• The Many Opportunities

  July 24, 2010

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  Tags:  

  service   life   Career   army   Education   strong   travel   medical  

  Wow!  Has it really been 17 years I ask myself?  I enlisted with my battle buddy, Kym, who traveled through the enlisted/NCO ranks as I made the switch to the officer ranks.  I have proudly served in the US Army for 17 years beginning as an E1 and now an O4! It has been a challenging road with many hills and curves, but I would not change the experiences and friends I have made for anything. No doubt, the Army has made me a better person, citizen, wife and parent.  I first joined for the opportunity to give back to a country that has afforded my family so much - a better life; and for the challenge of doing something great.  I  joined the Army Reserve and completed basic training.  Basic training as a young adult was a breeze, nothing to worry about but to make it through each day.  I then learned of ROTC and earned my commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer.  My military travels have taken me throughout the US (to include Hawaii) and to S. Korea, Japan, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan.  I was lucky enough to play All-Army Sports and Armed Forces Sports with the women's volleyball teams and win the Gold medal in 2004 (the last year Army women have won)!  Go Army!  Opportunities for training and learning have been nothing but first class as I now complete Intermediate level education - I've had a chance to slown down for a short time and re-focus on my family and career.  The Army has assisted me with a Bachelor's, Master's, a HR residency and (hopefully) my PhD.  I have been proud to serve in each and every assignment - from HQ, 4ID to Healthcare recruiter (don't laugh, its true!)  I applaud the men, women, civilians, and families that I have served with - they have been the most dedicated and admirable people I have ever met.  Especially the Families of our Fallen Soldiers (OIF 05-07) where 235 Soldier and Marines gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.  I met and worked next to so many of these families who continued to support our Soldiers when they have lost a loved one.  I've looked into the eyes of children in Afghanistan hoping for a better life.  I continue try to make this earth a better place for my children and those who follow in our footsteps.  I could go on & on... with 17 years of service I have plenty of stories.  Seventeen years and counting... the Army has continued to take care of me & my family as we continue to give back to our Nation.  Opportunies are endless for those who are willing to give their time and energies and I am proud to share my story.

  The views expressed in this Army Story are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or of the US Government.  Major Trang Malone, student, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS (Fort Belvoir, VA, satellite campus).

  submitted by Major Trang Malone on Jul 24 2010

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