CH (CPT) Heather Davis 58247 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My motivation is to mentor and develop the next generation. 2014-02-16T00:49:49-05:00 CH (CPT) Heather Davis 58247

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My motivation is to mentor and develop the next generation.

2014-02-16T00:49:49-05:00 2014-02-16T00:49:49-05:00 SSG Andrew Dydasco 58278

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;&quot;&gt;I&#39;m motivated by the opportunity and desire to grow and learn new things. I&#39;m very self-motivated too; I&#39;m not at peace with myself until I know I&#39;m working at my full potential.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;edit: punctuation&lt;/span&gt;

2014-02-16T02:10:15-05:00 2014-02-16T02:10:15-05:00 SFC Steven Harvey 58284

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just love my job, I love teaching Soldiers, and I love the environment. &amp;nbsp;I love being able to give Soldiers direction, mentorship, and giving them the opportunity to build team environments. &amp;nbsp;Having Soldiers excel makes me proud to be doing what I am doing. &amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I think of it in a way as when I retire, those brand new troopers coming in will be that PSG, 1SG or CSM when my kids come in. &amp;nbsp;I want to make sure that my influence helped shape the military my kids will be introduced to when they go to BASIC.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-16T02:32:51-05:00 2014-02-16T02:32:51-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 58292

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;font color=&quot;#000000&quot; size=&quot;3&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;<br /><br />&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;margin: 0in 0in 10pt;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#000000&quot; size=&quot;3&quot; face=&quot;Calibri&quot;&gt;I joined the Army at 29. It was one of the most difficult transitions<br />I have ever had to make. What I have learned along the way is, unlike in the<br />civilian world, your success is primarily based on the success of those in your<br />charge. Whether that be Soldiers of whom you directly supervise or those that<br />tend to gravitate to you. What motivated me was ensuring every Soldier I came<br />in contact with had everything I was capable of giving them, even if that was<br />just a shove in the right direction, to ensure their success. I am now a<br />Battalion Retention NCO, my duty today is to ensure that each and every Soldier<br />has whatever information they need to make the most informed decision they can.<br />Doing everything I can to ensure the Soldier makes the best decision based on<br />his or her situation. Today I find motivation and satisfaction through helping Soldiers<br />determine the direction of their future. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#000000&quot; size=&quot;3&quot; face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;<br /><br />. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;

2014-02-16T03:15:26-05:00 2014-02-16T03:15:26-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 58319

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great question Ma'am,<div><br></div><div>I have stayed in for a few reason but one I thought of was I am a great combat soldier. So after many deployments I have led combat operations and felt if I wasn't there I really didn't have faith in others to led. </div><div><br></div><div>V/R</div><div>1SG Haro</div>

2014-02-16T06:31:20-05:00 2014-02-16T06:31:20-05:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 58323

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">One of the greatest reasons I have stayed in, is because this job allows me the opportunity to do amazing things.<p></p></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"> </p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">In 2005 Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.  I was a young SrA (E-4) and my transportation unit was tasked with supporting the influx of over 10,000 evacuees from NOLA to San Antonio.<p></p></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"> </p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">As these people disembarked the plane, they looked to someone for answers.  The Red Cross led the relief efforts with heavy support from the San Antonio Police and Fire Departments.  The evacuees didn't know that.  They just knew that their lives had been turned upside down and they looked to the people they thought could help them the most.<p></p></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"> </p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">The people they looked to were the ones in camo.  They bypassed the Red Cross reps, the police, and the firemen, to ask the military on scene what they should do, where the should, and what would happen with them.  Although we were nearly a supporting role in that relief effort, the American public didn't know that.  They saw an American military uniform and they immediately gravitated towards us because they knew what we represented.<p></p></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"> </p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">I got to see this same effect six years later after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.<p></p></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"> </p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Helvetica;">Although our primary mission may be to deter and destroy America’s enemies, we still represent the most powerful global force for both defense and humanitarian support.  People around the world recognize the men and women of the DoD as both.  And when the shit hits the fan, from human aggression, or mother nature, there is no better friend to have than the United States of America.</p>

2014-02-16T06:44:16-05:00 2014-02-16T06:44:16-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 58337

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Knowing that I am part of a very small and special group (less than 2%), Knowing I am on the best team in the world, Knowing that only me can limit myself when it comes to growth, Knowing I get to do what I love and get paid for it. I can go on and on but I think I made my point. I am not a Kanye West fan but this is the best job of all times.

