HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving and are over your food coma. I had a great time spending it with a very small group of my Fort Bragg Rugby family where we ate lots of amazing food and played some fun games to end the night.

It's hard to imagine that this was my last Thanksgiving in the Army! As I look back at the 22-years of Thanksgiving meals, I am extremely thankful to the extended family that has brought me into their homes, cooked amazing meals, and made lifelong memories. I have so many fond military Thanksgiving memories, from spending time with my Platoon Sergeant's family at Fort Lewis; to Hawaiian Thanksgivings which included “Rusty-sized desserts;” to all the family time in Maryland; Fort Bragg’s “Friendsgiving” meals; and all the Thanksgivings spent deployed. Thank you to all of you that took care of me during the holidays over these two decades!

During the COVID-19 pandemic spring lock-down, I took on a little hobby of trying to learn to cook. I'm still not the best, but I keep trying. This year for Thanksgiving, I thought I would make some of my "specialties" and try a couple of new things. Of course, I always bring my "famous" ham and turkey cookies to Thanksgiving Dinner. For the last thirty-one years (missing only two or three years) I've made my famous Turkey Cookies – this year receiving help from William as I worked on making a green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and individual cinnamon roll apple pies. My creations didn’t come out too bad – I was happy with it!

Famous Turkey Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies

Pumpkin Pie

In addition to cooking on Thanksgiving, I always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year was much different, with a shortened parade route and no audience. Regardless of the changes, it was still a great parade. It made me think of the time I was selected and invited to be the first military service member to be recognized and sit in front of the store during the 2012 parade.

At the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with TODAY Show's Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer

I’ll include some of our Christmas decorations in the Dec. 14 blog. I know people are always interested in seeing my Hawaiian and White House Christmas Trees.

 

“LIFE & TIMES WITH JB” PODCAST

A massive “thank you” to everyone that had listened to my podcast!! I truly appreciate the feedback, all the phone calls, text messages, comments, and subscriptions. This has been an amazing project that has opened the aperture of my life to you all and how others have influenced my life.

Episode 2 (Available NOW): In observance of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Dennis and Yvonne Noesen discuss how their son, Tyler was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer at 25-years-old and passing away five years later. They continue Tyler’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer with their involvement in advocating with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and sharing his story to help increase awareness of this deadly disease that has become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and it is soon projected to become the second leading cause    

At the 2018 Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. with Gloria Magana (Episode 3 guest), and Yvonne & Dennis Noesen (Episode 2 guests)

Episode 3 (Available DEC 6):  Professional Comedian Gloria Magana joins JB to discuss her Comedy career and her mother’s battle with Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancers. She continues her mom’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer with her involvement in advocating with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and sharing her story to help increase awareness of this deadly disease.

 

WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS DAY

THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU – To everyone that WORE PURPLE on November 19 in observance of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.

My heartfelt thank you goes out to all my family and friends that wore purple and/or posted in support of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day!

It felt amazing seeing my social media feeds, my classmates, transitioning network, local businesses, news media, elected officials and so many others wearing purple and supporting the 3rd Deadliest Cancer in the United States! Here are just a few pics from my social media feeds:

I know Tyler Noesen is smiling as he looks down over us and sees the gains we've made together - but a tremendous amount of research is needed!

For more information about Pancreatic Cancer or if you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, reach out to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at http://www.pancan.org

 

GO ARMY – BEAT NAVY!

Dating back to 1890, the Army-Navy game has been one of college's greatest rivalry games between the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army) and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis (Navy).

I’m not exactly sure when it began, but both teams traditionally wear uniforms honoring Army and Navy units. The Army team has traditionally honored Infantry Divisions, and this year they are honoring Hawaii’s 25^th Infantry Division which I was a member of for over eight years. I had spent just over three years in the 25^th ID’s 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, then moving to the 2^nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team for the remaining time on the island.

