Which of your military accomplishments are you most proud of?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:06:26 -0400

Think back over your entire military career. Maybe you received a medal for it. Maybe not. But whatever it was, which of your military accomplishments are you most proud of? Why does it give you so much pride?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Jul 22 at 2015 9:08 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:08:41 -0400

Mine is graduating CPE

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:12:49 -0400

Getting a chance to be a line medic

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:18:35 -0400

I am most proud of the work my detachment did in support of disaster relief in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. This is pride in those working with me rather than myself.

We did good work that benefited many and hurt no one on that detachment.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 22 at 2015 9:20 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:20:25 -0400

The thing I'm most proud of is grooming young people to be good leaders. I have plenty of decorations and awards but the lives I impacted mean the most.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 22 at 2015 9:21 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:21:13 -0400

I am a very proud recipient of a Legion of Merit, Armor Associations Order of St George and the Infantry Associations Order of St Maurice.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:22:20 -0400

I have 2. Making it through 68W (91B back in the day) as that course was a tuff mudder; coming home from war.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 22 at 2015 9:29 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:29:41 -0400

I am proud of serving my country for half my life, for the faith that my country had in me, for enlisting as a Private and being given increasing responsibility and for having the chance to serve with mostly wonderful people.

Most of all I was proud to be able to tell my father (a retired CW4) that I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 10 days before his death.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:31 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:31:08 -0400

Earning a commision and being selected as a 1LT to fill a position for which a major was authorized.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 22 at 2015 10:06 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 22:06:58 -0400

It was the day I enlisted - I remember thinking I have NO IDEA what is coming next and I asked God to help me - and boy did He ever!!! That's why I think of my whole career from that day not as something that I did, but something that He did thru me - because I asked Him too.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 22 at 2015 11:32 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:32:18 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver Wow, great question. I can think of so many things. I would say, first and foremost, the best things I ever received were heartfelt "thank yous" and "good jobs" more so than any medal, ribbon, badge etc. But, If I had to pick, and I picking two... Family first, then Army.

1. Staying married since 1983 to my HS sweetheart, and raising a family in the Army. As you know, being married is hard work, and being married as a Soldier, well that has its own unique challenges.

2. Army stuff... would be finishing Ranger School... standing on that field getting my tab, and knowing only 101 of 350 were left... And, I was one of them... and that some Captain (at my Armor Officer Basic Course) told me he didn't think I had what takes to make it ... Not only did I, but I was also lucky enough to be the honor graduate.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jul 22 at 2015 11:58 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:58:28 -0400

Earning the title "Marine". Followed by making Sergeant in two (2) years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 12:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:54:53 -0400

The one that without, nothing after would have been possible...my oath of enlistment.

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Jul 23 at 2015 1:00 AM

Maj William Gambrell — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:00:37 -0400

While at the Pentagon, I volunteered for an Army Deployment to fill an ILO position as an Electronic Warfare Officer in Afghanistan. I accomplished quite a bit in the field to help protect our soldiers despite the fact that I was an Airmen. The majority of my work was counter IED and I walked away thinking I solved problems without politics getting involved...maybe some :)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 23 at 2015 2:20 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 02:20:27 -0400

I like all of my Ribbons and Medals. Show that I had a Front Row Seat and or was Making History. Probably One I am the Most Proud of was just a JMUC that says I was there to Witness an Apocalypse of Biblical Proportions. Largest Volcanic Eruption in a Century and I had a Front Row Seat. Mt Pinatubo.

Response by MSG Marcel Guaring made Jul 23 at 2015 4:18 AM

MSG Marcel Guaring — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 04:18:33 -0400

Humanitarian mission to Guantanamo Bay Cuba providing logistical support to over 3200 migrants. Long work hours and work week but it was all worth it to be able to help so many displaced families.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jul 23 at 2015 4:25 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 04:25:45 -0400

Earning the right to be forever known as a UNITED STATES MARINE.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 06:50:02 -0400

Being an instructor in CLS class and have students save your buddy life in Afghanistan.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 7:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:20:03 -0400

Spending 40 months in combat zones, the successes of my first two deployments' missions, and being a Platoon Sergeant.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 23 at 2015 7:25 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:25:55 -0400

My proudest military accomplishment is a shared one.

