Who are you without your rank before your name?

I am a constant learner. a seeker of truth. A father, a husband, a nerd. I don't define myself by the letters before my name. I let my actions define me.

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR Still me.

I'm a normal everyday guy, supportive husband, supportive father of three wonderful hard working adult children, uncle of two, a good friend, co-worker, mountain biker who loves the outdoors.

Life is good and i'm enjoying it.

Quite frankly, with the exception of military social networks, my former Rate (Rank) is never mentioned. It was an accomplishment that I am proud of and appreciate the identification on occasion, but that was finished when I retired and went on to other life successes.

Veteran!
Mom
Sister
Daughter

When I volunteer at Botanica, I am Dorothy at the beginning of the yellow brick road (yes, I have 2 pair of ruby slippers, and a little dog, sadly my auntie M has passed) As my children grew up, mom. And when my daughter had a little one of her own, Nana. There is about nothing sweeter than hearing a little voice waiting on the other end of the iPad for the video to show saying "Nana, where are you?" (Just learning to speak and this was his first sentence) Career wise this pic sums it up pretty well. Hopefully, I am a light in the darkness when someone needs it whether I know it or not. Always a shoulder, no matter what time of day or night. "Friend" is a title I hold in high regard. I am a dancer, a volunteer, a teacher, a student, a writer, an artist, a musician, a believer in One God who will never leave me, an adventurer, a smart aleck, a horse rider, and to my old friend Bill, a WWII vet who recently passed, we celebrated every birthday together since he turned 90 and he ALWAYS referred to me as "The Major" in camaraderie as a fellow vet. I was honored to be by his side as he passed and render a final salute.

When I retired I spent the first year completing a second degree, I spent the year getting to know who I was and refining the new me. I grew a beard and forced myself to only have a haircut once a month only if I needed it. After over half of my life I had been in the Military and was responsible for 1500 men,women and their families. My rank and service never defined who I was but that experience refined the person I have become. I was lucky enough to have mentors who taught me Humility and kept me honest to myself and to those who I served. When I am asked for a Bio I tell them simply that I am just a guy who is doing what needs to be done. There are several folks I mentored though their careers who still call me by my rank but as they rise up in rank they slowly realize I am comfortable in who I am as the Graybeard mentor and adviser!

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR A man with strong convictions.

I was before I had rank a theologian and philosopher. I chose enlisted as Specialist over being an officer for the experience. I wanted to stay in and go to OCS, but I got disabled instead. After that I rebuilt myself as a geographer and now hold a Master of Science in Geography and Advanced cartography skills. I have found during my time in the Army that rank is more determined by your chain of Command rather than your personal drive. I had education, decent PT, time in service and grade, and I worked above my Paygrade all the time, but a bad NCO who would not take to a Board. All I can do is trust in God now-He will make my path straight.

I will have to ask my wife, kids, civilian boss, and those I volunteer with. Their words are worth more than mine.