 

Not ONLY will Army be honoring the 25^th ID, but they are specifically honoring the 27^th Infantry Regiment “WOLFHOUNDS” with our unit’s motto “Nec Aspera Terrant” on one shoulder, the Wolfhound Crest on the other, and "WOLFHOUNDS" printed along with their pants.

This news is so exciting as I joined the Wolfhound O’hana in 2005 and truly has been such an amazing experience. ONCE A WOLFHOUND, ALWAYS A WOLFHOUND!

 

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

This week will begin the countdown until retirement: 6-months until I begin Transition leave! It is very exciting but anxious at the same time. I have a lot to do in these last six months, including finding a new job.

I am looking to move back to the West Coast to be closer to my kids and family – if anyone has any leads or knows of a company that I would fit good with and be able to contribute to, let me know!

I will continue to update my LinkedIn account, but feel free to share it and connect with me!

MILITARY MEMORY

As I mentioned above, I have spent a few Thanksgiving overseas. I have always appreciated each Thanksgiving with my military family – we have shared many adventures and experiences and Thanksgiving 2011 was no different.

 

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

Without a doubt, I appreciate you all for reading this blog, as I continue to tell my story. It’s been so much fun reflecting on not just my military career, but my life in general. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like me to discuss a subject in a future blog, please don’t hesitate to ask – I’d be happy to discuss subjects you’d like to hear!

 

Thank you again for reading!

 

Have a great week and Spread Some Aloha!!!!

MY PODCAST IS PUBLISHED

On Nov. 8, I published my first Podcast, “The Life & Times with JB.” This has allowed me to continue discussing life’s adventures, alongside family and friends that will join me in the conversation.

Episode 1 explores how my family roots were planted in Southern California as my Mom shares the family story, beginning with my Grandfather’s migration from Mexico and his childhood struggles to his entrepreneurship and his longevity of caring and loving others. My Mom also talks about her siblings, how she met my father, and how they began our little family while sharing some funny stories of my childhood.

My Mom with her Father, Sister, and Brother

Episode 2 will be published on Sunday, Nov. 22 when Dr. Dennis and Yvonne discuss how their son, Tyler was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer at 25-years-old and passing away five years later. They continue Tyler’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer with their involvement in advocating with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and sharing his story to help increase awareness of this deadly disease that has become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and it is soon projected to become the second leading cause.

 

I'm joined with Tyler and his parents, Yvonne and Dennis inside a U.S. House of Representatives Committee Room in 2010 while participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day.

You can listen and subscribe to the Podcast where all podcasts can be found or follow the links below:

Also, follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @LifeAndTimesWithJB to see photos of the stories that are discussed on the podcast.

BLOG UPDATE!

Now that I'm producing the podcast, I will no longer attempt to write a weekly blog, rather biweekly. You will still receive your weekly fix, either through podcasts or blogs. The next blog will be published on Nov. 30.

 

NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In 2020, pancreatic cancer will affect an estimated 57,600 Americans, 71 percent of whom will die within one year of their diagnosis, and 90 percent of whom will die within five years of diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer has surpassed breast cancer to become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and it is soon projected to become the second leading cause.

It is the only major cancer with the lowest five-year relative survival rate, at just ten percent.

We need your help to shine a spotlight on this disease and finally make progress in developing treatments and early detection tools.

 

By WEARING PURPLE in observance of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday, November 19, you can help us raise awareness in your community.

Take pictures and post on your social media outlets with #PanCanForProgress.

 

Also, I was notified by the Board of Commissioners, that Cumberland County, North Carolina has proclaimed November 19th as "World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day" in the county which is home to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg areas! Thank you to Commissioner Larry Lancaster for spearheading the unanimous vote. Commissioner Lancaster's wife is a Pancreatic Cancer Survivor!

For more information about Pancreatic Cancer or if you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, reach out to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at http://www.pancan.org

CONGRATULATIONS MYESHIA!

On November 6, I had the utmost privilege and honor to officiate the promotion ceremony from Staff Sergeant (E-6) to Sergeant First Class (E-7) for one of my closest friends, Myeshia Boston.