While stationed with the 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), my Soldier won the Secretary of the Army Career Counselor of the Year Competition in 2012.

Oh, and he's getting promoted to Master Sergeant next week (another proud accomplishment).

Old Guard Soldier wins career counselor of the year

Sgt. 1st Class William Bastian, career counselor, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), is named the 2012 Secretary of the Army Career Counselor of the Year.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 23 at 2015 7:41 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:41:04 -0400

My three years as an Active Duty JROTC instructor at Balboa HS - Panama. Most if not all of my students went on to successful military and or civilian careers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 8:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 08:45:23 -0400

I would have to say is the 3 1/2 to 4 years at the end of my 21 years in the military I served on a military funeral honor team
I was very honored to serve on this team it gave me a sense of accomplishment that I've never felt before and pride

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 23 at 2015 9:03 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:03:36 -0400

It's really the first and most single one that I am most proud of. My rainbow ribbon. The one that I got for entering the Army. The Service Ribbon. That is the only true one that I am the most proud of. Because only one percent of the population will ever get one! Don't get me wrong I have others that I am proud to wear and present but this one is the best!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 23 at 2015 9:15 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:15:05 -0400

CMB

Response by SGT William Howell made Jul 23 at 2015 9:33 AM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:33:31 -0400

4 things stood out and they are small in comparison to some of the people on here, but for me they were a big deal.
1. Earning my SGT stripes and having them pinned on me by my friend, Polish Warrant Officer Januscz Bogatz in the City of Babylon, Iraq.
2. Earning my Combat Spurs with the 2ACR even though I was just a MP temperately assigned to them.
3. Providing disaster relief in the Big Easy after Hurricane Katrina. I have never been treated more like a hero in all my life than by the people of Louisiana. Being there I saw, every race, political affiliation, religion, and age pull together as Americans for the common good of humanity. I pray I will see it again some day.
4. The day I received my good conduct medal. I know it is not a big deal for most, but for me I had stepped on a lot of toes to take care of my soldiers. It took a lot of work not to get caught for 3 long years and a BN XO to sweep the paper work under the rug for that stolen Ukrainian crane that some how came to be in my possession when the Ukrainian MPs showed up.

Response by 1LT Kathleen Heisler made Jul 23 at 2015 9:52 AM

1LT Kathleen Heisler — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:52:09 -0400

When I received my commission in the U.S. Army

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jul 23 at 2015 12:42 PM

SSG John Bacon — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:42:26 -0400

As a Supply Sergeant I never once had a Commander leave command owing the anything. Zero Loss.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 23 at 2015 12:43 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:43:26 -0400

So many from my enlisted days to my officer days.

Probably getting through boot camp as I had no clue what lay ahead or even if there was a career. It was an adventure to start out, with so many proud moments along the way to share with so many that made my career possible.

Yeah, gotta be boot camp, that ole Navy tune "Anchors Aweigh" still makes my spine tingle every time I hear it.

Response by Sgt Diane Nicoloff made Jul 23 at 2015 1:29 PM

Sgt Diane Nicoloff — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:29:26 -0400

Good question, I read all the responses and WOW, it is amazing what people accomplish in the Military. I could talk on this subject all day about what the Military means to me. I think what I am most proud of is just carrying on a family tradition and serving my country for nine years. My mom and father both served, as well as my dad (my mom's second husband and the man that raised me) and I met my husband while serving and both his mom and dad served. His dad was a Green Beret during the Vietnam era and to me that is just bad ass!!! My brother served and I introduced him to the woman that would become his wife, when I was stationed with her and just knew she needed to meet my brother!!! So I have had the honor of being a Military Brat, joining the Military myself, being a Military spouse, being a Veteran and now being the spouse of a Retiree/Veteran. I loved the challenges of being in the Military and doing the things that you would not do in the civilian world, like chem-warfare exercises, living in another country, convoying with my unit, training exercises (setting up my GP large supply tent), and the camaraderie that comes with serving alongside your Military brothes and sisters.

