I entered the army in June, 2006, and went through the same basic training required for all enlisted soldiers.  From there, I went through specialized training in emergency and battlefield medicine, and was ultimately named a combat medic.  After graduating Advanced Individual Training, I was assigned to Fort Riley, KS.

On 4 February, 2007, I arrived at Fort Riley and was promptly assigned to Third Brigade, First Armored Division.  The unit was later "reflagged," or recieved a formal name change to Second Brigade, First Infantry Division.  But before that happened, my assignment was narrowed down.  The brigade was "standing up" or, in other words, essentially a brand-new unit that was being filled as fast as the Army could afford.  I was among the first hundred soldiers assigned to a unit that would ultimately become a force 2000+ strong.  My eventual assignment became Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, a subordinate unit to 3rd Brigade.  The day I was assigned was the same day that the other members of the squadron was assigned... all 18 of us, under the command of acting Squadron Commander, Staff Sergeant Sweeny.  For those who don't know, a staff sergeant is about 10 ranks--literally--below the normal rank of this level of commander.  But there we were, a dozen and a half of us, the first dozen being fresh blood in the Army.  When the unit was re-flagged to 5th squadron, 4th cavalry regiment (same time that the brigade was reflagged to 2nd brigade, 1st infantry), there were roughly 180 of us, barely enough to make a formation big enough for the ceremony.  I was in that ceremony, and many other ceremonies before and after.  I have stood in change of command ceremonies for ranks from Captain to General; assumption of command ceremonies are a once-in-a-career experience, because they are rare.  They only occur when a unit stands up, or if an officer is relieved without another immediately available to take his place.  I have performed 21-gun salutes at 10 funerals, and at a 9/11 rememberance ceremony.  Those moments have made me proud of the legacy I have the privelege to uphold.

Of the original 18, there are two of us left.  Of us, I have the only chance of greater longevity: the other, having moved through the ranks from Private (E-1) to Sergeant (E-5) has decided to end his career in search of a more peaceful civilian life.  That will leave me to carry on the traditions of the squadron.  I been led to war by two different Squadron Commanders, with their faithful Command Sergeant Major at their sides to advise and support them.  I have had at least four troop level commanders, if you don't count the fact that I am also detached from my Headquarters Troop to support one of the "line troops" during our operations; Our first Command Sergeant Major, CSM Battle, went on to lead our brigade through our first deployment.  CSM Tompkins has been serving with us since CSM Battle recieved his higher position.  I have been led by countless Noncommissioned Officers, some great, others less so, and have learned something from every one of them; from a few, I learned what I will refuse to be when placed in their positions, but most have taught me what it means to truly lead soldiers.  Placing a soldier's needs before your own, and never losing faith in the Army Values.

Even with all of this, for me, this unit is all I know of the army, and it's starting to wear me down.  I've stopped seeing the best in the unit, and started seeing it for its flaws.  While I pride myself as being the last of the "day 1 crew," I think it's time for me to move on in the army.  As a medic, I have opportunities that some other soldiers wouldn't have.  The combat jobs offer only one type of assignment: combat unit.  As a medic, I can be assigned to a hospital, a Brigade Support Battalion (which runs a combat clinic), or a Troop Medical Clinic, just to name a few.  I have been to war.  I have seen the worst humanity has to offer, and offered the best humanity has to give.  I think it's time for me to move on, and see what other areas of the Army I can apply my skills, gain more technical knowledge and experience, and use that experience to lead the next generation of medics to save the victims of the battle.