How do I begin this?  It was an awesome experience to have been a part of the Drill Sergeant Exhibitor Program.  A lot of sacrifices took part to be part of a team of Non-Commissioned Officers, Drill Sergeants.  In six months, we got to know each other and work together at FFA and AAB.  I did not know what to expect as I tried to Google the program on-line.  But as it began, and I did more and more events, I got to understand two things, recruiters are not as bad as I thought they were, and the Army puts a lot into getting people aware of what we do as a Soldiers. 

I got to see the two sides of the coin.  Recruiters don't just put anyone in, you have to be fully qualified to join.  In my "world tour", I got to work with some of the most amazing NCO's.  They take care of these civilians and prepare them for the unexpected, that being us, the Drill Sergeants, and Basic Combat Training.  I see how they work, from the West Coast to the East Coast, to the smallest town (Beeville, TX), I got to experience it, and that is when I got to see the bigger picture, for the greater good of the Army.

I also got to meet and work with some of the most amazing people.  They got to see where I was coming from and I took my time to get to know them.  It is all part of the job of getting to know who you work with and for what cause.  Good times!

This experience took me to places that I have been, or have never been.  Thank you Brandi and Mr. Beck for allowing me to go to my hometown of Chicago, and bring the Monsters of the Midway (Chicago Bears) out into the playing field.  I would say that, that is my highlight of this whole experience, and giving PT to the Chicago Police Academy.  Sorry Orlando, FL, as sunny as you are, with all the glamor of Disney, you are not first, lol!!!   

But as always, all good things must come to an end.  I have gotten back to my routine of training, and molding civilians into Soldiers.  The early mornings and the late nights, and oh yeah, and getting sick (the winter time sucks at Fort Jackson).  Some things have changed, but nothing that I cannot adjust to.  If 2010 was busy for me, 2011 is full of surprises.  I get to go to Senior Leaders Course, and once I return I will have six months left on the trail.  And you know what looks promising?  Hawaii!!!

I will try to be on here from time to time.  If I met you during a future Soldier event and you are coming to Fort Jackson around mid April, be prepared mentally and physically.