What was your most "significant emotional event" since joining the military?

2014-04-30T10:34:33-04:00

This can stem back to your first day at basic training, in garrison, at home, or even during a deployment.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 30 at 2014 10:37 AM

2014-04-30T10:37:22-04:00

I'd have to say it was the day I retired. That's when it finally hit me how much my life would change; I'd been military my entire adult life up to that point. You may think you're ready for it, but it hits hard when the time comes!
I don't regret it though. Just didn't think it would hit me as hard as it did!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 30 at 2014 10:37 AM

2014-04-30T10:37:59-04:00

The final few moments prior to my platoon crossing the berm in 2003, we had a toast (PLs dad sent a 1-liter Pepsi bottle with Jack in it), mounted our tanks and waited the word to move out. I sat there wondering if we had trained enough, done everything that we need to do prior to this moment, and the sun came up and I knew in my heart that we were ready.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 10:39 AM

2014-04-30T10:39:01-04:00

Being in the trauma bay for this was the worst for me. It was late in my tour and we'd already taken in 100 or so casualites - but this one bothered me:

http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/staff-sgt-alex-a-viola/

Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola | Freedom Remembered

Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola, 29, of Keller, Texas, died Nov. 17, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Staff Sgt. Alex Anthony Viola, 29, died of wounds received from an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned...