Living parallel lives.

All of his life, Gary wanted to do one thing: fly jets. “A Navy fighter jet,” Gary says precisely. Watching military movies as a kid inspired Gary to join the Navy and become a pilot. But when his youngest son started to take an interest in jets, Gary found a new calling -- becoming his son’s role model.

“We were just at the air show and he’s like, ‘I want to be a Blue Angel pilot. That’s what I want to do Daddy; I want to be a pilot.’ Blue Angels do the flyby that scares the pants off him, but that’s what he told me and it’s pretty neat,” says Gary.

So Gary joined the Navy Reserve while he transitioned into his civilian life. The Reserve gave Gary the time to focus on his children's dreams without letting go of his. “The transition was seamless. I walked out one day as an Active Duty pilot, walked in the next as a pilot and a Reserve Officer,” says Gary.

Not only has the Navy given Gary the skills to fly; the Reserve gave Gary a network. “Eight guys in my squadron work for the same airline, so that ability to network within the Reserve was crucial.”

Gary recalls his interview with his civilian employer. “You know, they asked ‘Hey, what are you doing? Are you doing anything on the side?’ I was proud to say ‘Yeah, I already have a job with the Navy Reserve.’”

Needless to say, Gary nailed the interview.

“I love it. I keep my Officer status. I fly planes for the Navy and for a commercial airline, and I can now drive my kids to school every morning. I truly have a charmed career.”