2014-02-16T07:40:02-05:00 2014-02-16T07:40:02-05:00 Maj Chris Nelson 58390

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined in 1987.  I had a 1 year break in service upon completion of my 8 year obligation.  I was out for about 1 year but missed the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, and of course, the money!  I came back in, after the 1 year break in service and have stayed in since.  I am now down to 2 years until I can retire....excited and scared about that!  But with that being said, it is now time for me to move on in another direction, without regrets. 

2014-02-16T11:01:00-05:00 2014-02-16T11:01:00-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 58394

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a Sergeant. When I first came in it was fun but as I achieved more rank and more responsibility it became not about me but about those young Soldiers. &amp;nbsp;So ultimately the reason I&#39;ve stayed in the Army has been for the Soldiers. &amp;nbsp;They give up a lot and they deserve someone that is committed to taking care of them and ensuring that they are trained and prepared to conduct their wartime mission.

2014-02-16T11:06:29-05:00 2014-02-16T11:06:29-05:00 SFC James Baber 58426

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Short and simple, I loved my job and career, and taking care of and teaching the young Soldiers that have come in after me so they can be the future for our military and be the future leaders of my children in they desire to serve as well.

2014-02-16T12:34:00-05:00 2014-02-16T12:34:00-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 58481

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Payback for 9/11.  I've spent the last eight years in Afghanistan or training to go here.  I'm not sure I would have stayed in otherwise.

2014-02-16T15:12:49-05:00 2014-02-16T15:12:49-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 63009

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The desire grow and exceed my own expectations as a soldier.<div><br></div><div>Deploying (hopefully in the near future) and one day switching to RA or going AGR alos keeps me pretty motivated as well.</div><div><br></div><div>Who in their right mind voluntarily leaves the Army is what I tell myself.</div>

2014-02-23T15:38:57-05:00 2014-02-23T15:38:57-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 63010

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First and foremost I stay because I love my career. I wanted to be in the military my entire life and enjoy just about everything about it.  I enjoy teaching, educating, and motivating soldiers.  I enjoy accomplishing a tough mission and the pride that comes with doing something that was difficult.  I love the pride I get by wearing the uniform and knowing that I am performing a worthwhile mission and duty for my country.<br><br>On a more personal level I love what it has provided me and my family.  A rewarding career for myself, a good salary, free college education, and good healthcare for my family.  <br><br>I could go on and on about the things the military has done for my life and my career but I'll keep it short.  I try to encourage and show soldiers how rewarding the military can be if they'll only reach out and grasp the possibilities.<br>

2014-02-23T15:43:05-05:00 2014-02-23T15:43:05-05:00 MSG Gene Potocki 63224

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It motivated me to be more then what I was. To challenge myself I had some great leaders that inspired me to be like them. I hope I was able to pass on the torch to those that followed me.

2014-02-23T23:36:43-05:00 2014-02-23T23:36:43-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 63236

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I look back at my time in the service with great appreciation and am very proud to be counted as a Veteran. It was a positive military experience for me, overall. It wasn't glamorous; it’s what I chose to do. What made it positive was the personal growth I experienced. I matured faster than I would have, and in ways I would never have because of my military service. I entered the U.S. Army at the age of 23. I remember doubting my decision and missing home terribly while at basic training. Military life was a big adjustment from life Phoenix, AZ as a retail store mgr. I wonder at times of what have I gotten myself into, but I learned so much about myself, the world and how to live with integrity and discipline. I grew up so much in my 23 years of service and for that I am eternally grateful. It is something I wish more Americans could experience.

2014-02-24T00:20:59-05:00 2014-02-24T00:20:59-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 63400

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My goal since I've been 17 years old has been to be an instructor in the JROTC program. I was a terrible teen, and that program saved me. In order to instruct, you must be retired from the military. So every time things get me down, I just have to remember that goal..

