Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to be a soldier.  My Grandfather was in WW2 in General Pattons' prestigious 4th Armored Division.  I remember sitting on his lap entranced by the stories of his time in Germany during the War.  He was my hero, always was and always will be.

  I enlisted into the Army's Delayed Entry program the minute I turned 18.  I remember telling my folks that I was going in the Army, and they were not to thrilled at the idea.  My Dad wanted me to join the Air Force because it was "safer".  I knew in my heart of hearts that the Army was were I belonged.  I knew that ever since I sat on Poppas lap and listened to his stories, saw the tears in his eyes.

  When I took the ASVAB, I had no clue as to what I wanted to do in the Army, I never really thought about it.  I just KNEW that the Army was for me.  Once my scores came back and I sat down with my Recruiter to pick out a job, only one of those jobs really stood out to me: 91B-Medical Specialist, (Now 68W-Healthcare Specialist).  My Recruiter was a grizzled old Infantryman and he said that Medic was the best job in the Army according to him.  He told me of all the great things his Medics did during Desert Storm, how they are some of the bravest soldiers he had ever seen.  I knew at that moment that this was the job that would make my Poppa proud.  MEDIC!

 After a glorious 8 weeks at FT. Leonard Wood MO., I went to FT. Sam Houston for training.  10 weeks of shots, IV's, practicing bandaging, Emergency Medical Technician training, etc.  I found the training easy, and it just reinforced my thoughts that this was the career I was destined for.

  My first Permanent duty station was the 514th Medical Company, Ground Ambulance, at FT. Lewis Washington.  I was expecting, HOPING that I would be sent to and Infantry Battalion, where "Doc" was the man, the guy that was always there to help. Patching up bullet holes, stitching up bar fight injuries on a Saturday Night.  Definitely not the case!  I was assigned as an Ambulance driver, and did a lot of Range covereage, medical coverage for the Washington Special Olympics, Cobra Gold in Thailand, etc.  It wasnt what I was expecting, but I still loved my job and thought I was making a difference.  Me making the decision to enlist and serve my Country was the first step.

Stay tuned for part 2!