I also joined the AF at 17, put 26 years in and retired. I am now civil service, have 12 years left to retirement #2 and have my TSP that is growing. I plan to be done at 63. I also have an accounting degree that I will probably study up and take the CPA exam so I can travel and work until 70. I want to full time and work. DW is a lab manager and there is a lucrative business in a travelling tech. So we want to travel and work. I still play sports, not pickleball or anything slow like that but basketball twice a week. Keeps me young but sore at 51. Retiring may be for some, but at my age I am not ready. I have to stay healthy as a controller.
Don't do what makes you happy, be happy in what you are doing I always tell my kids. This philosophy has me working at the AF Academy staring at Pike's Peak all day. Not too shabby.
WW