Congrats, Terry, on having a son who will be flying over your footsteps! When I was young, I always had a fascination with flying, but I was not qualified to join the Air Force, as in high school I only managed a "C" in Plane Geometry. 
I actually did have an uncle in the Air Force. That was during WWII, and my Dad was a paratrooper. My uncle (his brother-in-law) asked him why on earth he volunteered for that division? My Dad's response was," Because it might come in handy if you're the one flying the plane!" They remained great friends after the war. It probably had something to do with their shared sense of humor.
Pete
I actually did have an uncle in the Air Force. That was during WWII, and my Dad was a paratrooper. My uncle (his brother-in-law) asked him why on earth he volunteered for that division? My Dad's response was," Because it might come in handy if you're the one flying the plane!" They remained great friends after the war. It probably had something to do with their shared sense of humor.
Pete