Flight

The night of graduation is when we had to be downstairs with all of our bags, ready to catch the bus to the airport. I had 3 huge bags to carry! Once we got to the airport, early in the morning, we checked our bags, without any charge and then my battle buddy and I were given first class seats. How nice. :) By noon the next day, we arrived and caught the shuttle to Ft Jackson. What a horrible disaster I just stepped into. Thank God I am with Robinson though. LOVE HER!! My BBF....Battle Buddy Forever!

Graduation!!!!!

On Aug 12 we had Family Day, there was a nice ceremony. Following the ceremony, I found my mom and she had my step-dad in tow, what a nice surprise. I was so happy to see them both. The 1st place we went once leaving base was to Chick-fil-a. SWEET TEA! yum. After that, I went and got a new pair of ACU's (uniform). I was issued mediums and they were so big by the end of boot camp. I had to get Extra Small's....and I wasn't complaining about that :). Mom gave me the quilt she made as my graduation gift and it is beautiful. We dropped Mitch, my step-dad, off at the hotel so he could get a nap and we decided to have some girl-time. We stopped at Starbucks for Frappucino's then headed to get our mani/pedi's. How nice. It felt amazing. Then we picked Mitch up and went to Santa Fe Steakhouse and it was a yummy steak. As the day drew to an end, they dropped me back off at the barracks.

The following day was graduation. After the ceremony, Mom, Mitch and I went to get hot wings and sweet tea. We took it back to the hotel where I changed into comfy clothes, ate and spent time with mom and Mitch. When they took me back to the barracks, it was a sad good-bye. I miss them so much. Once I returned to my bay and started packing, Dad called. It was great to talk to him after so long. Tears :,(

"Pull pin, throw!" BOOM!

Sorry I haven't written in a bit. Lots going on! Today we had hand grenades. We had lots of practice grenades they go "POOF" when they detonate. We had 4 practice ones to throw so that we could learn exactly how to "pull pin, throw" on a real one AND so that the Drill Sergeant could "mark" our helmets. LOL I got marked with a "W/SA" which is weak throw and Side Arm. I couldn't throw very far and I throw a side arm. This way, the Drill Sergeants & Instructors knew when I came to them that we had to definitely take cover and he needed to watch my arm so he didn't get decked by me. Haha. So, when we made our way up to throw real grenades, we got 2 & it was serious. I ran over to the bunker, the instructor handed me a greanade "thumb safety clip". I tossed the safety clip. "Pull pin, throw!" I pulled the pin, threw the grenade & ducked. (They have a window you can look out of the bunker to see it explode). The instructor covered my upper body then yelled "you don't have a side arm but you damn sure can't throw!" All I felt after the vibration from the blast was dirt falling above us. He later poked fun at me about it now that he has a nice hole directly in front of the bunker. LMAO. Good think I'm not infantry I guess.
As for what's happened the past week. we have had a PT test, the COC (Confidence Obstacle Course) and BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship).
The PT test showed improvement. This is the 2nd of 3. I passed pushups & situps this time. The run, however needs to be shaved by 2 additional minutes. The drill Sergeant made me permanent roadguard until I pass which means lots of additional running for me. But, it can only better my run time!
At BRM, I scored sharpshooter 31/40 targets. YAY! Only one other female from our platoon scored in the thirties :) I was happy that's all I have for now. Until next time...
July 15, 2010

Phase Change!

Red Phase, completed. Welcome White Phase! :) Today we had our phase test and the battery average was an 80-passing! The First Sergeant unrolled our guide-on's revealing the white phase banner. How exciting!!!
Yesterday we got our phones twice throughout the day, one of the new freedoms of white phase. On Sunday's we will be allowed to have our phones for a certain period of time. As long as each platoon is on their best behavior. We will stay in white phase. At any time, the First Sergeant can send us right back to red phase.
They have chosen leadership for our platoon. I'm actually glad I was not picked. I plan on laying low :) They said everyone will have a leadership position at some point though.
Until next time...
05July 2010

Toby Keith @ Ft Sill!!!

