time in Kansas, and three years in England, where he developed film from the Reconnaissance Aircraft. He wanted to retire in Washington State. So he cross trained into Avionics Technician for the B-52 Bomber. We spent time in Denver Colorado and Omaha Nebraska while he was in training. He then spent the remainder of his 20 years Service at Fairchild AFB in Washington. I had a big interest in Aviation, Electronics and later Computers. During those years I had attended many different Base Open Houses and Airshows, seeing a vast array of Military Arcraft, and Demonstrations by the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, and others. During my last year of elementary, I was involved in an after-school Aeronautical Club, which was lead by Dan Schmar a former U2 Pilot. Who was the local news channel "eye in the sky" helicopter pilot. I wanted to be an Airforce Pilot in High School, but was disqualified due to poor eyesight, and a history of Asthma. My Senior year I started working for the Military as a Civilian. During that time I witnessed a KC-135 crash at Fairchild. There was a demonstration team practicing for the upcoming Open House, consisting of a B52 Bomber taking off with a KC-135 taking off closely behind. I'd seem them practice several time and conduct their low altitude flight maneuvers. I was helping load furniture from a vacated Security Police Dorm, onto a flatbed truck right near the Control Tower. I watched as the B52 took to the air, followed by the KC-135 Tanker. It was only a few hundred feet off the ground when it went "wings vertical" with little airspeed. I set down the desk we were carrying and told the others that it was about to crash. The pilots last action was to redirect the aircraft between the Control Tower and a huge warehouse building housing the BX, Commissary, and other facilities. I few seconds later the Tanker hit the ground exploding into a massive fireball. Mostly what was left was the tail section of the plane. A deadly silence followed by the sound of emergency vehicles approaching. It was on a Friday the 13th, around 13:13. All were killed onboard.. the following day it was found that a crew member who was supposed to be on board was grounded by the flight surgeon. He was in his private vehicle near the Control Tower observing where the Tanker crashed killing him also.

I was watching this and got an ad for the Air Force

Congratulation!

I'm pretty new here. Just wanted to ask how did you become an officer? ROTC? USAF Academy?

Hey, @Sam Eckholm Would you recommend applying to the air force academy or applying to a specific reserve base with specific jets. I would honestly rather flying some sort of jet, cargo plane, or even a refueling plane. I don't really wanna risk being a drone pilot because that's not really what I wanna do. Also, I would love the experience of the academy but once again don't wanna risk being a drone pilot. I live down in Florida btw. Thanks. (btw I love ur vids)

Can you cover security forces?(putting my idea in a hat) I am honestly really interested in becoming a security forces officer

I recently heard a story about a cadet leaving USAFA right before promotion to 2nd class because he didn't think he could get the AFSC he wanted. What do you think about this and what advice would you give to maximize my chances of getting the AFSC I want (engineering)?

Sam, do the four yours you spent at the USAFA count toward your retirement if you elect to remain in the USAF? Also, while in the Air Force, will you be able to attend college to obtain a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in your field or another field? Thank you, Sir.

Seen a few of your videos just curious if you don’t mind me asking what’s your job title and rank?

So in terms of taking chances that you get, is there any chance I could just ride in the back of a jet? Like I'm sure I'm going into security forces (if I decide to join but I'm leaning towards doing it) so in picking that field, would I be able to convince leadership to let me ride in one? I think I'm going to enlist for 4 years and then if I enjoy it, I'll come back in as an officer since I just got my bachelor's degree and maybe become a pilot.

Hey Sam, I'm thinking about the Air Force after high school . I want to security forced then apply to OSI. Can you get more in-depth in these career fields ?

If you're watching this and thinking about joining, understand that the majority of jobs (especially operations related jobs) will have very demanding work schedules that will not allow you to just get up in the middle of the day and go to another squadron to show face. Other than that this video has some pretty good advice.

I recently have been thinking about the USAF but I’m 24 years old, and I just have an A.S. I’d be 26 if I got bachelors. Would it be to late to be a pilot? Or pursue the officer route and be in the security forces?

"If you do good work, you'll get MORE work." - Truer words have never been said, my friend. lol (fellow AF vet)

I do have a few questions 1. Is it ok if you study AFOQT during middle school? 2. What grade is recommended to study AFOQT?

I tried joining the army but unfortunatley failed the medical, shame i will never get that opportunity.

How long does it usually take to get into OTS as a civilian with a college degree? Is it always 2-3 years??😱

What did you study at USAFA?

AF Veteran 24yrs, thank you.

Great bits of advic.! The only thing I would add is to keep a work journal. This sort of dovetails with your advice leave work at work at the end of the day. It may not be for everyone but I found it to be invaluable over the years of keeping track of work related stuff and keeping separate my personal life and my job. When you have to write those annual self-evaluations it really comes in handy! Also, sometimes, a similar item that you dealt with before might arise much later and this can help jog your memory (mine is awful for the record). Just take 5 to 10 minutes before you call it quits for the day to jot down what you did, what might need to be done and why. NEVER EVER add anything personal, just keep it work related.

Bro your home is so nice how do you get such a nice place being in the military and it’s off base?

I, personally, would like to see more vids with Swayne. The two of you are so cute!

So let’s say I want to go to USAFA, but I live in a different state. Is the flight paid for or do you have to pay for it?

When going into the Air Force Academy did you get to choose you wanted to be a PIO?

You may or may not know how to answer this, but I'm interested in joining the Air Force when I turn 17-18. I wanna become an MTI aka Military Training Instructor. I've got 2 years ahead of me before I can achieve any of this, but I'd still like to know.

Question:what is the best thing to major in college to be a flying in a f-35

Can you do a video about how to become an us airforce if you are from foriegn country? Please.