There are about 1.2 million active-duty Soldiers servings in the Army today! Just over 55,000 are senior NCOs (E7-E9) with a very small fraction – just over 6,000 females. 

On November 6, we promoted Myeshia into the Senior NCO ranks and I couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments, determination, commitment, and most all friendship – the Army got this promotion right!

Congratulations Myeshia!

 

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

Last weekend I was able to participate in my third Vets2Industry event, which is a five-hour virtual networking event designed to connect transitioning or transitioned Veterans with each other and recruiters from an array of industries. It is such an amazing event where I’ve been able to meet other transitioning Veterans, either separating from the military or retiring. It’s been great to have them by my side during this retirement process.

The event begins with a guest speaker, but this time began with a live virtual performance from Navy Veteran, now professional singer, Emay Holmes who sings the popular "Deployment Song."

Following Emay’s performance, the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, John W. Troxell spoke and share a tremendous amount of knowledge. It was great hearing the formerly top enlisted member in the entire United States Armed Forces talk about transition and retirement!

My positive testimonial on why I like this event was even published in the Vets2Industry Veterans Day Special Edition Newsletter

For more information about Vets2Industry, visit their website at https://vets2industry.com/

MILITARY MEMORY

I have been blessed to have had such an amazing military occupational specialty (MOS), which opened a tremendous number of doors, including deployments, specialized training, unique positions, and a wealth of knowledge. 

The MOS is a military member’s specific job or career field. My MOS began as a 54B, Chemical Operations Specialist, and later renumbered to 74D, Chemical Operations Specialist.

The Army’s description of my job is:

As a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, you’ll protect the country against the threat of CBRN weapons of mass destruction, and you’ll decontaminate hazardous material spills or accidents. You’ll employ the most advanced equipment and coordinate defense systems against these weapons of mass destruction in support of joint and combined arms operations.

In 2011, before my deployment to Afghanistan, I was able to conduct specialized training with my team on chemical processes and reactions. It was such an amazing experience and I learned a tremendous amount on a subject that I hated in high school! These are some of the pictures from that training:

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

Without a doubt, I appreciate you all for reading this blog, as I continue to tell my story. It’s been so much fun reflecting on not just my military career, but my life in general. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like me to discuss a subject in a future blog, please don’t hesitate to ask – I’d be happy to discuss subjects you’d like to hear!

Thank you again for reading!

Have a great week and Spread Some Aloha!!!!

Happy Birthday Richard!

I will never forget that Saturday night, November 2, 1991, when the entire family was gathered at Long Beach Community Hospital in California waiting for my sister to give birth to her firstborn – Richard.

I loved every opportunity I had to be around Richard while he grew-up. I have tons of memories of Richard growing-up from those days when he was 3 or 4 years-old wanting to go with my Dad to the Donut Shop wearing his cowboy boots, to watching him play football in those Long Beach Poly High School green and gold uniforms. He has made me a proud uncle to see him become the first person in our family to earn their Bachelor’s Degree and play collegiate football. Richard has gone on to continued success while living in Colorado and Montana finding his calling to serve his community in helping others continue their faith. I’m proud of the man that he has become and continues to be!

Please join me in wishing my nephew a Happy 29^th Birthday!!

Celebrating Richard's 2nd Birthday in 1993 at Chuck E. Cheese

 

THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS ARE THE WORLD CHAMPS!

As I sat in my living room watching Dodgers Pitcher, Julio Urias strikeout Willy Adames to end Game 6 of the 2020 Major League Baseball World Series – goosebumps ran through my entire body, and was filled with excitement. After numerous recent attempts, the Dodgers finally won their first World Series since 1988 when they defeated the “Mighty Mets” in the National League Championship Series, and then the Oakland A’s “Bash Brothers,” Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire in the World Series.

