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We've all had many memorable moments throughout our careers, and among these there's likely that one defining experience, which stands above them all. Perhaps it was a school or training experience, a family member's graduation or retirement, assuming command or leadership position, selection for a special program, or something altogether different... in a military career, there has been many of those defining moments and memorable experiences, what was yours? Please feel free to share photos, links, video, audio files or anything else needed to help tell your story. Similar to everyone having their own reasons for joining the military, each of us has a unique story to tell, and a most memorable event or proudest moment in your career. I've heard some amazing stories over the years, so I'm certain that you all have some great moments to share; I look forward to hearing your amazing stories, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
Military Career
Training
Awards
Retirement
Promotions
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 79
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I have many. My favorite moments were the awards and decorations ceremonies I got to attend either for myself or my subordinates or peers
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Col (Join to see) Sir, my proudest moment came as Detachment Sergeant of the 1149th MP DET (CID) at Camp Mabry in Austin, TX. I organized and was able to have a Major Command, Command Sergeant Major preside over the 1st NCO induction ceremony held in the command. To have a group of NCOs experience the history and tradition of our "corps" and cross that symbolic line, while embracing the values and leadership responsibilities inherent in being an NCO truly made me proud. A tie for me, was when I was the 1SG for a deployed CID unit and we returned home with the same people we deployed with. There have been many moments, but the majority of my self satisfaction came from helping other Soldiers, performing for my unit, and accomplishing the mission.
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My proudest military moment was being able to push through promotion paperwork for three Soldiers, obtain re-enlistment bonuses for four Soldiers, and re-arranging an R&R schedule to support a Soldier and his family while maintaing 100% mission accomplishment. The crowning accomplishment came from my BN CDR who stated "you are the best Detachment Sergeant I have seen in my 24 years in the Army." My accomplishments were always about mission accomplishment and taking care of troops. The greatest satisfaction I had was in the success of the Soldiers I mentored.
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My proudest moment was as an Army Reserve Company Commander speaking at my outgoing Change of Command Ceremony. My wife and pre-teen daughters were in the audience. As I highlighted what the Company had accomplished during my time in Command. I was interrupted after each milestone event with a rousing HOOAH from my soldiers and each one was progressively more enthusiastic. Although, my daughters did not exactly know what HOOAH meant, it was clear to them that I had a very positive impact on this large group of soldiers. The pride I felt was shining through their eyes and told me that they understood why I sacrificed time with them to serve in the Army Reserves.
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MCPO (Join to see)
* Donned.
Dawn is when the sun comes up. Don is when you put a piece of clothing on your body.
Sorry, but I'm an ass-hat like that.
Dawn is when the sun comes up. Don is when you put a piece of clothing on your body.
Sorry, but I'm an ass-hat like that.
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I have had quite a few. But, the the two that pop into mind immediately is when I first became a Career Counselor I was assigned to Madigan Army Medical Center, a WTB was one of the units in which I was responsible. This Combat Engineer had his arm blown off by an IED in Iraq. He fought tooth and nail to get a Continuation of Active Duty (COAD) agreement. The only thing he wanted was to go BACK to Iraq with his Engineer unit and lead his Soldiers. I am very proud to have helped this Soldier work this issue. It was a very proud moment to see this warrior raise his right hand.
The other moment was moving across the berm in Iraq with the FLOT within an hour of the start of the ground war. It was amazing to see Joint Air/Land battle at its finest.
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We Sailors are big on ceremony and tradition, When you retire a Boatswains Mate from 1st Division, "Pipes" you over the side (Group of tones on the Boatswains Whistle) One of the oldest rates in the Navy a Hard, Rough Group that are the Kings of Shipboard Ceremony. They fight at the drop of a hat because they can. Word filtered up to me that there was almost a knock down dragout in 1st Div Berthing over who would have the Honor of Piping CT1 over the side. If that doesn't give you a big head nothing will. Most OODs weren't very polite to the guys in 1st Div, I treated them with the same respect that I expected to be treated with.
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When I ETS'd from the active component after five years it was so close to my BDE's return from OIF that my unit had no time to process any kind of PCS/ETS award. My supervisor, with whom I had spent the previous 3 1/2 years, took it upon his self to have a plaque made and mailed it to me a month or so after I got out. He included a short note explaining that, in his opinion, when I decided not to re-up the Army had lost one of its finest NCOs and the best soldier he had ever supervised. While I understand that the note was merely a reflection of one man's opinion it confirmed to me that I had done my duty well. I valued those words from a fellow soldier far more than any of the accolades I earned during my time in service; I still do. If anyone was in a position to critique my abilities as a soldier it was him.
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I would say it happened last year when my unit and I got back from our annual training. I decided to order pizza for everyone as a final celebration. When everything was winding down, a corporal came up to me and told me that my AGR SFC and myself had influenced him to reenlist due to how the two of us lead the unit. The corporal told me that myself and the senior NCO gave him confidence that there is still good leadership in the Army. I would say that I was proud to have that happen more than actually commissioning.
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Oh gosh, so many. None are remotely close to what many have already posted, but I was in the Army at a different time with a lot less adrenaline!
- Finding a never-before-used spot for my EW jammer at NTC. Even the O/Cs said no one had ever found that place before, and driving the HMMWV up there was pretty gnarly (man, I love driving those things!). We kicked ass on that mission (until the BC came to see what all the fuss was about, leading the OPFOR right to us, thanks ma'am.... *rolling eyes*) My team was named Heroes of the Rotation. Rock on.
- Being named night-shift NCOIC for the aviation brigade S2 shop in Bosnia over others of higher rank and experience. That meant I wrote the INTSUM that was disseminated around the country that our flight crews used to stay out of trouble. I also gave the morning briefing to the Bde Cmdr and the rest of the day staff. As a SPC not even trained as a 96B. When I rotated out of country, the Bde S2 OIC said he'd never seen anyone do as good a job. Got an ARCOM for it, too.
- Many years later, and now an Army civilian, supporting 1000+ armor Soldiers through an OIF deployment as the battalion Family Readiness Support Assistant. We had the best rear detachment team of all time, between the rear d commander and 1SG, the battalion cmdr's wife, and the eight company FRG leaders. I didn't realize how awesome a team we were until they came back (didn't lose a single Soldier!), the BC changed command, and I PCSed away. I still get contacted from people involved that say how much they appreciated all that I did for them. An awesome two years.
- And although this isn't technically my moment, the day my husband took responsibility for his first company as a 1SG. I was smiling so hard I felt like my head was about to split open. He'd been working his whole career for that moment, and it was finally his turn. It's still surreal seeing him wear the diamond.
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