Earl,
It's good to see you here.
The Old man joined the USAF in 47 at 17 to get away from picking cotton. They said he was never going to be pilot material. He ended up a Russian linguist for SAC, USAFSS, and then NSA. He died in his 80's after spending his own dime the whole time he was in the USAFSS service to get his private ticket. Then on to his commercial multi engine and all instructors tickets up to commercial multi engine.
God Bless that you are still here. You plowed some long rows to achieve what you have.