I grew up in a Hispanic household in Rogers Park on the North Side of Chicago.  When Veterans Day came along in November, all I thought it was just another day off from school.  No one in my family had served in the Armed Forces of the United States until I joined in 1998.  And it is not like we were ignorant, but, it is one of those things that, as a young man, doesn't follow.  Maturity level and what not.  All I knew about joining the Army was it being associated with war.  But joining, has since changed the way I think.

Everyone that serves has a purpose for serving.  I have met a lot of Soldiers since joining.  A lot of friends to this day that I still keep in touch with.  Maybe a "hi" here and there.  The Army is a huge organization, with values, teaches you camaraderie, leadership and discipline.  I believe that it is the people that you serve with that makes each organization unique.  When I was at Bragg, you had that certain experienced group of Soldiers that you wanted to be like.  But, you have to find yourself within the bunch, and be you.  

When I was in Korea, I had the privilege to serve with some of the best "Cable Dawgs", the Infantry MOS of the Signal Corp, 25L.  We were a tight knit group of Signaleers.  We had our moments, but when it came to get the mission accomplished, it got done.  We would all part ways after our tour of duty, but the Signal world is so small, that paths would eventually be crossed at one point.  For those that served that one year I was in Korea, thanks for serving, you have made an impact in my life. (2001-2002)

But the highlight of all this is Operation Iraqi Freedom.  I got to Fort Riley, KS after my tour in Korea.  Why did I choose Riley and not Campbell, I wanted a combat patch, I know, it sounds crazy.  I wanted to be like the Gulf War veterans, like my Drill Sergeant (DS Christopher, with an Armored patch).  Not saying that I would not of gotten it at Campbell, but for some reason I knew I would end up in 596th Signal Company, 3rd BDE, 1st AD.  At that time there were two signal companies at Riley, 596th and 331st, part of 1st ID.  I met a lot of Soldiers here and I probably made a lot of people mad here as well, but that is discipline.  I still have that Bragg mentality, something that was instilled in me since I was a private, emulating those leaders that trained me.  Remember when I said that you have to find yourself, and be you, well, here, is where I found myself, and re-established those skills as a leader.   

After so long I understood now the meaning of being a "veteran".  How each Soldier has a reason for serving, past, present, and those in the future to serve.  The memories of OIF I, III, 07-09 and the people to the left and to the right of me will always remain.  It is a bond like no other.  Out of nothing, we made something.  Built a deck, a shower, a wash station, makeshift work out equipment, whatever got us through those days, it is a memory like no other.  I remember when the first port-o-potty arrived in BIAP (Baghdad International Airport), and how everyone rushed into the van for a roll of TP.  Like a blessing in the sky.  The little things that we learned to appreciate.

My last deployment was out of Huachuca, 15 months.  I served with some of the best NCO's here, working in the 3 shop.  The best part of getting chewed out by the S3 SGM was getting chewed out with your battle buddy, not saying that, that is a good thing, because it is not, but at least you had someone to share the experience with, thanks Mobley for being there, it only made us stronger as leaders.

And now, I am a Drill Sergeant, sharing my experiences with civilians, mold them for nine weeks, and make them into Soldiers, and they too, will one day, become veterans.  Working with the best of the best, different leadership styles and what not.  (I guess now I am like DS Christopher, with an Armored patch)

I want to say thank you for serving, whether you served with me in the past, or now, thank you.  You have made an impact on my life.  To everyone else, I thank you as well, for your service and sacrifice.  Freedom is not free, but without you, the liberties that everyone enjoys would not be possible.