The Army
I joined the Army in February 1989, when I was 19 years old. I served with the 452d Support Group until 1997. I was in the S-1 Administrative Section, and the S-2 Intelligence Section. During Desert Shield/Storm our unit was tasked with developing new ways to resupply artillery units on the move. I was awarded an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal and was Honorably Discharged 11 February 1997
Ft. Ben Harrison , Indianapolis
After Basic Training, I was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. It was great and such a culture shock from Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood. We had co-ed barracks like college dorms; and the base was built using the facilities of the Pan-Am Games, so we had an indoor olympic pool, gym, raquetball courts, movie theater, pizza joint, and a great PX. Plus we had the whole city of Indianapolis to enjoy. It was a great experience right out into the world. Plus the food was great; everything was farm fresh; eggs, milk, bacon, and the best SOS I've ever eaten.
Basic Training
Ft. Leonard Wood
Videos and Pics
I went to Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri in April, 1989. I lost 40 lbs and my parents didn't recognize me at first, thinking I was a guard when I greeted them. Some of the video below is footage from our unit. You can see me coming out of the gas chamber.
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R.O.T.C.
I also completed the R.O.T.C. program at the University of Rio Grande, including the Senior Year Evaluation Camp at Ft. Lewis Washington. We were a tight bunch that stuck together, but the program itself was one of my least favorite experiences. Basically the opposite of the real Army, it taught me what not to pursue and value in life.
