RIF Results

In March, while deployed, Mario found out that thirty percent of the officers in his year group and career field were being asked to separate from the Air Force either voluntarily or involuntarily by a Reduction in Forces Board. Of course the Air Force didn't want to cut people involuntarily but because the economy has been suffering, people weren't separating on their own. They offered us twice the separation pay (approx. $200,000) if we volunteered. We would only receive half if we didn't volunteer but were forced out by the board.

It was a difficult decision. Being away from the family and homesick didn't help Mario at all. He was ready to take the money and run. The thought of several more deployments in the next 7 years was enough to scare him. Plus, having the kids change high schools isn't ideal. But there were some catches to the separation money. Because he had just gotten a Masters at NPS, we were afraid they could ask us to pay back part or all of the money they spent on his schooling. Plus, we would have had to separate in December and our medical coverage would have ended. After much prayer and a lot of convincing by me, Mario decided to stick it out and try to beat the Reduction Board. He had several people review his record and they were confident that he would be selected to stay in the military. But he has a dual career field and so we weren't sure if the Communication Officers on the board would view that as favorable since they may want officers that are only Communications.

We were told the board met in Sept but we wouldn't get the results until November. The Air Force isn't very reliable when it comes to timelines. So we didn't have our hopes up that we would be notified anytime soon. We have had to put our lives on hold not knowing if Mario would have a job next year. It was pretty stressful. Mario and I have gained a lot of compassion for others who are going through similar situations. It is tough! Even with a lot of education and experience, I was stressed that Mario would have a hard time finding a job making even close to what he makes now due to the bad economy and so many people looking for jobs.

Mario found out Friday that the results were in and he would have a meeting on Tuesday (today) with the General to get the results. We were on vacation Friday so Mario didn't tell me. He figured it would ruin the rest of our vacation because of the stress. Unfortunately the stress got to Mario and he was a bit more grumpy than usual. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. Then on Sunday, he finally told me since I kept complaining about his grumpiness. I was glad he spared me the few days of worry. But I also felt bad that he didn't have someone to talk to about it.

The General's Aid is a friend and yesterday she hinted to Mario that he was safe and wouldn't be cut. Then today Mario met with the General and got the official letter. What a relief to not have to wait until November for results. For FHE, we decided to re-watch President Monson's talk on Gratitude. Then we wrote several thank you notes to people around here that we are thankful for like our Bishop and his wife.

I am grateful for the compassion I have learned through this whole experience. I am grateful that Mario will be able to continue his military service and hopefully retire in 7 1/2 years. I am grateful for a husband that puts our family before his career and fortunately Heavenly Father blesses him for it. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to learn to put my trust in the Lord.