2014-02-24T09:59:24-05:00 2014-02-24T09:59:24-05:00 CMC Robert Young 64276

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>It's the family business. All males (and some females) above the age of 18 are almost expected to serve. The family tree traces servicemen and women back to the AEF of WWI right through to today. We've covered all five services. We're both enlisted and officers. We're one tour and out as well as lifers. It's what we do.</p><p><br></p><p>But we recognize that the freedoms we enjoy are not; never have been; or ever will be free. I love this country, and can't image not doing my small part ensure its safety.</p>

2014-02-25T14:58:42-05:00 2014-02-25T14:58:42-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 64307

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">My motivation to stay in was my Family, the brother hood and<br />the love of my Country. I was hooked from day one. I loved what I was doing, believed<br />in the cause and still do!!!! ATW!!! </p><br /><br />

2014-02-25T15:26:48-05:00 2014-02-25T15:26:48-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 64335

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I love it. My job, the honors, the ceremonies, the comaraderie, and even the bad days be they few and far in between; knowing that I'm never alone walking down a road that others haven't walked down before. Military members have been people I have looked up to since I was a child and it is an honor to share the uniform with my heros.

2014-02-25T15:51:25-05:00 2014-02-25T15:51:25-05:00 1SG Michael Blount 65728

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just love what I do. Teach, advise and counsel

2014-02-27T07:18:09-05:00 2014-02-27T07:18:09-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 66733

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What kept me in?  The shared sense of accomplishment.<div><br></div><div>I intended to gain some great experience, fulfill my initial obligation, and head on to a civilian career.  The accomplishments of the organizations I was a part of kept me in - seeing Soldiers work exceptionally hard under less than ideal circumstances to achieve amazing results was something I wanted to continue to be a part of.  I'm continually impressed with what organizations with good leaders and motivated Soldiers can do.  It's simply awesome and makes me very proud to wear the uniform.</div>

2014-02-28T15:03:02-05:00 2014-02-28T15:03:02-05:00 SPC Dustin Johnson 66843

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I loved being a Scout!  The constant challenge of the ever changing environment and the ability to teach the new Scouts what it takes to be effective at their job.  It was almost always exciting.  Sadly, physical limitations kept me from reenlisting or I would have been a career soldier. But it was still the most exciting time of my life. 

2014-02-28T16:39:40-05:00 2014-02-28T16:39:40-05:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 84097

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I stayed for 26 years because I loved being a Soldier, specifically a Tanker, and I wanted to mentor, teach and train future leaders. My career didn't end as I wanted it to due to my not being selected for MSG, but I would not have changed very much of the time I spent in uniform, except definitely the 3-years in Recruiting lol!!

2014-03-24T18:04:40-04:00 2014-03-24T18:04:40-04:00 CMSgt James Nolan 84156

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My Motivation to stay is the ability to continue to serve this great Nation and better myself, while trying to instill the values that were taught to me as a young Marine.  Every day that I put my uniform on, I am reminded of all that is good with our Nation.  Every time I get to make an impact on a young warrior's life in some minor way, (sometimes a positive teaching point, sometimes a hard lesson) or try and deter someone from hitting the pitfalls/errors that we all made as young troops, I take away a little bit of that Good Feeling that you can only get by being a part of something much bigger than yourself.  I consider that service a privilege.  And take the responsibility that comes with that service very seriously.  While our military is not perfect, it is by far the best in the world, and I get to be a part of that.  And it matters.

2014-03-24T19:13:22-04:00 2014-03-24T19:13:22-04:00 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 84158

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the Army for purely selfish reasons; to travel, shoot guns, jump out of planes, blow up stuff, work with good guys, and have a few beers along the way.  I've been able to that and see no reason to stop!<br>

2014-03-24T19:17:27-04:00 2014-03-24T19:17:27-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 84165

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What wasn't to love about being an Crippie, Spook, Spy, Intell Weeney. Getting to know everything. "Need to Know" I am providing your communications I get to know everything. Being part of the Inner Circle.

2014-03-24T19:23:32-04:00 2014-03-24T19:23:32-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 251097

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I hope you never get out <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="44777" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/44777-56a-command-and-unit-chaplain-926th-en-bde-412th-tec">CH (CPT) Heather Davis</a> ! Well said.

2014-09-22T17:50:20-04:00 2014-09-22T17:50:20-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 251116

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="44777" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/44777-56a-command-and-unit-chaplain-926th-en-bde-412th-tec">CH (CPT) Heather Davis</a> I got this from 1LT John Martin I hope you can use it to motivate,mentor, and develop the next generation. Looks great.<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1M_HwmFMM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1M_HwmFMM</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-youtube"> <div class="pta-link-card-video"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kk1M_HwmFMM?version=3&amp;autohide=1&amp;wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1M_HwmFMM">Unbroken - Official Trailer (HD)</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Unbroken This Christmas http://www.unbrokenfilm.com/ Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie directs and produces Unbroken, an epic drama that follows the incre...</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div>

2014-09-22T18:02:39-04:00 2014-09-22T18:02:39-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 251141

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Cameraderie <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="44777" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/44777-56a-command-and-unit-chaplain-926th-en-bde-412th-tec">CH (CPT) Heather Davis</a>. Now that I am retired, I miss that reason the most. I thank God for RallyPoint. Being in the middle of nowhere has serious drawbacks. All my military family is online now.