Response by SGT Scott Curtice made Jul 23 at 2015 2:39 PM

SGT Scott Curtice — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:39:43 -0400

easy, 12 years in the Army, 9.5 years of it as an NCO, and my greatest accomplishments were the positive influence on my soldiers. Seeing them succeed. Leadership is as much about getting out of the way as any other aspect of leading others. So those I've kept in touch with since my '99 med discharge, and seeing them grow their careers, and still have them come to me to this day to discuss things, or talk about the past and how I've helped them, by far my greatest accomplishment.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Jul 23 at 2015 4:08 PM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:08:16 -0400

Basic Training, two events stand out.

1) My marksmanship badge

Throughout BRM, I stunk. On qualification day, my weapon malfunctioned. I was able to correct it, but by the time I did, I had missed too many targets to qualify. My DSs got in the face of the civilian range operator and "persuaded" him to give me another chance. I qualified, and I was scored as a first-time GO. My platoon as a whole had a 96% first-time GO rate. The commander of my training brigade sent a congratulatory email to us, which our DSs read to us.

2) March Home from FTX

February at Ft. Leonard Wood, which meant recruits huddling together in our tents, gear piled on top of each other, trying to keep it separate was impossible. Anyway, our FTX is over, and now we're doing a nine-mile ruck march back. All the other platoons have wide gaps in their ranks, but not mine--until I see one up ahead. My feet are hurting by this point--I was wearing someone else's boots--but my pride in my platoon won't let that gap exist. So I suck it up, break ranks, push up and fill in the gap. No one said anything, but that is one of my proudest moments.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 23 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:01:25 -0400

Earning my blue cord. I don't regret setting it aside later (that was painful!), but it was my first real accomplishment as an adult.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 7:48 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:48:44 -0400

I am proud to have been a member of the Fort Huachuca Honor Guard. It meant so much more to me than just a 3 month "detail" as some call it. There is no greater feeling than honoring our fallen.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 8:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:25:11 -0400

Being a Drill Sergeant.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 8:50 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:50:51 -0400

Probably a tie between getting promoted to SFC under 8 years and getting promoted to CW3 with a 54% selection rate for my MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 9:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 21:02:18 -0400

Making it to retirement. That in itself is all I'm really proud of. All the medals, awards etc are nice material things, but serving my Country to the best of my ability, and being able to hold my head high as I depart in 9 months is all I need.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 11:29 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 23:29:33 -0400

Mine isn't military strictly speaking as on paper I'm not a good soldier, I've got no awards and full time service as ADOS for about 2 and a half years made it so I lived and breathed my job...but it has to do with my military technician career.

Almost a year and a half ago I became a Defense Travel Administrator for a division sized element. I am very blessed that leadership decided to accept me into the position, despite my lack of rank.

I do not think I would have had this same opportunity had I been a traditional active duty soldier...so perhaps in hindsight, it was choosing to step into a NG recruiting office and not an AC one.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Jul 24 at 2015 10:18 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:18:17 -0400

I stayed at a holiday inn express once....

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 24 at 2015 12:45 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:45:16 -0400

Nuclear Engineer qualification and Surface Warfare Officer qualification. Both as Damage Control Assistant on USS California (CGN 36). I was the only officer to earn both qualifications during my time on the ship...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 12:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:54:13 -0400

Ranger tab. Everyone either has a tab or a story.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 24 at 2015 1:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 13:31:29 -0400

It's a bit of a tie between my Combat Action Ribbon or my Samuel Sharpe award...

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jul 24 at 2015 1:53 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 13:53:37 -0400

For me, it was graduating from Ranger School as a new 2LT. When I was an ROTC cadet, I failed all APFTs so getting through Ranger School then seemed like an impossible dream. Even in Ranger School, I was recycled back to Camp Darby after the Mountain Phase but I continued on and graduated on my 23rd birthday after taking the "long course." So for me, getting through Ranger School is something that even today remains my most significant accomplishment because more than anything, it showed me how I could push myself beyond limits I once thought were set.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 24 at 2015 3:14 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:14:02 -0400

The day I recited these words:
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jul 24 at 2015 3:27 PM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:27:30 -0400

Becoming an "AIRBORNE PARATROOPER"

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Jul 25 at 2015 12:13 AM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 00:13:00 -0400

My first skill level badge in aircraft maintenance... Remembering this actually put a smile on my face... :)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 1:17 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 01:17:26 -0400