I remember the 1988 World Series like it was yesterday. I remember being there during Game 1 when the Dodgers were losing going into the Ninth-inning at Dodger Stadium. Kirk Gibson wobbled up to the plate and hit a two-run homer to win Game 1 against A’s pitcher, Dennis Eckersley. We were seated just a few rows behind the A’s dugout and when Gibson came up to the plate, everyone stood up and I couldn't see a thing. I was a 9-year-old kid, not tall enough to see over the crowd, and missed witnessing Gibson's home run.

My family and I were seated in the seats behind him, right behind his helmet.

My Dad worked at Dodger Stadium for over a decade beginning in 1981 when the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees and last week as I witnessed my third Dodgers World Series Championship, I sat there and thought about my Dad. My eyes were filled with tears and just wished he could be here to watch it. I remember my Dad telling me stories about how he and his brother, Robert, would go to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as kids to watch the Dodgers play there from 1958-1961 after the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn. All those memories that my Dad told me watching Dodgers games and all my experiences with him at Dodger Stadium came back to life last week after Game 6 when the players were celebrating on the field in Arlington, Texas. I'm happy to have so many Dodger memories with my family!

Dodgers Baseball in the LA Memorial Coliseum

 

NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Many of you know how passionate I am about the fight against Pancreatic Cancer. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and each week I'll dig a little deeper into Pancreatic Cancer to include symptoms and stories of how this deadly disease has affected so many and will affect an additional 57,000 Americans this year.

In 2006, my high school friend and cross-country teammate, Tyler Noesen, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer at the tender age of 25. At the time of his diagnosis, the five-year survivability rate was only 4% - meaning that he had a 96% chance that he would pass away within five-years.  He defeated the odds but lost the battle 5 ½-years after being diagnosed. During his fight, he became extremely active with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), the first organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer. He participated in two Advocacy Day events in Washington, D.C. where he shared his story and fought hard to help pass the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act which was signed by President Obama a year after Tyler passed away. The Recalcitrant Cancer Research required the National Cancer Institute to develop a strategic plan on how to fight pancreatic cancer. Because of that act, we have been able to raise the 5-year survivability of patients diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer from 4% when Tyler was diagnosed in 2006 to 10% in 2020.

Tyler & I in High School

In 2010, Tyler invited me to get involved with PanCAN and to meet him in Washington, D.C. to participate in PanCAN Advocacy Day. I joined and for over a decade now, I'm continuing Tyler's fight!  

Tyler and I at the 2010 PanCAN Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

Tyler wrote this in his blog just a couple of days after my first and his last Advocacy Day in June 2010…

“JB Jaso signed up and we met up in the morning sessions. It was great to see JB and catch up over the next two days. He is really an amazing guy and I could not believe that it had been 10 years or so since we had last seen each other. We both have been through a lot and it was nice to talk to an old friend who really knows where you are coming from. He is also a great lobbyist, an awesome addition to the cause, and just a fun guy to be around. Sometimes, these gatherings are a little tough for me. Most of the time I generally live in denial of my disease and am just a happy, optimistic guy, but these events put the cancer front and center. Of the 450 or so people who came to DC this year, only a handful are survivors. The vast majority of people have lost someone to pancreatic cancer and some have lost more than one to this disease. Having JB around just made the few days easier to bear.”

Below is Tyler's Story following the 2010 Advocacy Day

As we go through November, please do these simple things to help bring awareness to Pancreatic Cancer:

• WEAR PURPLE on NOVEMBER 19 – World Pancreatic Cancer
• Share your picture of Wearing Purple on Social Media and hashtag using #PanCANforProgress

HALLOWEEN FUN

This year has been so different for all of us, but we attempted to bring some normalcy back during Halloween. A small group of friends still gathered within North Carolina's COVID-19 restrictions to celebrate and enjoy my last Halloween in North Carolina. Here are a couple of pictures from the night. I hope you all had an amazing Halloween!!

Willy and I as "Sexy Werewolves"

Buddah, Willy and I enjoying my last Halloween in North Carolina

Don't worry - Jay scared me too!

