What was your best or worst assignment?

It is almost impossible to pick one for either of them.  They all had extremely great times and memories, as well as low points.  It all depended on the attitude you had going in to them. “The job is what you make it”.

Where is “home?”

Home before: Kirby Texas, then Hackettstown New Jersey.

Home now: Bridgeville PA.  Had never lived there before, but had visited on one of my Instructor TDYs. (Temporary Duty)

How did military life change you?

Military life does change everyone.  For me, it helped me learn to deal with adversity and hardship.  It taught me that not everyone comes from the same background and upbringing.  You rapidly learn how to adjust your point of view and try and see things from a different perspective.  You learn to try and ensure the mission is completed as quickly and as safely as possible, while still trying to ‘take care of the troops’.  Some things can’t be done safely.  There is always a risk involved.  All you can do is try your best to mitigate the risk.  It also made me learn how to put my feelings on the back burner sometimes.  That can be a bad thing at times, because you don’t think about the feelings of the other guy.  Sometimes you can’t.  The job needed to be done, regardless of conditions. This can make you appear as uncaring, and unapproachable. It got too easy to become ‘cold’.

Did you see combat?

I was never directly involved in a combat situation, for which my mother will be eternally grateful.  I do know many who were though.

Why did you leave?

I left because I reached mandatory retirement age.  I would have easily stayed longer if allowed.

Thank you, Jeffrey! Stay tuned for his final post on his thoughts about the military.