Toby Keith, Free Entry, Food, Drinks, Friday.
Sounds like a good time, huh? It was a night to remember but it was not my idea of fun. We were so unhappy when we heard a rumor that we would not be going to the concert because we were still in red phase - basic training. It turned out it was a rumor and we were ordered to go "MANDATORY FUN!!" Said the First Sergeant.
As we were marching to the concert-grounds, it started to downpour. Not misting; not sprinling; not raining; DOWNPOUR! Several soldiers walked over to the Drill Sergeants and requested we do push-ups. "Platoon, Attention! Halfright face. Front leaning rest position, move" Fingers digging in the mud and grass, hair and uniform drenched, glasses fogged... we sounded off each push-up. Push-ups were followed by the leg tuck and twist, followed by the 8 count push-up. By that point, I was frustrated by the guys begging for more. WTF? We were finally released into the gate. Robinson & myself jumped in line to get a funnel cake. YUM! Then we got shaved ice drinks. It was Robinson's FIRST Country music concert and I wanted her to see up close. We made our way as close to the front as we could get. It was awesome. I wanted to hear 'American Soldier' and 'Red, White, & Blue' but he did not play them until we made it back to formation (behind the stage) :( At concert ending the Ft Sill Fireworks started to shoot off. They were very good. Then we marched back. When we made it back to the bay, we emptied pockets and were searched for smell of alcohol, cigarettes, any contraband. We made it to bed by 2400. What a night (02July2010)

Oh, to be a Female Again...

I am excited about Family Day & Graduation Day. My Mom will be coming & since we get all kinds of time OFF post with our family those days, I asked her if we could go for some REAL food and a mani/pedi. I'm long over-due & getting it done with my Mom would be AWESOME.
I'm so ready to feel like a female again. I feel like a dirty/nasty female ALL the time. 'What happens at Basic stays at Basic' is our little motto, but I'm gonna tell y'all how it is. If you were here, these things would seem normal... but since you aren't, it's a little shocking.
Our day starts of with P.T. (personal training), then we come back to the barracks and change into our ACU'. On a good day we will get back in time so that we can get a 3 min shower but some days, you just know to grab your baby wipes & head to the bathroom where you take a baby wipe bath. And THIS is normal here. You do what you can, when you can. I had never used a Port-a-john before either until I got here. Most of them don't have toilet paper, so at the chow line, you grab lots of napkins to stick in your pocket for when you are going into the field. You have to think smart. Army Strong? nah, more like Army Smart. Laundry is a rarity. You can get it done about once a week. There are 60 females, 5 washers/6 dryers, only 4 days to do laundry,. It may seem like plenty of time but when you are out in the field during a laundry day, no time to do it. As a results you end up wearing a uniform 2 times before you throw it into your laundry bag. And these uniforms get dirty from sweating all the damn time. It's not like those pair of jeans you can wear 2 days in a row b/c they didn't get dirty the day before LMAO. Shaving ladies, lets talk about shaving. There is NO possible way to shave every day. More like once a week IF you are lucky! There is just NO time. I feel bad for whoever holds my ankles while doing sit-ups. The other females understand, because that's how it is, but the guys probably don't. LOL Ugh - y'all know how girly I am, so it drives me nuts! Then, no tweezers, so - yep, I'm getting a wax the 1st time I get off base (I think the day before family day, they are taking us to JCPenney to get our hair done). Oh, I'm so ready to feel like a lady again. Most females come out of the Army, tough as nails, but for me it's gonna make me strong, but I'm still girly. ;p

My Mini-Vacation (June 29, 2010)

I am currently in quarters right now. Quarters is kind of like sick bay. They separated me from my platoon for 72 hours. I have pink eye. As often as I wipe sweat from my eyes daily, I'm not surprised really. There are lots of people here for pink eye. More males than females. All I do throughout the day is rest & eat. I have to stay in my bunk & sleep/rest. I don't have to do P.T. (personal training), make my bed, or clean. I get to take nice long showers ;) It's like a vacation. Oh, and the best thing, no drill Sgt's! Although it's a nice break, I'm bummed because I am missing some really important training. We have BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship) all this week & next week. We qualify end of next week, so I could really use the training this week. Thgey are 'zeroing' the weapons today. I hope one of the Drill Sgt's will get with me on that when I return. Also, I can not receive my mail here. They hold it until I return to my platoon. That sucks. So, I'm just sleeping and writing letters. All this time to think makes me realize how much I miss everyone! I'm a little homesick. But, with all I have endured the past 4 weeks, I'm staying put. Everytime I'm down, I just remind myself of that. Everyone says basic is so much easier than years ago but not lie, it is still hard. The main thing that is different is Drill Sgt's can't physically touch you now, and when the temperature hits about 90, we are able to unblouse our boots (my personal opinion, it looks ridiculous) and if they 'smoke' us they can only give us 3 exercies (ex: 10 pushups, plus 10 prone rows, puls 10 squat benders) then rest for 10 minutes and so on. That's not what I call easy, it's just smart. Train smarter, not harder. On really hot days of training and we are out in the field, it's hard to stay hydrated enough & people start falling out from heat exhaustion or dehydration. There was one girl inches from death. She fell out in the cafeteria after the Land Navigation and they stripped her down, wrapped her in ice sheets & carried her out on a litter. EVERYWHERE we train, we take coolers of water that duty platoon always keeps full. There are always litters, medical bags, & coolers of ice sheets. You always know when someone has fallen out because you will see 2 soldiers sprint to the box coolers, dig out ice sheets & take off. You have to drink water through the day AND night to keep hydrated. We exert way too much energy not to.

