Memorial Day

As a former member of the military, I always find myself remembering people from training, from my unit in Colorado (shout out to Fort Collins 244th Combat Engineering Battalion!) and my friends that have served or have family currently serving. I sometimes wonder, had I re-enlisted, where would I be now?

I loved being in the military - many people joked that I was just a weekend warrior, as a Reservist, I wasn't really a soldier. But I always knew that if my unit was activated for Desert Storm, I would go like every other soldier. I did my Basic Training and Advanced Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. It was definately a culture shock at first, but I found that the structure and routine worked for me. My parents used to joke that I wouldn't survive Basic Training and referenced the movie "Private Benjamin". I thought differently, and inundated myself the week before I left for training with movies like "Patton" and "Full Metal Jacket".

I remember my introduction to my Drill Sergeant (DS Armstead). He was all of 5' tall, thin as a rail, and thinking..."Really? This guy?". Then...he started yelling. Loudly. And he introduced me to the Iron Cross (stand straight with arms stretched out from your sides. Do not let your arms droop. Continue to stay in this position until he decides he is tired...which could border on forever) and to the classic push up...yea...this guy could be a bad ass.

Because of him, I learned to push myself farther than I thought I could. He taught me to believe in my own strength and convictions. He taught me to be strong. He made me want to dream bigger, reach further, and strive harder. He made me a better person, and for that I thank my Drill Sergeant.

I reflect on my time with my Reserve Unit, the 244th, often - from the ARTEP in South Dakota to the 2 week training in Socorro, New Mexico, to the drill weekends just at Fort Collins. It was always fun, always challenging, and always filled with great comraderie. I miss those guys (and I mean that seriously...100 soldiers at the unit....4 women)

So, wherever you are Stackhouse and Elizalde and Frisch and First Sergeant, I honor you for serving our country. Wherever you are Drill Sergeant Armstead...thank you.

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." — Joseph Campbell

Happy Memorial Day!