Well I made it back home from DCC, since my last post I qualified with the M4 rifle and passed land nav. I also built some friendships that I'm sure will last throughout my career (shot out to my battle from NY 2LT Eric Kucich). Anyway I made it back home and managed to get the opportunity to enroll in Level 1 Modern Army Combatives Program course. The class was awesome and our instructor (see picture above in the front middle) was equally awesome. I'd also like to thank my outstading instructors at DCC for giving us a solid foundation in level 1 combatives. I digress, in Level 1 we learned the basics and philosophy of the MACP: Close distance, achieve a dominant fighting position, and FINISH THE FIGHT. The so called "warm-ups" were a beast in fact more like a barefoot smoke session but we had a very motivated class so we soldiered through it encouraging one another all the way. During the 5 day class, I was very sore and mostly rested during my spare time. I was able to talk to/see my wife Aliya thanks to the nerds at Apple via the iphone4 and its high speed "face time" application. I think that application makes it a must have for military couples/families. In order to receive a GO in the course the soldier must successfully perform two tasks: successfully achieve "the clinch" 4 times and teach clearly, confidently, and correctly the entire level 1 curriculum. We were instructed so well the latter proved to be "too easy" however the clinch drill was the adrenaline pumping challenge we soldiers live for. I would attempt to explain what the clinch drill is however I fear I can not effectively do so, with that said I would advise anyone who is curious to "youtube it," I'm certain its up there some where. Also those interested can google the Army Combatives Program's website I know there is a clinch drill video up there. Now as I was saying, the clinch drill was a challenged but my entire class received a GO. Hooah! I am now waiting for orders for the Level 2 class which begins on 16 Aug, this class will prove to be more intense and engaging as it is 2 weeks long and more in depth.

1 Aug 2010, proved to be a special day for me and my family, I wouldn't be suprised if nothing in my professional career surpasses what took place. I had the honor of administering the Officer's Oath of Office to the Army Medical Corps' newest family care physician, my wife CPT Aliya Laws Wilson. God made the weather as perfect as it could be considering later that night we would find out that it was the "hottest day of the year." Members of our families were present and those who weren't were definitely sharing in our joy (Antie Marsha, Uncle Art, my dad, Erica, Jennifer, in-laws, nephews, neices, etc.). After the oath, I was able to witness CPT Wilson's Silver Dollar Salute Ceremony which was awesome because I learned the history behind the tradition. It's funny because for some of my classmates our first day in ACU's at Ft. Lee (VA) would be the first day they would receive a salute so in preparation for this there was a mad dash to the local banks...gotta love tradition. Anyway, it truly was a special day because we both were the unlikeliest of candidates to carry on both of our families tradition of military service. Military service was not a priority for either one of us growing up but I guess you can't beat fate, Hooah. Both of our grandfathers proudly served in WWII (Aliya's in the Army and mine in the Navy), my Antie Marsha in the Air Force (Air Power! thats for you antie), our uncles in the Army (her's was a high speed Ranger who called my OBC a "gentleman's course" lol...I beg to differ but I'm no Ranger) and her father proudly served in Vietnam. On a serious note what made it more special and significant is our MOS's in the Army. My grandfather was trained in the Navy as a "cook" but when the "fog of war" set in he quickly was ordered to put down the pots and pans and man guns and her grandfather was an infantry man (25th ID, I believe) and now their grandchildren are officers/soldiers more specifically a doctor and judge advocate. CPT Wilson and I are very different personality wise but share the same belief that America with all of its flaws and mistakes in her past is still the shining light upon the hill of freedom and so to serve the country that has given so many people opportunities to live however they so choose is an honorable thing. I'll step down from my soapbox now and leave you with this: Less than 1% of our population serve in our military of volunteers, so for those who answer the call of duty I salute you and I thank. 1LT Wilson out