Better late than never

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Joining the Air Force at age 39 is not the usual road traveled by most, but it's worked out well for Airman 1st Class Kevin Carey. After years of wanting to join the military, he took the plunge this past fall and signed up to become a pest management specialist with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 171st Air Refueling Wing, located in his hometown of Pittsburgh.


Just because Carey wasn't in the Air Force didn't mean he wasn't wearing blue. He has been a police officer in his hometown since 1993, working eight years for the Pittsburgh Housing Authority before transferring to the city's regular police department in 2001.


Even before joining the police force, Carey always felt a natural pull towards the Air Force and working around aircraft.


"Before I joined the police department, I attended school and got my FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) license in airframe and powerplant mechanics," he said. "I finished school but wanted to join the police force, so I switched gears."


Carey, who will turn 40 in June, has enjoyed his career as a police officer, but was still looking for more.


"I was getting to the point in my life that it was getting stale ... becoming redundant," he said. "I needed a break. I looked at the different services and the Air Force popped up - it was perfect for what I was looking for."


So despite having a successful career in the civilian sector as a public servant which included a City of Pittsburgh proclamation in his honor for pulling two children and their grandparents out of an apartment fire, Carey decided the time was right to enlist in the Air Force.


"Over time, I kept on looking at the websites; I saw age 39 was really my last chance to join," he said. "


After 18 years of thought and a heart-to-heart discussion with his family, which includes his wife Lisa and three children ages 26, 13, and six, Carey got the green light to chase his dream.


"I went home and talked with my wife, she was against it at first," he said. "But I told her I really wanted to do it and she gave me the support, so I did it."


For his wife, supporting her husband's dream of serving his country trumped all the negative factors involved.


"Kevin has a can do attitude and strong will; once he puts his mind to it, that's it," Mrs. Carey said. "I was opposed to the idea at first, but then I got used to it. I am very proud of him for taking this upon himself to do something great."


After completing basic training at Lackland, Carey arrived at Sheppard in early December for technical training as a pest management apprentice with the 366th Training Squadron.


According to Carey, being older than your average Airman can have pros and cons, but he's enjoyed the experience so far.


"I was the dorm chief in basic training and was responsible for security training," he said. "Now that I'm here, a lot of Airmen will come see me when they have questions or are unsure of what to do. That's where my experience in life pays off."


Upon graduation from the Pest Management Apprentice course in late January, Carey will return home to a busy life as a full-time father, National Guardsman and police officer. He will also undergo more training, this time as a police dog handler.


In the end, it's the support on the home front that means everything to Carey.


"My kids and my wife are very proud, they make a sacrifice everyday without me being there," he said. "My wife does my job for me since I'm not there, but she understands that and calls me every day to tell me how much she admires me."