Soldier Blog Post

My Introduction to the Army

July 20, 2010

Tags:  

Enlistment   Army Strong   fort-hood   hooah  

November 5th, 2009 was the day that changed my life for good. The day started off at the hotel at MEPS. Get up early, get dressed, eat breakfast, and get on the bus for the short ride over to the MEPS station. I had already been to MEPS before, so this trip wasn't the first, but this was the most significant so far...enlistment day. As alot of you know MEPS is alot of waiting around. This is what I did most of the morning. I just waited for the liasion office to call me in to sign my paperwork. Finally I got in there, got out...and more waiting to swear in. After eating lunch at the MEPS station, my group was finally called into the swear in room. The LTC lead us through the recitement of the oath and proclaimed us all as "America's Newest Warriors." He thanked us for giving ourselves to the US Army in a time of war, as less than 1% of all Americans are a member of the Armed Forces. We returned to the waiting area and celebrated a few congrats with each other. We had finally did it, for much of us we had been waiting more than a month to finish our enlistment process. A civilian worker at MEPS said we were crazy for joining the Army and pointed at the TV. All the major news networks and especially CNN were bringing live feed about a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. We swore to defend this country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. This was domestic terrorism. American Soldiers were being attacked by an American Soldier. This day not only marked my enlistment date into the US Army. It also brought to light what we as American Soldiers stand for. These were now my people. Although I had no idea who those Soldiers were, or not even been through basic combat training or even worn an ACU, we shared a commonality. After being through training, you learn that as a Soldier the only people that are gonna be to the left or right of you in garrison or theater, are your battle buddies. We do everything to protect them. It's what makes us all Army Strong. HOOAH!

                                                                                                     PV2 Hanen....Out.

                                                                                                     Strike. Build. Hold. (FSC 983d EN BN. USAR)

                                                                                                  


  • 8 Comments
  • Add Favorite
    You must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments

  • Judy

    Jul 22, 2010 9:26 AM

    Thank you for your service, we are indebted to you and your family for the sacrifices you are making. Having a step daughter in the Army stationed at Fort Hood at the time of the shooting, I will also remember that day. She was unharmed, but I think of all those whose lives were taken that day, and those who will be affected by it forever. We always know God has a reason for all he allows to happen, we just have to be patient and He will show us the way. God Bless you and all who serve our country.


    Reply

  • Kelly Hernandez

    Jul 22, 2010 9:44 AM

    I'm prior service and was stationed on ft hood the whole time I was in the army I left the army before the ft hood shootings but my husband was there I remember being so scared because we couldn't even get phone calls to each other and I had no clue what was happenin to him all I knew was that ft hood was on lock down. It was that day that I stopped thinking like a soldier and started thinking like a wife. That day changed the lives of so many we know and even more we have never met.


    Reply

  • Combat Engineer Marine Corps

    Jul 22, 2010 9:49 AM

    The army isnt as good as we thought if we end up letting terrorist lead soldiers. America has been infiltrated and its time that the American ppl take the actions to fix this country. That INCLUDES weeding out the corruption and the stupidity of our own government.


    Reply

    • elaine

      Jul 26, 2010 1:29 AM

      Dont you put the army down!!!!!!!!! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?


      Reply

  • Sharon Baxter

    Jul 22, 2010 11:34 AM

    I commend all military branches for all they do for our country. I have a son at Fort Hood at this time,he didn't get station there till after the shooting. My son has not been doployed yet but he may stay there for the rest of his listing, but I think that is a very safe place to be. Thank you soldiers for all you do!!!


    Reply

  • Elizabeth

    Jul 22, 2010 11:57 AM

    Thanks so much for you courage & protection INDEED!!!

    Be safe always... Elizabeth from Texas.


    Reply

  • Rachelle Crumbaker

    Jul 22, 2010 12:00 PM

    Thank you, Ryan, for your service. At the time of this shooting, my husband was deployed in Iraq. My eldest son was stationed in Italy. A good friend who I think dearly of as a god-daughter, was deployed in Iraq, but was stationed out of Ft. Hood. I view myself as a Texan. Might have been born elsewhere, but I've lived in TX for a while now and even though the Army sends us wherever, I'll still consider myself as such. So although I was not at Ft. Hood at the time, I was very concerned. But anytime a soldier is in danger, we all feel it. We are family, Army family! Welcome to a fantastic family!


    Reply

  • shannon ehnert

    Jul 22, 2010 5:16 PM

    Thank you for your service, and many sacrifices, I have a son in law over seas in harms way .I pray everyday that he and his fellow soldiers stay safe over there. You all are truly my heroes!!!!


    Reply

Add Comment


All fields required

Your IP: 38.107.179.207