I would have to say getting wings.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 25 at 2015 3:36 AM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 03:36:15 -0400

I'm not as salty as most Senior Sailors, but I'd have to say making E-6, Sailor of the Quarter and receiving a NAM all in the same month really made me smile! And there is a proud feeling associated with my ability to return back to sea for deployment after our last deployment we were involved in a serious collision.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 2:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 14:45:55 -0400

In 1987-88 I was one of the NCOICs at Allied Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 25 at 2015 3:01 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 15:01:57 -0400

Well, I only received the Good Conduct Medal. I am disabled; and had to get out early.
But the birthday letter, from the Commander of our Post; is what I am most proud of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 3:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 15:22:46 -0400

I have to say that I am most proud of the fact that I have made it as far as I have. My goal is to make MSG before I leave. I would say that I am most proud that the Army has not fired me. From me carrying the PSG cloak for a year as a SSG and then I STILL didn't get fired. Bottom line is this, I could not have gotten where I am without my family and their sacrifices and without my guys that worked for me. I cannot take credit for anything other than not getting fired.
Why does it give me so much pride? Because I came into the military at a late age. I came in when OIF kicked off, I left 15 years of Firefighting and EMS. I was tired of saving lives and wanted to go forth and bring death and destruction. It was the right time for me to come into the military. At the time, I was only going to make the goal of SSG which was the rank of my father when he was in the military. However once I did that, well I found that I needed more. So, before I knew it, I had over a decade invested, multiple deployments, a TBI and I knew that I was going to "life it" so I find a lot of pride in the fact that I am STILL part of the small percentage of Americans that protect the rest of them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 5:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 17:35:01 -0400

Bottom line mine would be making a difference in my Soldiers and taking care of them and families!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 18:01:37 -0400

I was a PFC giving an intel briefing at my brigade CUB. Normal weekly CUB only this time LTG Charles Cleveland was the audience. When I completed my portion of the brief he took the time to ask me about my life before the military and then wrote a letter to my parents the next day saying he had run into me and that I was doing good things. The pride I got was when I looked back though, at the face of my NCOIC sitting behind me. That face have me an immediate feeling of pride and joy that I was on the proper path.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 6:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 18:26:58 -0400

Launching sorties in the desert the night Bin Laden was killed. Being a crew chief in the Air Force, I can't do much, but get those planes off the ground and let the pilots do their jobs. Planes came back like nothing happened until we saw it in the chow hall later that day.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Jul 25 at 2015 9:11 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:11:19 -0400

Two things I am most proud of were off post. I stopped a shooting in ft. Benning, ga. I prevented a rape of German national in friedberg, Germany.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jul 25 at 2015 9:21 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:21:12 -0400

Made E-5 from E-1 in 5 years. Many, many other things in Korea and Germany. Changed from primary MOS of 24K to 31D. Great promotion track for CID Field Agents.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Jul 25 at 2015 9:30 PM

SFC Derrick Graves — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:30:08 -0400

Being selected by my peers as the "Distinguished Leadership Award" recipient for the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course in 1996.

Response by LCpl Sheryl Anderson made Jul 25 at 2015 10:11 PM

LCpl Sheryl Anderson — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:11:14 -0400

Being the first WM SERE school aggressor. I had so much fun trying to capture "the enemy". I even caught two of them. Then keeping them awake all night on my watch. I didn't get to stay in the compound when they did the strip search. It was a great experience.

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made Jul 25 at 2015 10:16 PM

SPC Tony Bucaro — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:16:04 -0400

I am most proud of graduating SERE School. I attended SERE School in November of 1994 at a small Special Operations base in Weingarten, Germany. At the time I went, it was run by 10th Special Forces Group & British SAS. It was the hardest 4 weeks of my life!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 10:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:17:55 -0400

I have two accomplishments that I am very proud of: 1. When I graduated OCS. 2. My CIB.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 10:20 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:20:27 -0400

