Tabitha (Thomas) Bish was part of Yutan’s 2008 graduating class. Bish enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2009 and is a NCOIC (noncommissioned officer in charge) and specializes in command and control operations. Bish is currently stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma.

What is the most rewarding part of serving in the military?

The most rewarding part of the military to me has been the people I have met along the way.

What is the most challenging part of serving in the military?

The hardest part of military life is the separation from my family of origin. 

What is your advice to those who are thinking about enlisting in the military?

I’d say find and have honest conversations with people who are in or have served. The military isn’t for everyone and you should go in eyes wide open to things that are an inherent part of the military life.

Patrick Dooley was part of Yutan’s 2013 graduating class. Dooley was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 2018 and is now a Captain. For four years, Dooley worked in cyber defense, and he is currently undergoing training to be a RQ-4 pilot at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado.

What is the most rewarding part of serving in the military?

Knowing that what we do helps protect our country. Every job in the military contributes even if it’s not immediately apparent how.

What is the most challenging part of serving in the military?

For me, the most challenging part so far has been spending time away from my family.

What is your advice to those who are thinking about enlisting in the military?

Go through a ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program and join as an officer. 

Kevin Hrabik (right side of picture) was part of Yutan’s 2009 graduating class. Hrabik enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2010 and is currently an E-6 technical sergeant and the instructor supervisor for electronic warfare technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Sheppard, TX.

What is the most rewarding part about serving in the military?

I always knew I would serve in public service of some fashion. I initially joined as a time filler until I could join the state patrol, but I found a calling in the military and decided to pursue it as a career. That decision has allowed me to experience cultures, countries and places I never would have otherwise. I’ve formed some great friendships and made memories with people all over the country.

What is the most challenging part of serving in the military?

The world is constantly changing, and the military is as well. The way I was trained to operate isn’t the same standard today. We’re constantly changing and learning new things. It’s a daily focus and challenge to continue bettering myself and the Airman I work with to be prepared for what’s next. Serving comes with sacrifices and family time is one of the biggest. When I first joined I wasn’t married and didn’t have kids so things were easier. Now that I have a family, I have to weigh every decision I make as it not only affects me but also my family. I don’t get to be there for every holiday or birthday and I miss milestones as my kids grow.

What is your advice to those who are thinking about enlisting in the military?

If you feel called to join, do it. Join for 4 years and go from there. Even if making the military a career isn’t for you, you will learn valuable skills and lessons that you can’t learn anywhere else. You’ll also get to experience a different part of the country during those 4 years. You will return home a better person than you left. Once you decide to join – do some research into the branches and jobs that you may want. There is so much information out there. Be open-minded to what job you are assigned and where you are stationed. Ultimately, it comes down to the needs of the service and it will always only be as enjoyable as you make it. The military is not for everybody. But those that choose to live this lifestyle, will find a purpose and calling that only a few will understand.

Collin Lewis was part of Yutan’s 2015 graduating class. Lewis enlisted in the United States Army in 2018 and is currently serving active duty as a Staff Sergeant in an Infantry Recon Scout Section. Lewis is currently stationed at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and was previously stationed in Washington, D.C.

What is the most rewarding part about serving in the military?

In a weird way, some of the most rewarding parts of being in the military come from the hardest times. You form a special bond with people unlike anywhere else. In those tough times in the field when it’s pouring rain and you’re cold, wet, and hungry; it’s easy to feel miserable. However, in those lowest times, you look over at your brother next to you suffering the same as you, and you start to share a laugh with each other. All of a sudden you forget how cold and hungry you are, and, in that moment, you find joy and comfort. The little things with people you care most about are the most rewarding experiences.

What is the most challenging part of serving in the military?

The physical aspects of the military are indeed very demanding and challenging, but I have always enjoyed the challenge of becoming better day by day. The most challenging aspect of being in the military is the distance between family and friends. I’m currently 3,829 miles away from the home I grew up in. You are also constantly moving around having to adjust to a new city and make new friends. Before I was stationed in Hawaii, I was stationed in Washington D.C.

What is your advice to those who are thinking about enlisting in the military?

Joining the military can be a great opportunity and a life-changing event. A lot of kids graduate high school and don’t have a plan set up afterward, which is totally reasonable. You shouldn’t have to have your whole life figured out at 17-18 years old. The Military can be perfect to help young adults mature and give them time for you to decide what you want to do in life. You may learn to love the military and want to make it a career. You might also want to serve one contract and go to college and since you’ve devoted your time to serve your country, the military will pay for your college and set you up for success. Joining the Army has been the greatest decision of my life. It built me up to be a better man both physically and mentally. The Army has given me opportunities to do some of the coolest things that a civilian will never be able to do. I’ve led men through the jungles while being able to shoot machine guns and fire mortars overhead. I’ve rappelled off of buildings and out of helicopters. I’ve traveled to multiple cities and states and experienced different cultures. I’ve made lifelong friends and my career has only just started.

Allan Cramblitt was part of Yutan’s 2017 graduating class. Cramblitt was commissioned in May 2021 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Cramblitt is a Civil Engineering Officer and is stationed overseas at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in Cambridge, UK.

What is the most rewarding part about serving in the military?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the impact of my day-to-day work. There are few places outside of the military where I could be having this much of an impact on people’s lives and our projects.

What is the most challenging part about serving in the military?

The military is definitely not the easiest choice of careers. You will have to handle high-intensity, high-operation tempo jobs on a regular basis. You will have to make hard decisions and be held 100% accountable for them. I enjoy the challenge, but it is an inherently difficult path.

What is your advice to those who are thinking about enlisting in the military?

My advice for people thinking about joining the military is to research as much as possible. Talk to as many people as will talk to you about their service. There is both enlisting and commissioning to look into, and you need to pick what’s best for you. I’ve had airmen that made spur-of-the-moment decisions in the military, and they were legally bound to that decision for years. I’ve also had airmen who, with a little initiative and elbow grease, have been able to find some of the most wicked opportunities in the military.

Devin Love (left side of picture) was part of Yutan’s 2008 graduating class. Love enlisted in the United States Navy in 2008 as a Chief Torpedoman/E-7. Love is currently stationed in Keyport, Washington, and is working with unmanned undersea vehicles.

What is the most rewarding part about serving in the military?

Job satisfaction.

What is the most challenging part about serving in the military?

Time away from family.

What is your advice to those thinking about enlisting in the military?

Do your research on the different jobs available throughout all of the branches. Especially if you are only intending on serving one tour. Different rates will provide you with different avenues once you decide to get out or retire from the military.