We were supposed to go to the Toby Keith concert Friday of July 4th but rumor is they won't let us since we will still be in red phase. I hope that's a false rumor. That's been one thing we were looking forward to.

Well, I'm gonna cut it off here. Thanks again for all the letters. The best time of the day is mail call & it's a bad feeling when you don't get anything. Fortunately, I have people that miss me ;) LOL.

Until next time...

6 Weeks and 5 Days left

We had CLS (Combat Life Saver) Training this week. I passed the test. So that's one less thing to worry about. Next week we are starting BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). Qualification is on July 7th. I have to qualify to graduate and I have 2 weeks to practice.
July 4th is approaching. We are all looking forward to the Toby Keith Concert!
Nothing else going on important enough to mention.
Thanks again for all the letters! Until next time....

I Am An American Soldier

Today (June 24, 2010) was a day I will never forget. I woke up at 0430, got ready, reported downstairs. Road"march configuration march" and we were off! We marched a mile and a half to the gas chamber. A day I was hoping would never arrive. I was so nervous because 1, I didn't know what to expect, and 2, there were so many steps to remember to do in the entire process & I didn't want to forget! There are 2 rooms inside the chamber, the cold room and the hot room. You enter the chamber, cold room first, with your mask already on. The cold room is not cold but has less potency gas than the hot room, (where the C.S. is burning). You enter that room as a group, they check to make sure your mask is working and you can't actually breathe any CS in before they move you into the hot room. I couldn't breathe any in. My mask was working. YAY! But, I started to feel my skin burning... neck, ears, forehead, hands. It felt like someone was rubbing sandpaper on a severe sunburn. Then we moved into the hot room. I was in the first group to be called to the ready line. AHHH! We heard we would have to be asked to do a variety of things on the ready line before they would have us head outside. But we didn't know what until that moment when we took off our mask. I remember someone saying to take small, controlled breaths and I did exactly that. Luckily, I didn't have to do the I'm a little teapot", stanky leg, macarena, etc. I had to receite the soldier's creed. I got "I'm an American Soldier" out and they we all left faced and we were outta there! We had instructions to follow around the building single file when we exited.
Once we walked out, I shut my eyes from the burning. I couldn't see, but that's ok, the Drill Sgts were there too make sure I found the wall. They pushed my ass right into it. LMAO. (They did it to everyone) As me and my group made our way around the field flapping our arms like birds, I shouted "Hell yeah Bitches!!" One day closer to graduation.
One, mission accomplished.

Another Week Down

So much went on this week. It started with the repel tower. I believe I mentioned it in the previous blog?
We had the Team Development Course. They break us up into squads, then give us an obstacle we have 45 minutes to plan and complete. It was fun.
Then we had the smaller obstacle course. I think that's the most 'hot' I have ever been in my life! A few people passed out that day. Not me though. : )
We also had our 1st of 3 PFT (personal fitness test). I failed along with 90% of the battery. But now I know what I need to work on.
Thanks for all the letters! It's an awesome feeling when your name is said at mail call!
This week was challenging but I made it through. Thanks to the support in letters and the ladies I'm with every day.

I miss home, I miss sleeping in, I miss long showers, I miss my blackberry, I miss sweet tea & I miss tweezers! LOL

Until Next Time...

