Looking Back

One thing I am proud of that I did in Life

(Note: I am learning in therapy to try to think of good things about myself---not my failures. Not my faults, mistakes, or what I feel is negative about my looks or communication style.)

In 1996, I passed my GED, passed my ASVAB with a 111 and joined the Army as an Avionic Mechanic, in spite of receiving little or no education at home. I graduated as Distinguished Honor Graduate in AIT (A Army course teaching us how to be Avionic Mechanics).

My Basic Training Picture Taken in 1996

I spent time working on helicopters in Fort Polk, LA and then went to Korea and then was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY.

Often I was made fun of for being a blonde and a female, but it was overall a fun experience with some ups and downs!

I am proud of doing this in spite of where I came from. It enabled me to see the world from a different perspective. I met people from all walks of life and it made me realize that my life could have been worse. Meeting someone who was constantly shot at in the Bronx was an eye-opener, for example. Or a guy who survived bombings in Columbia. I also met a girl from Utah who’s father had five wives.

I only spent four years in the Army, but I think it changed me for the better. I appreciate what it gave me. I also met a great man in the Army who I have been married to for 12 years.