Mahoma Tello - Army Strong Stories

The DSEP Experience

Mahoma Tello — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:24:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
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...read more

Army Strong Zone - All American Bowl (AAB)

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:10:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today the Drill Sergeant Exhibitor Team spent their day at the Army Strong Zone. Everything from flight simulators, rock wall, medical equipment, weapons, you name it, it is here, right at Sunset Station. My day started escorting McCullom HS JROTC around the Army Strong Zone showing them the different areas and what the Army has to offer. Of course we had to show them the Drill Sergeant area: DS Peffer introducing the contestants. Explaining the rules....read more

Chicago Visit Part 2 of 2: U.S. Army Drill Sergeant's in Chicago

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:30:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Here I am once again, in the greatest city in the country, Chicago, Illinois, my hometown. The weather is fair, and the snow is ice on the ground, just my type of weather. I miss home, but when opportunities like these come, you just cannot pass them by. On with the program: 16 DEC: Yesterday DS Robertson and myself headed out with CPT Martinez, who kindly picked us up from our hotel. Our event for the day was to conduct some PRT to about 35 Future...read more

Corpus Christi - Week 2 of 2

Mahoma Tello — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:20:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
This week I visited a few schools (talked to about 100+ kids) and conducted physical training to about 30 future Soldiers from the South Corpus Christi Recruiting Station. I went to Mary Carroll High School, which I visited twice and spoke to a group of Navy JROTC students. Ever since I have been doing DSEP and conducting presentations, I try to get a feel for the students. You get to see that first hand expression of a classroom environment and how they act. But once...read more

Corpus Christi - Week 1 of 2

Mahoma Tello — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:08:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
I left home around the 28th of November and I headed out to Corpus Christi, TX. I picked a hotel near the bay, and to say the least it is an awesome view. That Monday I headed out to Portland, TX, which is about 15 minutes from where I stay at. I met up with SFC Rios at the recruiting station and went to Gregory-Portland HS where I had an opportunity to talk to a Science class. We also took time to set up a table with Army goodies and talk to the kids during their...read more

NASCAR Miami Speedway - Homestead, FL

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:31:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Wrapping up my Florida visit was thee last event, NASCAR Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL. This was the last race of the season. I had spent almost two weeks in Florida, with a few days in Chicago for the Bears game and then high school visits around the area, spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. The show car visits were fun, and NASCAR was not too bad. Friday 19th of Nov - On this day we had over 500 kids from different areas in Miami come over for the YES...read more

Show Car High School Visits 15-18 Nov - Miami, FL

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:34:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Upon my return from Chicago, I had some show car visits with the #39 Ryan Newman Army Race car before the NASCAR Homestead main event from the 19-21 of Nov. And this is how it went: 16 Nov: McFatter VoTech High School - Davie, FL I linked up with SFC Riggs at McFatter VoTech and SFC Gay, the local Army Recruiter. Same deal, engaging students and spearheading the push-up challenge. The students had to spin the wheel to win some great Army prizes or come see me for...read more

Chicago Visit Part 1 of 2: The Monsters of the Midway: Minnesotta Vikings at Chicago Bears!

Mahoma Tello — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:06:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
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...read more

From Chicago to Korea, Iraq to Now

Mahoma Tello — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:33:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
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...read more

Margate Recruiting Station - Margate, FL

Mahoma Tello — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 04:40:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
So for the next couple of days I will be supporting the Fort Lauderdale Recruiting Company in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL, and today I headed out to Margate, FL to support some future Soldier training at the Margate Recruiting Station. SFC Rodriguez and the rest of his recruiting station, along with some of the other recruiting stations in the area are some of the most compassionate Non-commissioned Officers that I have met. They take their time to make sure that these future Soldiers...read more

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) - Cincinnati, OH

Mahoma Tello — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:00:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
After spending a few days as Mr. Mom, I headed out Thursday evening to Cincinnati, OH. I arrived pretty late, and while driving in to the Westin Hotel in downtown, to my left was this huge stadium, not only to be the stadium of the Cincinnati Bengals. Not to mention downtown Cincinnati borders neighboring Kentucky, just cross one of many bridges and voila, you arrive in Kentucky, interesting. Anyway, Friday began the exhibitor booth event. There is something about...read more

DS Tello aka Mr. Mom

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:40:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
So for the past few days I have been Mr. Mom (eat your heart out Michael Keaton). My wife is at the Annual AUSA Military Family Symposium in Washington D.C. while I get house duties. I get my girls ready for school, do their hair (yes ladies and gentlemen, I do my girls hair) feed them breakfast and take them to school, cook dinner and chores. It looks like the roles have been reversed for a few days. Now I know how my wife feels when I am away on TDY, and now she...read more

Future Farmers of America - Indianapolis, IN Day 2

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:54:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
As my battle buddy, DS Robertson, blogged about how busy is was yesterday at the Army booth, today was no different. The engagement each exhibitor had with each person is a lasting impression on how they view the Army and the military. It is one Army, from Army Recruiters, Army Educators, Army ROTC, and Army Drill Sergeants (if I forgot someone, you are a part of this too), each individual had a chance to engage, share Army stories, where they are from and what...read more

