Completed 20 years of service

Yesterday on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, I reached a personal milestone, in which, I have completed 20 years of military service. At paygrade E-6 and were to retire upon receiving my 20-year letter, I would have to wait until age 60 to receive my retirement pay, which would be about $700 a month. For now, I do plan to stay in the Guard.

My military career began in August of 1985 when I left Memphis for Great Lakes, IL for the US Navy. After basic training, I was trained as an Aviation Support Equipment Electrician at NAS Memphis. I received further training at NAS Jacksonville. While stationed in Florida, I had my first chance to swim in the ocean and visit Disney World. After training, I was transferred to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. I worked at the airfield and maintained equipment that kept the planes flying. Toured much of Puerto Rico, including the beaches and San Juan. Also during my time, visited St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands twice. Upon discharge from the Navy, I returned to Tennessee and began attending the University fo Tennessee at Martin. During that first semester, I did enlist into the Tennessee Army National Guard in the 1174th Transportation Company. The first year in the Guard was uneventful, but in November of 1990, the unit received orders for active duty. The next nine months were at Ft. Campbell, KY and flown to Saudi Arabia. During the 1991 Gulf War, I did visit Kuwait and Iraq.

In 1992, I took a break and remained a civilian for 3 years. I was told of a Military Police Company in Murray, KY. I joined the 438th MP Company. While with the MP's, I did visit Ecuador and Panama. Also participated in state active duty for the Kentucky Derby, various concerts and security in the Paducah area when the Ohio River flooded the region.

In 1999, I transferred back to the 1174th Transportation Company. During that time, I have visited California, a weekend in Las Vegas, NV, Fort Knox, KY and Fort Stewart, GA. In 2003, the unit was again placed on active duty and I re-visited Kuwait and Iraq. Returned home in 2004 and remained on active duty for medical problems. Medical problems were remedied and released back to the 1174th. After Hurricane Katrina, the unit was placed on federal active duty and I visited the ravaged New Orleans.

The National Guard was re-organized, the 1174th, became the 1171st and in order to be promoted, I took a position with the 1175th Transportation Co. in Humboldt, TN. Today, I am with the 1171st Transportation Company and plan to remain there.