PLANE: On the 13th of November, I flew out from Fort Lauderdale, FL to none other than, my hometown, Chicago, Illinois (The Windy City).  I flew Southwest to Midway airport.  At Fort Lauderdale, the line to pass the secured checkpoint was out of control.  It went all the way from the start of the escalators, snaked around, not once, but twice, and the through TSA security.  I am thinking, I am not going to make my flight.  However, patience is a virtue, and in 25 minutes, was through and at my terminal.  Thank GOD, I made it.  It was a three hour flight in which I gained an extra hour, nice!  Good thing my flight was bright and early.

TRAINS:  I lived in the city of Chicago for 18 years before joining the Army.  There were three modes of transportation for me: the BUS, the TRAIN, or my TWO FEET.  So, when I arrived at Midway, I picked up my bags, I hopped on the Orange Line to my hotel.  Ms. Brandi Schiff set up an awesome hotel, The Union League Club of Chicago, in one of the executive suites, again, nice.  But my intent, was to drop off my bags and grab the Red Line to my neighborhood, Rogers Park, to see my mom.  I wasn't counting on the rain, good thing I had my snivel gear, and my protection cap for my Montana Peak (Drill Sergeant Hat).  Off I went to Rogers Park.

I reminisced of about 12 to 15 years ago, riding the "L" train, with a Walkman radio, my subwoofer headphones, and a backpack.  What mesmerized me the most was the graffiti.  But times have changed, the area is almost clean of graffiti, and now I carry an Ipod.  I visited with my mom, sister, and brother, and had an awesome home cooked dinner.  I saw one of my uncles that I have not seen in 12 plus years.  Needless to say, good times and some good laughs.

REASON:  So why was I in Chicago?  Good question, and a great opportunity.  A couple of weeks ago, Ms. Brandi Schiff, asked me what I was doing around the 14th of November.  I was going to be in Fort Lauderdale for some school visits and NASCAR Homestead.  I knew where it was going, but I did not want to speculate.  When I first started DSEP, we had training at Fort Knox, first time that I met Brandi.  She worked out of Chicago doing Army Public Affairs.  I told her that I, myself, am a Chicago native, born and raised, and a Bears fan!  I think that was music to her ears.  She told me about an event around Veterans Day where a Soldier brings the Chicago Bears out of the tunnel, running and holding the American flag.  For the past couple of years, it has been a reserved Soldier doing the event, and for me to be from Chicago, active duty, a Drill Sergeant, and in great physical shape, it just fit the description of what she wanted.  On top of that, the Bears only want a Chicagoan.  A dream come true! Yep, someone pinch me because I am dreaming.  This is a once in a life time opportunity.  I did it, I got to bring out my favorite football team onto the field.  I had lived in Chicago for 18 years and never had a chance to go to a Bears game, just could not afford it.  I felt like a kid with cotton candy.  And they beat the Vikings, 27-13!!  They are 6-3 and play the Dolphins on Thursday, and guess where I am going to be, in Miami!!!!!!

After the game I was invited to some great authentic Chicago style pizza at Gino's East of Chicago Pizza by Joe Cantafio.  He does USO tours for the military with his band, the 101st Rock Division Band.  An awesome American and great supporter of the military.  Gino's East of Chicago Pizza gave us a 50% discount on the two pie's that were ordered, that was just an amazing gesture, awesome!!!  I had a good time.

THE MISSES:  At Fort Jackson, it is kind of hard to watch a Bears game, since I live in on the East Coast.  My wife was not going to miss this opportunity to watch her "hubbin" as she calls me, on TV.  My wife called Direct TV and got the "one" game she wanted to see me.  It only cost $30, but well worth it, and it is at home waiting for me to see myself out on the football field, got a love DVRs.  My baby daughter who is five screamed of joy when she saw me run out onto the football field.  It was as awesome for her as it was for me.

AUTOMOBILES:  Now I am back in Florida.  Picked up the rental, and off I went to Homestead.  I head out on I-95 South, but when it ends, it turns into US Highway 1.  Talk about traffic, I thought Chicago was bad.  The GPS on my phone said 15 miles will take 45 minutes, wow!  And finally I get to the hotel, only to find out that it is two more mile east of where my GPS pin pointed me, well at least I made it safe.

I would like to thank Mr. Beck and Ms. Brandi Schiff for the opportunity they gave me. It was one of those events that not many people get.  Thank you and Army Strong!!!