6-16-2010

Things are starting to pick-up. We are still in the classrooom a lot. Lots of instruction going on. But yesterday was our 1st 'outing'. We did our 1st road ruck-sack march (3k). We marched to Treadwell Tower, where we repelled. No, it was not fun. Yes, I was scared to death. I walked down that 40ft wall. No bouncing for me. :) But I did it! I have no plans to ever do that again.
Tomorrow, we have the TDC (Team Development Course). This should be FUN. Really looking forward to it.
I am in a bay with 59 other females and OMG! I have no plans to ever do this again either (live with females) There have already been cat fights between some of the girls. Girls are dramatic. I'm just trying to lay low - I have a few girls I keep up with and the rest I just stay away from.
I'm so glad everyone has checked out the Facebook page (Bravo Bushmasters) this morning at PT the Drill Sergeant asked "who is Tillis?" He said I had a lot of people who loved me... awwww... Thanks ya'll. I got shout-outs. Also, I haven't gone a day without mail and I feel so special. It's something to look forward to. Sundays are my letter writing days. I will try and get back to you individually then. Until next time... MUAH!!!

2 weeks down, 8 to go

I finally crossed the tracks this week. This is the first downtime I have had since I got here. I'm doing laundry now and writing while I wait.
The D.S.'s (Drill Sergeant's) have been laid back this week because they know we haven't a clue what's going on and what we are supposed to be doing. So, all week they have been informing us and they said on Monday, all hell is going to break loose. I like my D.S. though. He didn't want to be a D.S. but he was selected. We are his last cycle. Once we graduate, he's back to his MOS - 992 (combat ninja)LMAO j/k. He tells us war stories all the time. It's awesome. He's pretty laid back about petty stuff too. As long as you try your best on your bunk, it doesn't have to look like it's been ironed. He lets us eat for 9 minutes in chow, he lets us take 2 granola bars back from the cafeteria to eat at night. But he does expect a lot of us too. Until we lose those privileges, we have them. After this 1st phase (3 weeks), then we will get our phone's on Sunday's start going to the PX by ourselves.
It is ridiculously hot here. I could eat all day long but lose all my weight by sweating. PT is kicking my butt but I am giving 110%! My favorite thing about basic? cadence and D&C (drill and ceremonies).
I have made a good friend, Robinson. She is awesome. We have the same MOS so we will also be at AIT in Ft Jackson together too. She is in my platoon. We look out for each other.
I got a package today from my Mom. My 1st and it was nice. Bandaids, moleskin, sports bras, phonecard, pics, stamps and something to make me smile ;)
Everyone please write me!!! Until next time....

Forward March

Today we took individual pics in front of the flag. I will be excited to get those at the end. I am also really excited about the dogtags and military ID I will receive probably tomorrow. We had our shots today as well. OUCH!

Tonight, we found out that only 25 girls will be bussed across the tracks to Boot Camp. And I am one of those 25 girls. So, I got my sack packed up and ready for tomorrow morning. It's 10:30, I have fireguard from 2-3 and have to wake up at 3:30, so I will not have any sleep. Oh well. I actually got sleep last night and I think I am starting to get over this cough I have, so I won't complain.

I heard that most drill sergeants will take your phone as soon as you get there but will let you have it back on sunday nights for 30min. So, letters are going to be it! :) be sure and write letters of motivation. Until next time...

Ft Sill Reception

Ohhhhhhh emmmmmm geeeee! I arrived at Ft Sill around midnight the night I first got here. I didn't realize that I would be spending a week in reception before I actually make it to Basic Training (about 5 miles across base from my barracks). The first day was hard. I couldn't eat because my nerves were so tore up. I couldn't sleep because I have a horrible cold. The Drill Sgt's were on us like crazy, I didn't know anyone. It was bad all around. I was having anxiety to the MAX! Day 2 and 3 were much better.

Reception is actually, fitting you into uniforms, the Drill Sgts aren't as hard on you like they will be at Basic, dental, medical, finance, etc. I finally found someone with my same M.O.S. (Paralegal) and she and I are motivated to get through this and go to AIT at Fort Jackson together!

What I like the most so far? Cadences. That was always one of my faves in JROTC, but we can say way cooler ones here! The food is good too. The base has actually been improved the last 5-10 years and they are really nice facilities.

What I like least? The fact I go to basic the exact same time all of these high-schoolers are graduating and coming to basic. They are so immature and will be the reason I will have to do so many push-ups. It drives me nuts.

I'm hanging in there though. Thanks for checking in on me. Until next time...

SHIP DAY

Today started at 4:30am. I was downstairs by 5 to stand in line for breakfast. My nerves affected my stomach, so I just grabbed some juice. There were 65 shippers today (soldiers going to Basic Training). We climbed onto the bus where I realized there were a whole lot of yungins. I felt like I was in High School again. Gosh, the immaturity! I don't think I knew anyone that acted like that when I was a teenager!