2014-09-22T18:16:58-04:00 2014-09-22T18:16:58-04:00 LTC Hillary Luton 251279

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm not really sure. I went to bed one night. I was a 17 year old private, and I woke up 32 years later, ready to retire. The rest is a blur. <br /><br />Seriously, as many times as I wanted to throw in the towel because the politics and bureaucracy drove me crazy, I would remember that working with incredible Soldiers makes up for all the crazy. I love helping people. What better place to do that than in the military?

2014-09-22T19:38:16-04:00 2014-09-22T19:38:16-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 252397

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined in 1991 because I thought that every man should serve. My father volunteered for the Army in 1942 when it was segregated. He talked about many experiences while in the Army, but he never had a bad word to say about anyone, despite things he probably dealt with. <br /><br />I stayed in the last 3 years (at 23 now) mainly to provide for my family. I lost the love when I transitioned to the officer side, probably because I didn't have a real plan as to what I wanted to accomplish as an officer. If I stay another 2-7 years and reach 30, I will have to LOVE it once again. It has been an awesome experience all around, but if you don't have the love anymore, you should prepare to transition.

2014-09-23T16:22:32-04:00 2014-09-23T16:22:32-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 253013

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Despite the fact that I came from another country, but the desire to serve this great nation ran deep in me and the brotherhood, sisterhood that I found in the Army.

2014-09-23T23:02:59-04:00 2014-09-23T23:02:59-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 253736

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I grew up in the Air Force and after Dad retired I enlisted and served on active duty from 1984 to 1988 and then another two years in the Air Force Reserve. 1990 I thought I knew better and got out. I volunteered with the USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) up until 2006 when I enlisted into the Army National Guard.<br /><br />My motivation for staying in uniform (I should NEVER have came off active duty in 1988) is that I enjoy military life and the common bond we share wearing the uniforms of our country. There is a kinship, a sense of integrity to do what is right as well as duty and honor amongst us. I never saw this in the civilian world.<br /><br />I was very fortunate to be able to transition to a Mil-Tech position with the Department of the Army in 2009 after returning home from Iraq and I work with a great bunch of AGR and M-Day personnel.

2014-09-24T12:43:01-04:00 2014-09-24T12:43:01-04:00 MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter) 253751

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The joy of service, combined with some solid leadership from both the Officer and SNCO ranks! I have served under some really exceptional people during my career, and those few have had a positive impact on my life/career.

2014-09-24T12:51:35-04:00 2014-09-24T12:51:35-04:00 MAJ Daniel Buchholz 253774

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The fact that I can see the impact of my work and know that my bosses appreciate my work. When you can spend months of planning, days of work and then see the whole plan come together through you and your teams work (and of course, since I am Signal, very few people in the TOC's/field really realizing how amazing that everything worked) is quite satisfying and motivating.

2014-09-24T13:02:04-04:00 2014-09-24T13:02:04-04:00 TSgt Private RallyPoint Member 484682

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I missed it while I was out did active time 86-94 Air Force Security Police than was out for 11 yrs came back in 2005 stayed in the Wy Army Guard for 5 years after deployment switched back to the Air Guard and really missed doing my part and all the friendships that I made stay in now because still enjoying it love my job in public Affairs as a photojournalist sitting at 17 years now.

2015-02-19T00:18:01-05:00 2015-02-19T00:18:01-05:00 Maj Private RallyPoint Member 484689

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I enlisted when I was 18 years old. I love the concept of the military and I love my job. I want to learn from those around me and I hope I leave others better after they met me. I want to help those grow in their career and retire knowing I made a difference. I love the fact that I've traveled to places I would never had the opportunity of seeing if I were a civilian. In other words, I just love this life.

2015-02-19T00:22:14-05:00 2015-02-19T00:22:14-05:00 2014-02-16T00:49:49-05:00