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By Derrik Noack Milwaukee MEPS
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Page, Eastern Sector senior enlisted advisor, was able to witness his son take the oath, sign his contract and join the United States Air Force at Milwaukee MEPS Oct. 24.
“I think any father is proud when their child chooses to follow in their footsteps,” said Chief Master Sgt. Page. “Jordan has always been a part of my staff at every duty location. He always knew the staff and participated in various events. Having him swear in was like the series finale of Bring Your Child to Work Day.”
Jordan Page, 18, swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States ten years after an experience 25,000 feet in the air made enlisting into the Air Force his life’s mission. Space-A flights offer free or low-cost transport on military flights, mission and space available permitting. Military families and veterans can take advantage of the travel option, but for most passengers it isn’t a life-changing event. For Jordan, eldest son of Chief Master Sgt. Page, one trip would alter the trajectory of his life.
“We were the only family on a Space-A flight from Italy to California in 2012,” said Chief Master Sgt. Page. “The flight was actually a training exercise where they had to practice refueling aircraft. They invited Jordan down to the boom to watch the refueling from the window. After that experience, there was nothing he wanted to do more than that particular job.”
Jordan will leave for basic training in July and go on to serve as an In-Flight Refueling Specialist, or boom operator. His goal is to become a pilot, but he wanted to serve as part of the enlisted flight crew first.
“I would like to build connections and get a feel for what it is like to be part of a flight crew, so I won’t have any surprises when I do commission and eventually become a pilot,” said Jordan. I’ve always been fascinated with planes and have always wanted to be a pilot. What better way to do what I love while also serving my country?”
Chief Master Sgt. Page enlisted in the Air Force from Ohio 26 years ago. He had no history of military service in his family but wanted an opportunity to leave his hometown and go overseas. His first tour included serving as an aircraft structural maintainer in Aviano, Italy. He also served in Republic of Korea and Greece. Like his father, Jordan enlisted from the Midwest with aspirations of being a globe-trotter.
“I do want to see the world, like my dad,” said Jordan. “My family has always been taken care of by the military, wherever we went. I’m very fortunate to have met so many [M1] new people and explored different cultures all because of the military. I want to give back to the military for all it has provided me.”
When Jordan leaves for bootcamp next summer, he will go in with more knowledge than his father did more than two decades ago. His graduation will also be the first time Chief Master Sgt. Page has returned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas since his own training. He just has a few pieces of advice for his son before he goes.
“I’ve told him don’t let anyone know that your dad is a chief,” joked Chief Master Sgt. Page. “Bootcamp has changed so much since I’ve gone through. The only other advice I’ve given him is to follow the rules. Do your best and help others out when you can.”
For Jordan, his determination overrides any nerves or anxious emotions as he awaits to put on the uniform for the very first time.
“I’m actually pretty excited,” said Jordan. “I’m a little nervous because it will all be very new to me. I just know that it’s going to help me be where I want to be in my life.”
Army Col. Janelle Kutter, commander, Eastern Sector, who administered Jordan’s oath, has faith that he will bring a bounty of skills with him as he enters the Armed Forces.
“Jordan is incredibly bright, driven, disciplined and kind,” said Kutter. “These attributes will make him a valuable teammate and future leader. The Air Force is fortunate to have him on their team.”