What was your proudest "military moment?"

In 2000 I had a female E-4 who had been one for a long time and was always getting passed over because we had a dumbass Readiness NCO who didn't think females should be SGT's and she was done with it and was not going to re-enlist. Since I also worked for the Guard as a civilian I knew how to get around this problem. I told her to just hang on and let me see what I could do. I found a way around this poor excuse for a Readiness NCO and next month to his surprise orders came down for her promotion. He knew I had something to do with it but could never prove it. At his retirement ceremony I told him and happily sent him on his way. Now this newly minted SGT was again told by me that she needs to shoot higher and go to OCS. in 2002 she graduated OCS and I had the honor of her first salute. Today MAJ (P) Donna WU is now an environmental Chief at National Guard Bureau. She has been not just an NCO but a company commander in Iraq and a Battalion XO. She has 4 different tours in the zone. Had this young SP4 quit the military would have lost out on a great leader. I have accomplished many things for myself but the accomplishments of those I mentored are my proudest moments. A wise drill SGT once told a young recruit that our accomplishments are gauged by those we mentor and their accomplishments and not the medals and ribbons we receive. I am a far better person for knowing each and being a part of the growth of the troops under my tutelage.

I think I just had it yesterday when I passed JMPI. I was so excited I tried to hug the Black Hat. Then I ran inside and slid 10 feet along the newly waxed floor up to the control table with a big smile on my face. The control table Black Hat said, "So... I take it you're a go?" 

MSG (Join to see) The day that I earned the title of United States Marine, and the day that I left Vietnam, when so many brothers did not.

Surviving CSTX at McCoy in August 2017 with my sanity (mostly) intact MSG (Join to see)

Graduating EOD School

I think for me it was earning an EFMB. Crossing the finish line of the road march was an amazing feeling.

1) Surviving Iraq
2) Making Sergeant
3) Making Staff Sergeant

MY most proud moment was at a change of command ceremony. I was the Lead Ceremonial Sideboy. As the Incoming New skipper came thru the line he looked at me directly as he passed. And the Old Capt. came thru next, he did the same thing. I started to get a weird feeling in my gut. We were given the order to Parade Rest. And your mind goes kinda blank as all the talking heads go on and on about this and that. I was just kind a waiting until we got the A Ten HUT call. Then! I heard my name called and the order for Front And Center!
Pop To attention, One step back, and snap a quick rt face and walk to the podium.
All the Blah Blah Reporting as ordered sir!
He then opens one of the Big Blue Binders and goes into all the list of things that Command thought I did great in.
He then Comes upto me and Hands me a BT1 patch and Saluted Me First!
Command Action Promotion!
He then says "Stand Fast PO1 Redd and he goes back to the podium and opens another Big Blue Binder and recites My first Navy Achievement Medal for some field op we did earlier in the year.
I thought my Dixie cup was gonna fly of my head and my Blouse was gonna shred I was excited!

9 Oct 2001, aircraft commander of one of the six original AC-130s sent to fight the enemy and destroy them like the evil cowards my great uncles faced in Nazi Europe. As we coasted eastbound out over the Atlantic, we made our last line of sight radio call to the US air traffic control. Ther replied, 'You are cleared to contact Oceanic Control...And thank you for all you do!' I'll never forget that moment--we were all quiet and I was thanking God for all the years of training and education, of exercise and study and sweat and His good providence that brought me to that moment-- to let me be ready and able to take the fight to the enemy less than one month after their hideous attack. I was a part of kicking their evil ass straight to Hell for the next decade and 9 more deployments into box, but nothing ever beat the knowledge that day. With surety of purpose, we were bringing a most righteous reckoning to a most deserving enemy -- or as Wyatt Earp was once purported to have said- 'You tell them We're coming! You tell them I'm coming and Hell's coming with me!'. Hoorah!

Had to be my promotion to CW4. Most of my immediate family was able to attend the promotion, including my father, who passed away a couple years later. That was a very proud moment in my career and my life.