There is More Than College After High School: Dan Davis Heads for the Air Force

by Keira Rakoff with photos by Jonny Benton

(July 16, 2003) Fifty or sixty years ago, it was common for young men out of high school to join the armed forces. Today, with most high school graduates heading straight for college, enlisting in the military is rare. At Mamaroneck High School, only 1% of the Class of 2003 opted for military service, and Dan Davis was the sole graduate opting for the Air Force. On Monday, July 14, after an assortment of going-away celebrations, he was off to begin Air Force training at Lockland, San Antonio, Texas.

It is not easy to get accepted into the Air Force. While his college-bound friends were sweating over the SAT’s, Dan was tackling the Air Force version. He needed a score of 50 or above to pass; Dan scored in the upper 80's.

That was a relief to Dan whose passion for flying started when he was very young. His family lived close to an Air Force base and Dan always wanted to fly. Although Dan's wish is to become a Military Officer, he’ll be keeping his options open by taking college courses while he’s at Lockland.

Though most of his MHS friends have chosen other paths, they expect the Air Force to be an exciting and positive place for Dan.

"I might be worried about him leaving,” said one friend, Marc Gottlieb, “but I really am confident that he will be fine. He will know what to do and can pull himself out of a dangerous situation. He is hard working, dedicated and will really be able to stick it out.”

"It is a really good opportunity for him,” commented another friend, Jonny Benton. “It might be a little tough though, but I think he can make it."

Marc agreed, “He is the kind of person who will achieve his goals - I have a lot of faith in him as a person. He’s wanted to do this for a long time."

Dan’s family, on the other hand, has doubts and worries about his safety, especially with war in Iraq and possible conflict with North Korea. Dan, though, said he wasn't worried about fighting. Indeed, he’s anxious to be sent over seas. He feels that he would be properly trained for any incidents that might occur.

His biggest concern is that he won't know anyone in his base unit and he might feel lonely. He also thinks about the distance from home if a family emergency were to come up.

Dan expressed reservation about how the Iraqi situation was handled, but he added. “Obviously something had to be done. If I am sent over there, I figure I have to go if they want me to. I feel like it is my job and duty to do what I am trained to do, even if I don't believe in it 100%."

Keira Rakoff is a rising Junior at Mamaroneck High School and is a summer intern with the Larchmont Gazette.