While Serving, What’s a Time You Remember Someone Who Went Above and Beyond to Help You Out? Login & Share to Win!

My Navy Recruiter (Bruner) went above and beyond in drilling me in order to be prepared for the entry test.

I found this to be an everyday thing whether I was doing more than anyone expected to help a soldier or people were doing more than I could have hoped or planned to help me. The service teaches us to be self-reliant and as the weight on your shoulder or collar increases, you begin to expect more and more of yourself. But, there are always support systems working to help you take a deep breath, clear your head and figure out the next step; and, help you find your way and fulfill those responsibilities of life that overwhelm us. I remember dealing with a peace time loss of a soldier and trying to get us through the next few days; my company commander was going through some personal difficulties and was not available. But, the brigade XO and CSM were always available to keep me going as we dealt with a wide variety of outside issues. I'll remember them with gratitude and sheer joy at having had them intersect my life at a time of great stress and need.

When I was a 2LT, a senior NCO in my Bn S1 shop found out I had received a Regular Army Commission past the age of 28. He knew the regulations inside out and found a way to get me promoted early to 1LT. Amazingly, it worked. I'll always be grateful to him.

Old e6 section sergant arrives at our company and thinks he can just barge in my/our room without knocking one early monday am. I ripped him a new one in front of my little buddies. Word got back to 1st sergant and next thing you know. I got a promotion

I owe my retirement to my PSG, LT and command team. After my last deployment to Afghanistan I was a mess. Like the kind of mess that ptsd training was made to help with. Thanks to them, I didn’t lose the chance to retire honorably and keep my benefits. I am incredibly grateful for their kindness and understanding to me. They knew the real me and didn’t let that messed up version ruin my chances to keep what I had worked so hard to achieve. They saw a good man going through mental anguish. Regardless of the hours and hours you are trained, sometimes nothing can emotionally prepare you for traumatic shit.

I had only been at my post a few months when the pathologist, Major Grigg I believe it was, cosigned a car loan for me. He barely knew me but signed anyway. I made certain he didn't regret it.

For me it was actually not a servicemember but his family. YN1 in Portsmouth VA introduced me to his family when he asked me to be assistant coach for his kids peewee soccer. From there I became a defacto family member, participating in family outings, babysitting, helping with homework. It really kept me grounded at a time when my fellow GM3's in the 270' training pipeline were spending their free time hoisting a mug at the bar and I think it helped me along the way.

A friend on board ship kept me from jumping over board. I was having a bad day I was pissed and I was frustrated. He grabbed me and gave me two options. He said I can punch you and we can both go to Captains Mast or you can talk to me and tell me what's going on.

My 1st Sergeant's wife, in Hawaii, who suggested I go to a shelter...and the fine people at the shelter, who arranged for my infant son and I to stay for extra time.

When President Kennedy saved me and my family..........................
While in Munich, Germany in 1961, I joined a reserve intelligence school from the Control Group since my wife and I were living in poverty expecting a baby. I was there to attend school but had to work instead at a low pay job. The unit could not locate my records from my active duty two years before and in fact, blocked my drill attendance after 3 months of promised back pay - pay that would get us out of poverty. I was saved by President Kennedy. On a whim, I wrote to JFK asking for help. In less than a month, the Adjutant General himself, authorized a reconstructed 201 and we got our back pay saving us. We were desperate at that time. Go to: http://www.usarmygermany.com click on Seventh Army, then 7th Army Reserve Command , then 3747th USARF School for the full story including my letter to JFK and the AG's response.