When we got to the MEPS, we stood outside in the POORING rain while they gave us the whole "no weapons, be respectful" 10-minute speech. I was drenched once we got inside.

The ladies were taken straight back to medical where they height and weighed us. I was over in weight but met the requirement for fat percentage. Minimum is 32% body fat, I got 29%- YAY! Then I did the whole pee-test. I stood at the water fountain nearly 10min drinking water so I could go. I'm a little bladder-shy. Hard to go pee on demand. I made it though, then it was off to my liaison to confirm details of my contract. After, I swore in again. By this point it was about 2 and we started to discuss travel. They seperated everyone into groups according to which base you were going.

Then it was off on the shuttle. I was paired with 4 guys to stick with and oh my goodness, it hasn't been a full 24hrs and they were already scoping chics. I'm used to the typical male though, so it was funny watching them. They were nice though. I'm sure we will be seperated as soon as we got there. On the plane, I sat next to a former Drill SGT. He is now a helicoptor pilot. He gave me lots of insight, which I thought I was pretty prepared for the most part anyhow.

Well, on the 2nd plane now, about 10 minutes from landing. I just wanted a quick entry to let everyone know I made it through MEPS and I will be writing soon! Don't forget I will be updating my blog through letters with my mom. I am sending her my entries and she will post them for me. Until next time.....

Saying Goodbye - Rockingham Fam

I visiting my Aunt Cristi, Uncle Todd and my cousins. I am soooo glad I am able to see them and say "Good-bye" before I leave. I was able to go to the girls dance recital. Natalie's 6th and Evan's 1st. They did FABULOUS...of course! I always have a fun time in Rockingham. Evan with her Costumes and silly songs; Natalie with her blonde moments; Aaron with his Random conversations. I will miss my weekend visits!!!

Down to the wire...

I had a meeting with my recruiter today.He made sure that everything was in my packet (forms and docs) that I must take with me to MEPS. Then he weighed and measured me again. I am still overweight but I meet tape. Translation- I am good to go! WOOHOO! I report in Monday at 3:30 and he will take me to the hotel to check-in. Then Tuesday I am set to leave.

Saying Goodbye - Nieces

Today, my 3rd niece was born. Welcome Kaitlyn Anna!!! I went to visit the new addition at the hospital today and to say "Good-bye" to my nieces, Tabitha and James. It was a great visit and I will miss their smiling faces :)

Saying Goodbye - Florida, Family

I have had such a great time in Florida saying Good-bye to all the family and close friends. Karaoke with Amy is always a blast! I picked up a new addiction- GUITAR HERO! I played almost every night I was here. I got in alone time with the sunshine, pool and Quiet :) I will be flying back to N.C. tomorrow. Until next time...

Saying Goodbye - Ohio

Mema, Papa, Tony, Todd and myself flew to Ohio to visit Dad for his birthday today. We get to visit Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It was SO GOOD to finally see him after so long. He looked like he had lost a LOT of weight and lost a lot of his coloring. He was in good spirits and I believe he was happy to see us. Today, Mema and I wore shirts that I made that said "Happy Birthday". Since we can't take in Birthday gifts and food, we wanted to do something creative. The guard thought it was hilarious and he said he had never seen anything like it before. There were 2 ladies (visitors) inside that saw us greet him with the shirts and they said they were going to have to take our idea and do that! LOL So cute.

When Dad's visiting hours were over, the 5 of us drove through the small towns of Ohio. It is so beautiful and CLEAN here! The northerners are rude though. Our rental car was an Impala that is ridiculously uncomfortable for 5 people. It came with a HERTZ NEVERLOST Navigation system that does not live up to it's name. When we finally found dad's place, it was on SCROGGS Rd. LOL Ya just had to be there.

We found a little mom & pop restaurant up the rode that we have eaten breakfast at a few times and it's very good. Todd and Papa had the grits and said they were actually not too bad. when they started to mix the grits with eggs, the waitress commented "You are mixers!" haha. Sweet Tea has been difficult to find. We also Went and saw Robinhood in theaters one day. Good movie. Tonight we ate at a Mexican Restaurant down the street, Los Gallos. AWESOME. Probably the best Mexican I have ever had. They serve Cole Slaw along side salsa with your chips...I didn't too much care for that though.

Good visit and we are flying back tomorrow.

Time is drawing near....

Yesterday was my last day with the bank. I got a head-start on the road and made it to Florida by midnight. I went down and got my address change to Florida and received my new Florida license and registered to vote in Florida AGAIN. Visiting with the family tonight. Flying to Ohio in the morning to visit Dad for a few days :) Let's pray all goes well!