I would have to say graduating Jumpmaster School. This is mainly because it took me three times to pass, and I have wanting that since I have been in the Army . I felt a sense of accomplishment and a sigh of relief upon passing my PWAC exam. It was the toughest school I have ever been to. It gives me pride because I have been entrusted to do things for airborne operations that enable paratroopers to get safely to the ground. If you miss something, it could possibly cost that jumper his life. This is why instructors are so strict on you and constantly stress attention to detail.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 25 at 2015 10:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:30:31 -0400

Not killing anyone in training.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jul 25 at 2015 10:41 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:41:57 -0400

Graduating Interrogator school.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Jul 25 at 2015 11:23 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 23:23:27 -0400

Serving during a period of two wars and participating in both. I signed the papers after 9/11 and served until last year. To me, there is no greater calling or service than when it is in the name of one's country.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 11:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 23:41:00 -0400

Having the confidence and trust of my NCOs.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 25 at 2015 11:55 PM

SFC William Farrell — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 23:55:06 -0400

I am most proud of my Army service, from having enlisted on my 17th birthday to service near the DMZ in Korea and then reenlisting when i turned 18 to go to Vietnam. The retention NCO thought I was insane! The war was winding down, my twin brother was on his was and if he was going, I was going. Went on to serve a total of 26 years and would do it all over again.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:22 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:22:54 -0400

I LOVE THE ARMY AND THE TROOPS THAT HELP US OUT AND MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF THEM AND PLZ BECAFE AND COME HOME SOON GOD BE WITH ALL OF OUR TROOPS VERY DAY AND NIGHT ROSEANNA M GRIFFIN WILLIAMS THANK U GUYS FOR WHAT U DO VERY DAY FOR US AMEN

Response by SFC Bill Graser made Jul 26 at 2015 11:13 AM

SFC Bill Graser — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 11:13:58 -0400

My service to Field Station West Berlin during 1976 - 1977. I was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal and as an enlisted Sergeant First Class with less than 13 years service it was a surprise. SFC William R. Graser

Response by SGT John Thomas made Jul 26 at 2015 1:26 PM

SGT John Thomas — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 13:26:07 -0400

Set the USAREUR record for completing a UH-60 phase inspection in 28 days.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Jul 26 at 2015 11:06 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:06:35 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver Sir just enlisting would be mine. Anything else is gravy. At least that is how I see it anyways.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 12:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:34:38 -0400

Serving as an augmentee to the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. Best job I did in the Army.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 8:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 20:07:46 -0400

Bringing back all of my Soldiers - both deployments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 10:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 22:16:12 -0400

I can think of many, but the one singular thing that makes me the most proud is graduating from basic training and becoming a soldier and seeing the pride on my parents face.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 10:43 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 22:43:21 -0400

I would say graduating the Advance Airborne School here on Fort Bragg. It was definitely the hardest I have been though so far and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when i finally passed JMPI testing and PWAC as well. Upon graduation I made a call to my mentor who made me want to strive for it one day. It also felt so much more meaningful that I went voluntarily instead of being made to by the chain of command.

Pic for attention

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Oct 3 at 2015 10:54 PM

SGT Lou Meza — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 22:54:48 -0400

Earning my jump wings is my most proudest accomplishment followed closely by being awarded the CIB and the Air Medal w/14 Oak Leaf Clusters

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 11:17 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 23:17:38 -0400

Full-blown, paid retirement!!!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 1:44 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 01:44:51 -0400

Proud to be a member of the United States Army! Hooah!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 1:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 01:10:10 -0400

Now, after looking back at a long career, both of and on as a Soldier, I would say that achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class is now my most proud accomplishment. No one in my family that served has ever reached that rank. It is a great achievement and one that was well earned through blood, sweat and tears.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Feb 6 at 2018 7:12 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:12:16 -0500

There were many things that brought special delight as I served in the U.S. Army, but I'll mention only three:

1. Graduation from Jump School, 1 June 1973 at Fort Bragg under the tutelage of the 82nd Black Hats.

2. Realizing my boyhood dream of making master sergeant (E8). (I declined the promotion because of family concerns and upcoming retirement.)

3. Becoming the first official Special Security Officer for the 82nd Airborne Division under MG Roscoe Robinson, 1976. It was a captain's slot, but the division needed an NCO to get it started. This assignment became the apex of my career.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 10:03 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 22:03:55 -0400

The 432 military funeral honors I've performed since 2012.