To me! Today marks 15 years since I shipped to basic training. I remember getting on that plane to Missouri from San Antonio, TX with nothing but a small gym bag with a few clothes and long, purple hair. Yes, purple hair. I was clueless about what I was getting myself into, but not nervous or scared at all. I slept on the plane and then on the bus that took us from the airport to Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
Because of my need for a security clearance, I had to meet with security peeps many times over the next eight weeks.
I initially only intended to join the Army for six years and get out. I didn’t think the Army was necessarily suited for me, but as it turns out I actually loved it. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was where I belonged.
The Army is a great institution full of great, patriotic Americans. Every day I’m in awe of the people that I’m surrounded by both in leadership and at the lowest levels. Like every workplace, we have our share of morons, idiots, and losers, but predominantly they are wonderful people. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that served to protect and defend the innocent and oppressed. I’ve been able to see and do a lot that most Americans can only dream about or pretend. I’ve been to foreign lands and multiple continents. I’ve learned new cultures and languages. And I’ve seen the common bonds we all have.
Five more years. The first 15 were bittersweet and I look forward to the home stretch here at Fort Hood. I’m not one of those ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) guys that just rides out the end of his term trying to avoid work and responsibility. I believe in earning my paycheck.
Thanks to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of serving beside, under, and over. I would not be the man I am today without all of you. You took a punk kid and turned him into a respectable (to some) and honorable person.
And I would be ultra remiss if I didn’t thank my wife who has sacrificed far more than I ever have. She is my rock and the love of my life. She’s kept me sane most of these years and through the hard times. She’s stuck by me at my worst and slapped me out of my stupidity when I needed it. When the Army is but a footnote to my life, I look forward to spending the rest with her.
Good Luck CJ..Fight safe..fight smart..and remember the best part is ahead of you..the retirement parade and the duffle bag drag is the start of a whole new life experance.
You can take the boy out of the Army, but you can never take the Army out of the boy.
We form a part of the long gray line and continue to focus on our replacements and pay forwards to insure there will never be another generation of vets who stand alone.
Best to you and your family and I am sure Fort Hood will be best served with your experance and ability to stand pround and hold your ground. As always, it Duty, Honor and Country.
Looking forward to working with you and the troops at Fort Hood to provide laptops to our brave Wounded Warriors.
CJ, you are very much a respectable & honorable man. Don’t let anyone tell you different!
That’s just beautiful, what you say about your wife. I very much look forward to finally meeting her later this year, along with the kids.
Oh, and Happy Anniversary!
CJ, there is another term for that, to put it bluntly it is called, “wisdom”.
Happy Anniversary CJ!
Happy Anniversary CJ,,,,My story is very similar but I had a Beatle’s hair cut..I’m sure you got the same comments at the chop shop at basic as all your hair hit the deck…Take Care and keep up the good work….Thank You for your service..Jim “Gathering Of Eagles”
CJ- Congratulations on a memorable milestone. We are lucky to have you and those like you protecting us and our way of life and showing others in the world what our values are and the depth of our commitment to helping others.
Congrats CJ on 15 years of service to this country! Thank You for choosing to stay in the Army all these years and thanks for keeping us civilians safe!! God Bless You as you serve the next 5 years!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. Hope the last 5 years are good ones there at The Great Place.
Belated congratulations, CJ, although the Army is really lucky to have men such as yourself. I hope the next 5 years have significantly more hills and much less of the valleys for you.