It's been quite a couple of weeks for me doing the job of a Drill Sergeant Exhibitor.  I left home two weeks ago to do a Future Soldier training event in Phoenix, Arizona.  I wasn't too thrilled about going to Phoenix, but it ended up working out well.  I had the opportunity to talk to fifty some Future Soldiers and their recruiters, answering some questions and holding a drill and ceremony competition.  The reward for the winner of the competition was a high five from me.  Contrary to popular belief, that's a coveted trophy. 

The Sunday following the Future Soldier event found me in Pomona, California for the final NHRA race of the season.  It was a week full of school visits and four days at the racetrack.  Tony Schumacher, unfortunately, did not win the world championship, however still placed second.  I had some time in between working hours to visit some of the SoCal sights, including the Oakley Corporate Headquarters, also known as "The Vault".  I went there with SFC Riggs, a traveling recruiter, and Nic Gaines, the Don Schumacher Racing showcar driver for Tony's team.  We picked up some good gear and took some pictures of the extensive propery which included it's own Soviet BMP and driving track.

This week finds me in San Marcos and Austin in Southern Texas.  I'm doing some more school visits and will include some details in my next post.

Talking to Future Soldiers

Drill and Ceremony Competition

SFC Riggs and me with the BMP