Don't mean to brag, but I will. Off to a cruise to Alaska today. I promise to tell you if it was worth it plunking down a months salary on this vacation. I am also taking my mother for her 60th Bday, and its my wife's and I 14th wedding anniversery.
Take care, I promise to post pics of that darn global warming. Goal.. Me sunbathing on a glacier. LOL
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A very Ignorant Major
I got told a little story from one of my JROTC instructors today. Apperently I am not in the US Army. Lets see, it says US Army on my uniform, Army on my ID card, I have a US Army motor vehicle operator card, I just recieved another US Army good conduct medal last August and I have abide by US Army regulations.
The conversation started because a Active Army recruiter was going to bring a rock wall to a school event, and since he didn't have anyone to help him ( really, they just aren't supporting him) I offered myself and my aid to help him out, since it was going to benefit the studnets we support. He was told that was a no go and that we could not operate their vehicles. So my JROTC instructor called the major and asked him to explain why USAREC (the recruiting command) could not support this event. After giving a alot of excuses, the instructor said that we could help out with transport etc. His response was something along the line of, "Well, they aren't Army" When the instructor assured him we were, he said something along the line of " Well, you know, the real Army".
WTF!!!
I dare him to go overseas and tell that to one of the thousands of Guard troops who are out there fighting and dying in Iraq that they are not the real Army. Anyone who wears ACU's are in the Army. Yes, I am active Guard, but I am a US Army Soldier who is proud to serve.
God forbid I ever meet this Major, I might have to give him a copy of the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, RESPECT ( hmm he missed that one) selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage (he might need that last one, hehe).
The conversation started because a Active Army recruiter was going to bring a rock wall to a school event, and since he didn't have anyone to help him ( really, they just aren't supporting him) I offered myself and my aid to help him out, since it was going to benefit the studnets we support. He was told that was a no go and that we could not operate their vehicles. So my JROTC instructor called the major and asked him to explain why USAREC (the recruiting command) could not support this event. After giving a alot of excuses, the instructor said that we could help out with transport etc. His response was something along the line of, "Well, they aren't Army" When the instructor assured him we were, he said something along the line of " Well, you know, the real Army".
WTF!!!
I dare him to go overseas and tell that to one of the thousands of Guard troops who are out there fighting and dying in Iraq that they are not the real Army. Anyone who wears ACU's are in the Army. Yes, I am active Guard, but I am a US Army Soldier who is proud to serve.
God forbid I ever meet this Major, I might have to give him a copy of the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, RESPECT ( hmm he missed that one) selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage (he might need that last one, hehe).
Proud Moment as a recruiter
Today was on of those proud days I have as a recruiter. My prime high school had its Spring awards today and I was asked to recognize those that joined that Guard and are off to college. The principal wanted me showcase the college money during the presentation. He is a big supporter of myself and what the Guard has to offer. Anyways, one by one I called down my seven Seniors who are Guard soldiers, talked about their job, their money for college ( GI bills and tuition assistance), and bonuses. The least college money was $57,000 and the most was $70,000. The student body cheered them like they were superstars on the sports teams.
It made me proud that these students joined our team and are all bound for college. In 5 years a few will be Second Lieutenants and I will be saluting them. After the ceremony, many other students were coming up to them and myself asking how can they get the same thing. Hopefully that means I will be busy this summer enlisting more soldiers. God knows I need the help, I rolled my first donut in along time last month, but already rolled 2 this month, so I need two more still. I will be on leave for 10 days this month (going to Alaska) so that decreases my operating days. But I will prevail, I usually do as long as I retain a positive attitude.
It made me proud that these students joined our team and are all bound for college. In 5 years a few will be Second Lieutenants and I will be saluting them. After the ceremony, many other students were coming up to them and myself asking how can they get the same thing. Hopefully that means I will be busy this summer enlisting more soldiers. God knows I need the help, I rolled my first donut in along time last month, but already rolled 2 this month, so I need two more still. I will be on leave for 10 days this month (going to Alaska) so that decreases my operating days. But I will prevail, I usually do as long as I retain a positive attitude.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Boy, I can be such an ass.
I bet you don't hear that from too many senior NCO's, but I am here to tell you, I can and lately have been one. While I may often see this a little, it takes a real friend to point it out to you.
My problem is, I call it like I see it in nmy office. While I am not the supervisor, I am senior to most in there and the other E-7 doesn't exactly ooze leadership. He's a great guy and I love him like a brother, but like I said I call it like it is. I put my nose where I shouldn't. Most of the time, my concern is legit, but I need to let my office mates do their own thing and if they struggle, they canhandle it.
I hate time wasters at work, and ineffeciency, which are main reasons why I get on the other NCO's in my office, but it is not my place to correct them with the exception that I am a senior NCO, a leader in the office, and I just have certain expectations. the problem is, in the National Guard recruiting, we are too lax, and get away with too much. However, we also out recruit the US Army and our state leads the nation. However, I know my office can do better than we do.
It is a delema on my part. I want to help, but will no longer unless I am asked. Even then, I will probably send them to the other E7 for assistance, let him lead for a bit. There is alot more to this story, but I don't want to bore you.
Point is, even though one is technically profeciant, and is often the problem solver, don't offer to solve issues unless directly asked or it is directly your responsibility. God I miss leading and taking care of soldiers, maybe thats my issue.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I need to get back into it. It will help me thru my days. Recruiting overall is going well, and I have stories to share, so I shall start sharing them.
Thanks for reading, expect more often.
My problem is, I call it like I see it in nmy office. While I am not the supervisor, I am senior to most in there and the other E-7 doesn't exactly ooze leadership. He's a great guy and I love him like a brother, but like I said I call it like it is. I put my nose where I shouldn't. Most of the time, my concern is legit, but I need to let my office mates do their own thing and if they struggle, they canhandle it.
I hate time wasters at work, and ineffeciency, which are main reasons why I get on the other NCO's in my office, but it is not my place to correct them with the exception that I am a senior NCO, a leader in the office, and I just have certain expectations. the problem is, in the National Guard recruiting, we are too lax, and get away with too much. However, we also out recruit the US Army and our state leads the nation. However, I know my office can do better than we do.
It is a delema on my part. I want to help, but will no longer unless I am asked. Even then, I will probably send them to the other E7 for assistance, let him lead for a bit. There is alot more to this story, but I don't want to bore you.
Point is, even though one is technically profeciant, and is often the problem solver, don't offer to solve issues unless directly asked or it is directly your responsibility. God I miss leading and taking care of soldiers, maybe thats my issue.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I need to get back into it. It will help me thru my days. Recruiting overall is going well, and I have stories to share, so I shall start sharing them.
Thanks for reading, expect more often.
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