Zephyrhills, FL - Zephyrhills High School

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:59:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Yesterday I headed out to Zephyrhills High School in Zephyrhills, FL. Now when you think of Florida, you think of Miami, or Orlando, land of Disney, but Zephyrhills is like no other small town in the states, with population of over 10,000, it made me think of Overland Park, and that is in the state of Kansas. Ryan Pickett, who is a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1998, around the same time I graduated high...read more

Kissimmee, FL - Liberty High School

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:37:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
This morning I headed out to Kissimmee, FL. My hit time, 0700hrs. The school, Liberty High School, Home of the "Chargers". My duty as exhibitor has me travel to different high schools in the areas that I have visited. I have met some outstanding recruiters, and some great kids. The recruiters already know that not everyone qualifies to be a "Soldier", and that right there, with the time that I have spent with Army Recruiters, has been an eye...read more

Orlando, FL - University High School

Mahoma Tello — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:22:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today I had the opportunity to visit one of the high schools in Orlando, Florida. I visited University High School, spent time with USMC ROTC, and visited a Psychology classes. I spoke to about 5 to 6 periods ranging from 20 to 25 students per period, mostly Juniors and Seniors. With the USMC ROTC I spoke about Basic Combat Training and what training is like compared to when I came in the Army many years ago. In the audience there were about two students that are...read more

DoD/HENAAC (GMiS) Luncheon - Orlando, Florida

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Yesterday I attended the 2010 DoD/HENAAC Luncheon. Here, HENAAC presented awards to dedicated cadets from every branch of service for their exemplary performance in academics and must hold a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career field. Not only for their exemplary performance in academics, but for volunteering and helping others to achieve higher goals and each told a brief story about themselves and what has helped them become the future...read more

In the Land of Disney - Orlando, Florida

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:45:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Here, I am, once again, but in Orlando, Florida. I will be supporting the Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, followed by high school visits in the area. I will be sharing my Army story, what the Army can do for you, and what BCT is like. It is funny that I am here, because during Christmas time the Tello family will actually be visiting the Coronado Springs Resort. For me, it is sort of like a recon, getting to know the lay...read more

What the Army has done for me and my Education.

Mahoma Tello — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 18:24:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
When I joined the Army, I did not know what to expect. I had not been outside Chicago, for the exception of Mexico in '84-'85, and to California in '89, in awhile. My initial enlistment was 2yrs and out. I received the MGIB and the Army College Fund. I went to Fort Jackson, SC, 14 Jul 1998, for Basic Training. Fort Gordon for AIT for MOS 31L, Cable Systems Installer Maintainer, aka: "Cabledawg". And by December of 1998, I was stationed...read more

Army Wives and The United States Marine Corp 17th Annual Mud Run - Columbia, SC

Mahoma Tello — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:38:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Well, you are wondering why I am blogging about a Marine Corp event on an Army Website. Since you ask, my wife and her friends participated in the 17th Annual Marine Corp Mud Run. My wife, like many others, is an Army wife! A little but about the event: The Greater Columbia Marine Foundation which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization sponsors the event annually to raise money to support Marines and their families from the Columbia area who have been wounded or...read more

San Diego Wrap Up

Mahoma Tello — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 04:52:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Well today wraps up my trip here in San Diego, CA. I spent my day with about 300 students from San Diego High School. I hung out with some outstanding recruiters, SFC Stevenson, SSG Campos, SSG Turegano, and SGT Valdez. Shared some Army stories and chow. With the students I shared my Army story, told them about my life struggles and why I joined the military. The guys from the Mobile Exhibitor Van are an awesome crew. It was an excellent trip, I spent...read more

San Diego, CA - Rancho Bernardo and Monte Vista High School Visits

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:58:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Yesterday I headed out to Rancho Bernardo High School where I engaged about 100 students while they were on their lunch break. I headed the push-up event for great Army Rewards and a chance to hang out with the Army Mobile Exhibitor van and check out some neat stuff. Today I headed out to Monte Vista High School, and pretty much the same deal as Tuesday, talking to students about what the Army can do for them as far as college benefits and my job as a Drill...read more

San Diego, CA - Serra HS Visit

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:35:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today I went out to Serra High School with SSG Spears from the Kearny Mesa Recruiting Station and the Mobile Exhibitor Team out of Fort Knox, KY. We had a chance to speak to about 75 Navy JROTC cadets. We spread our Army message and what the Army can do for them if they decide to join our ranks. Some knew already that they would join the military, others were uncertain. When I was introduced to the JROTC cadets they thought that I was going to scream and...read more

San Diego, CA - 24th Annual HACU Conference Final Day

Mahoma Tello — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:25:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today wrapped up the 24th Annual Conference in San Diego. The Army exhibit booth received a lot of awesome compliments from various of people. Our booth stood out amongst all other booths. And I am not saying that just because, but, it was evident; I had a gentleman approach me and say that "our booth stood out". That made me feel good of what I was doing. It is all one team, and one fight, spreading the Army message. My interaction with people...read more

San Diego, CA - 24th Annual HACU Conference Day 2

Mahoma Tello — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:34:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today in San Diego, I spent time at the Army exhibit, answering questions about what the Army can do for you. I spoke to one college student which approached the Army exhibit and asked a few questions about training and then she said something interesting: As I explained to her that I am a "Drill Sergeant" and that my job was to basically train civilians and mold them into Soldiers, she told me that she could not picture me yelling. This is not the first time...read more

San Diego, CA - 24th Annual HACU Conference Day 1

Mahoma Tello — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today began the 24th Annual HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) Conference in San Diego, CA. I attended the Welcome Plenary followed by the exhibits, where I was, along with Army Recruiters, ROTC, and West Point. I spoke to a couple of individuals on the benefits of the Army and what it can do for them as far as education and job opportunities. It is an awesome experience to be able to carry a conversation in Spanish. A lot of people where...read more

Tucson, AZ - Old Pueblo Recruiting Station/Catalina Recruiting Station Visits

Mahoma Tello — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:12:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
So yesterday I headed out with SGT Juarez from the Old Pueblo Recruiting Station to Amphi High School in Tucson to talk to the kids during lunch. I had the opportunity to engage my Spanish speaking skills with some of the students and headed a "reto" (challenge in Spanish) to whoever wanted to do 50 push-ups for an Army t-shirt; the kicker was that I was going to do it with them. After about 10 minutes I had a volunteer, and the challenge began, and I knocked out my 50...read more

Tucson, AZ - Catalina Recruiting Station

Mahoma Tello — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:54:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Today I went to Palo Verde High School with the Catalina Recruiting Station. We also had an asset from Accessions Command with the H2 Hummer out there hooking up the XBOX 360 and some UFC fighting. I spoke to a lot of high school students during their lunch periods and a lot of them just came on their own. Either it was the excitement of playing video games, or the opportunity to do some push ups for some great Army gifts and the chance to talk to a Drill Sergeant, but...read more

Trips to Tucson and San Diego

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:44:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Hi again, DS Tello here, just want to let you know of my upcoming trips. On Sunday I will be heading out to Tucson, AZ and a follow on event in San Diego, CA (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) . I will be in Tucson for three days visiting with the local recruiters and in San Diego for about five day at the HACU. If you are in the Tucson or San Diego area, come out and talk to a real Drill Sergeant as I share my Army story with you and give you some awesome...read more

9/11 Memorial Run - Fort Jackson, SC

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:27:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Hi, this is DS Tello from the Drill Sergeant Exhibitor Program and I wanted to let you know that one of our battalions (3/34) here at Fort Jackson will be hosting the 9/11 Memorial Run tomorrow at Hilton Field. The run starts at 7 am and you have a choice of running/walking a 5k or 10k. My wife and I are going to do the 5k. I am not to sure on the price, but I will find out tomorrow. So if you are in the greater Columbia, SC area, I encourage you to come out and...read more

Shenandoah County Fair - Future Soldier Oath of Enlistment/TNA Wrestling

Mahoma Tello — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:00:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
I had an awesome time out at the fair today. Very eventful I must say. I met a lot of great future Soldiers and they had some excellent questions about Basic Training. The future Soldiers got a little taste of Basic Training, Drill Sergeant style. I was very geeked because I met Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, the Abyss, amongst others from TNA Wrestling. The TNA Wrestling personnel are very supportive of the military and the future Soldiers got a chance to get autographs...read more

Shenandoah County Fair - Veterans Tribute Day/Honoring Future Soldiers

Mahoma Tello — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:53:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Hello everyone, today I had the privilege of meeting future Soldiers as well as marching them onto a Grandstand Ceremony honoring veterans from the past, present and future. Not only did I get to march future Soldiers but I also marched future Sailors onto the ceremony. The recruiters from both the Army and the Navy are very awesome and they work hand in hand, solidifying one team, one fight. I also had a chance to speak to the future Soldiers and answer their questions on...read more

Shenandoah County Fair

Mahoma Tello — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:28:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
This is Drill Sergeant Tello from the Drill Sergeant Exhibitor Program. I would like to let you know that I will be attending the Shenandoah County Fair from 1 Sep - 4 Sep in Woodstock, VA. I will be visiting Future Soldiers in the area and sharing my story, the Army values and the warrior ethos to them. If you are in the vicinity, come check the event out. See you there, and Army strong!!!!...read more

DSEP

Mahoma Tello — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:52:00 GMT

By: Mahoma Tello
Hello, my name is Sergeant First Class Mahoma Tello, a Drill Sergeant from Fort Jackson, SC currently assigned to the Drill Sergeant Exhibitor Program. In the next couple of months I will be traveling around the different areas of the country to share my Army story to you. See you soon, and Army strong!...read more