On 18 February, I hopped a Greyhound to New York City. My father met me at the bus terminal. The goal for the weekend was to meet and discuss my future with 3 potential personal references.
First up was my former Youth Pastor. Since I left town, he became the Pastor of his own Methodist church. Next I met with a friend of the family, a retired Naval Aviator. He answered many of the questions I had and gave me his own non-biased opinion of the various branches. He spoke with a comforting lack of predudice. Finally I met with another friend of the family, the head of the New Jersey chapter of a national conservative political organization.
The meetings went very well. It was good to see them all and hear their guidance and support.