Well, it’s official. I am now a college graduate and an Army officer.

I received my commission last Friday with twenty classmates. I have entered the USAR as a Transportation Officer. I am entering service as a platoon leader in the 443rd Transportation Company here in Omaha. My first battle assembly is in June, but I don’t attend TBOLC until September. It will be interesting to enter the unit before I know everything about our equipment and assets! (I am counting on my NCOs to show me the way.)

[My father (CAPT George G. Ulrich, USN, (Ret.)) and me after commissioning.]

I also received my BSBA in Management on Saturday from Creighton University. I can’t believe my undergraduate career is over. It’s been a great time and I’m sad to leave it behind to start my real life! Moving off campus was a big change, too, as I’m moving into a house with some friends for the first time. We’ll see how neat we can keep it…

[Me as a freshman cadet at my first FTX: Taking a break from Land Nav training]

I also just started my civilian job, as a personal banker with First National of Nebraska. We’re the country’s largest privately held bank, and it’s interesting to be in a retail location and work with the public on a daily basis. I love the job so far—my co-workers have made it great.

Just in-processed with my unit on Monday. We’re at a new Reserve Center in West Omaha. It’s a brand new facility and really gives the unit a great image. It’s an exciting time, and I’m excited to see how everything turns out!