Retired from the Military

After 22 years of military service, I officially retired from the U.S. Army on May 1, 2019. This blog is a little late. After all, I initially didn’t want to write about it because I was ready to close that chapter of my life. But now that the dust has settled, I am more comfortable with it.

This story will take you through the five locations where I was stationed, starting in 1997 when I was 18.

Basic Training:

I entered the Army (Active Duty) in July 1997. I was fresh out of High School and ready to take on the world—until I arrived at Fort Benning, Georgia, for my Infantry Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). I will not lie; it was a complete culture shock for me. I needed that.

I graduated from Basic Training,  AIT, and 11M (Mechanized) school in November 1997.

“Follow me!”

First Duty Station:

My first duty station was Fort Hood, Texas (1997-1999). I was with the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) 1-22 INF (M). During that period, my duties were:

• Bradley Driver
• M249 SAW Gunner
• Dismount Team Leader

While stationed at Fort Hood, I met some fantastic leaders and friends. I still communicate with two friends, so it is safe to say we are friends for life.

Second Duty Station:

My second duty station was at Camp Casey, South Korea (1999-2000). I was with the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) 2-9 Infantry (M). During that period, my duties were:

• M249 SAW Gunner
• M240B Gunner
• Team Leader

I will always consider my time in South Korea noteworthy because it helped me better understand the world. It also made me appreciate what I had in the United States, which was a great teaching tool.

Mandatory requirement: The Manchu mile (road march) – 25 miles.

Third Duty Station:

My third duty station was at Xenia, Ohio (2000-2003). I was with the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT) 1-148th INF. During that period, my duties were:

• Team Leader
• Squad Leader

Professional Development courses:

• Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) at Fort Knox, KY

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, we deployed to support the Operation Noble Eagle mission. During this mission, I determined it was time to switch my Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), even though I knew I would miss being Infantry (11B).

Fourth Duty Station:

My fourth duty station was in Columbus, Ohio (2003-2007). I was with the 52nd Civil Support Team (CST) Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). This move allowed me to change my MOS from 11B to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist.

“Elementis Regamus Proelium“

During that period, my duties were:

• Survey Team Member
• Survey Team Chief

Professional Development courses:

• Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
• Technical Escort at Redstone Arsenal, AL
• Civil Support Skills Course (CSCC) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
• 74D Reclass at Fort Leonard Wood, MO

I enjoyed working with multiple civilian agencies, including fire departments, HazMat teams, and local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Fifth | Final Duty Station:

My fifth and final duty station was Columbus, Ohio (2007-2019), where I served with the 73rd Troop Command.

During that (long) period, my duties were:

• Readiness Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
• Training NCO
• Detachment NCO
• Brigade Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
• Unit Victim Advocate (UVA)
• Suicide Intervention Officer (SIO)
• Master Resilience Trainer (MRT)
• Brigade Operational Security Operations Officer (OPSEC)

Professional Development courses:

• Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
• Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) at Fort Custer, MI
• Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course at Columbus, OH
• Unit Victim Advocate (UVA) at Columbus, OH

Given that I was with the 73rd Troop Command for 12 years, it was my favorite unit. The mission was vital and an honor to support.

A few of my great friends set up a phenomenal retirement lunch for me in early February 2019. The food was delicious, but the people made it special.

I out-processed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. When I was handed my final paperwork, I was excited, happy, sad, nervous, and optimistic (all simultaneously). Twenty-two years had finally come to fruition. Twenty-two years—It is true what they say about time; it goes by so fast. There are so many stories I could share. But for now, these short paragraphs will have to do. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.