Saying Goodbye - Mall

My ladies at my second job had a 'farewell crop'. We had Macaroni Grill brought in and Neely made some FABULOUS star-cut brownies, appropriate for the occasion. Everyone made cards/stationary to give to me so that I could write home in style! We also took a group photo and the store manager made me a frame and then everyone signed it. Everything was beautiful and from the heart. I will miss my crop-stars! :) So much fun and I finally completed my Mother's Day card. Sorry mom, it's a little late...

Saying Goodbye - Bank

My friends at the bank said "good-bye" by throwing me a party at the Ale House. We had a blast! I was so surprised at how many people showed. The food was great, the company was hilarious, the drinks were weak and the goodies were sweet. With cake and balloons covered in my favorite colors (pink, black and white) and my Build-a-Bear A.K.A. PFC Sweet T! HOOAH!!!! Thanks everyone who came out. Afterwards, me and the ladies went out to downtown Raleigh and I went to my very first club....AND yes, I danced :) WOOHOO!

Busy...Busy...Busy!

Starting to get everything out of my house. Busy, busy. I leave my job on May 18th. Arrive in FL on May 19th. Fly to OH on May 20th to visit Dad. Fly back to FL May 23rd. Visit in FL. Fly back to NC May 27th. Then hang out til the 1st!!!

50 Days and a Wake-up!

WOW! This week I started getting nervous. There is so much to do before I leave; Packing, change of address forms, etc. Next month, I will be resigning my position with the bank and then off I go. I just can't believe how close it is.

I am mentally prepared,no doubt. Everything I am supposed to have memorized (Soldier Creed, ranks, alphabet)is in my head. What I am most nervous about is the gas chamber, the repel tower and showering with other females. The physical part of it, yeah, it sucks but I know I will get it.

Thinking about keeping my hair in corn rows through Basic Training. I have never done it but it will be low maintenance. We'll see.

On the way...

Yesterday morning I met my recruiter at the station for a weigh-in/check-in. Once a week until I leave for Boot Camp, I have to call my recruiter to check-in just to make sure i am still alive I guess. Once a month, I have to go in for a 'weigh-in' since I didn't meet weight at MEPS when i signed just to make sure I am losing and on the right track before I leave for Basic.

As of yesterday morning, I have 5 POUNDS to lose!!!! Then I will be ready to ship for Basic Training. This is some great progress.

MEPS

I went to MEPS on 22Feb2010. First thing I had to do was take the ASVAB. I got a descent score which I believe was a 65. Then, I went to medical and was cleared. Although I didn't meet the weight requirement, I did meet tape. So, I have about 8 more pounds to lose. Then I went to pick my job. They offered me several jobs based on my scores from the ASVAB but none were appealing. I asked for paralegal and they had it available. Then I went and took the oath. It was an awesome feeling. I signed and put my fingerprint on everything and then I was ready to leave.

Details are as follows:
Ship to Basic Training on 01Jun2010 Fort Sill, OK
Ship to AIT on 16Aug2010 Fort Jackson, SC
Signed for 4 years
Job: 27D, Paralegal Specialist
Signed as an E3-PFC

Why I Joined the Army

I was on my way to work at my second job when I got to thinking "I am going to be 25 this year". I am turning 25 this year and I feel like I haven't accomplished a thing. I don't own my house or my car, I work 2 jobs to make ends meet, I am not married nor do I have kids and I never finished college. So, within about 15 minutes of being bombarded with these thoughts, I decided to look into the Army.

I called Tony, my little brother, who is in the Army and asked him lots and lots of questions. He put me in touch with a Recruiter and by that Tuesday, I had an appointment set. At my first appointment with the recruiter, he had already picked the date when we would go to MEPS. The ball was rolling, fast.

The ultimate decision to join the Army was decided when I weighed my pro's and con's and the pro's looked a hell of a lot better than the con's. I will get training that I can take with me if I decide to ever leave the Army. I will have a sense of pride and accomplishment. I will be surrounded by people from all over and it gives me a chance to meet people, some just like me. Also, I can earn money to finish college once i decide what I want to go for. Also, the benefits and money are definitely a plus.

So, after much deliberation, I decided this was the best option for ME. I didn't want anyone to talk me out of it so I decided to keep it on the 'hush-hush' until after I walked out of the door of MEPS, knowing for sure that I was going to be a soldier.