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 because I originally 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 I was stationed, starting in 1997, when I was 18 years old.

Basic Training:

I entered the Army (Active Duty) in July of 1997. I was fresh out of High School and ready to take on the world. That is, until I arrived at Fort Benning, Georgia for my Infantry Basic Training. I won’t lie, it was a complete culture shock for me. I needed that.

“Follow me”

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

First Duty Station:

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

• Bradley Driver
• M249 SAW Gunner
• Dismount Team Leader

I met some fantastic leaders and friends, while stationed at Fort Hood. I still communicate with two of my friends so it is pretty 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 time period, my duties were:

• M249 SAW Gunner
• M240B Gunner
• Team Leader

I will always consider my time in South Korea special because it helped me develop a better understanding of the world. Plus, it made me appreciate what I had back in the United States. That 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 time period, my duties were:

• Team Leader
• Squad Leader

Professional Development courses:

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

After the tragedies 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 at Columbus, Ohio (2003-2007). I was with the 52nd Civil Support Team (CST) Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). This gave me the opportunity to change my MOS from 11B to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist.

“Elementis Regamus Proelium“

During that time 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 had the pleasure of working with multiple civilian agencies, to include: fire departments, HazMat teams, and local/state/federal law enforcement.

Fifth | Final Duty Station:

My fifth | final duty station was also at Columbus, Ohio (2007-2019). I was with 73rd Troop Command.

During that (long) time 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 73rd Troop Command for 12 years, it was without question my favorite unit. The mission was incredibly important and an honor to support.

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

I out-processed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I was excited, happy, sad, nervous, and optimistic (all at the same time) when I was handed my final paperwork. 22 years had finally come to fruition. 22 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 images and short paragraphs will have to do. I want to thank every service member I had the honor and privilege to serve with, throughout my career.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.