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

Over the last couple of months, I have been hearing many transitioning military members discussing a program called FourBlock. After further research of the organization, I discovered that they are dedicated to assisting in bridging the divide between Veterans and the business community, and help make a successful military transition. I immediately became excited about their program, and over the last two weeks, I have been going through their application process to be considered to join their Career Readiness Program's Spring Semester Cohort.

Following my final interview last week, I was notified that I was selected for their program, which just over 2,500 veterans have been accepted to participate in the organization's history. This three-month program will be an intensive curriculum partnered with Columbia University starting in February. I'm extremely thankful and excited to be accepted into this program and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all!

MILITARY MEMORY

In my 22-years of military service, I have worked for some great leaders – “Marty” Martinez is one of the best!! A couple of days ago, Marty celebrated his final day in the Army and is officially retired. I first met Marty when we were stationed in Hawaii together. He became my Company Commander and from day one, he was a Leader that truly wanted the best in each of his Soldiers and wanted each of them to strive for excellence.

He has never stop mentoring and encouraging those around him to be better. Even though it's been well over a decade since he was my Company Commander, he has still been there for me! Over the last few months, as I've begun my military transition process, Marty has been there to help guide me through a successful military retirement. I’m truly lucky to have him as a mentor and more importantly a friend!

To help in celebrating his over two decades of military service, I thought I would post pictures of us from our days in Iraq with the 1^st Battalion, 27^th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds.”

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

Without a doubt, I appreciate you all for reading this blog, as I continue to tell my story. It’s been so much fun reflecting on not just my military career, but my life in general. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like me to discuss a subject in a future blog, please don’t hesitate to ask – I’d be happy to discuss subjects you’d like to hear!

Thank you again for reading!

Have a great week and Spread Some Aloha!!!!

Finally, Complete!

Twenty-three years since I began my freshman year at the University of Arizona, I have finally completed my undergraduate degree – earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with Emergency Management emphasis from Upper Iowa University. Between taking a class here and there, I have really focused on this last year to complete my degree. Last week I didn't write my blog as I spent EVERY available minute finalizing my last undergraduate twenty-page paper. I am super happy to have finally completed my undergraduate degree, but I am not wasting any time…. today, I began my Master's Program in Public Management. In addition to this Master's program, I'm currently completing a Management Certification Program through the University of Louisville's College of Business. If you don't hear from me much during the next few weeks, it's because my nose will be in the books.

Completing the University of Louisville Management Certification Program through Zoom

Talking about not hearing from me…. many of you have contacted me about my Instagram account that has disappeared after nine years and over 5,000 followers. I’m not exactly sure what happened, but I’m working on getting it back. In the meantime, you may follow me on my new account - https://www.instagram.com/jbjaso3/

GO DODGERS – 1 More Win!!!!

 THIS IS HALLOWEEN

For those that know me well, you know that I love to decorate for Halloween and Christmas. I learned the art of holiday decorating from my Mom, and the amount of detail that goes into it brings me so much joy.

This year you walk through a pathway lined with carved pumpkins (thanks to the Bragg Women's Rugby Family), tombstones and a life-sized Skelton caged, while moving lighted green spiders, a ghost reflecting on the building, and fog making the area a little bit creepier.

 

Once you make it through the pathway, you're welcomed by a dark stairway with lots of fog, and multiple decorations and lights lining the stairs. Throughout the apartment, decorations are everywhere, including the bathroom.

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

One of the most important things that I have learned in the military transition process is to have a LinkedIn account and be active on that platform. Throughout the last few months of being active on LinkedIn, I’ve made some great connections and have expanded my network. I continue to improve my profile and if you’re on LinkedIn, please connect with me! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbjaso

If you need some assistance in building or improving your LinkedIn profile you can reach out to me and I’ll point you in the right direction to connect with the “experts!”

 

MILITARY MEMORY

During each of my deployments, I personally wanted to ensure that every holiday was as special as it could be for those I worked with directly. We were without our families and friends back in the United States; it was only us!

 

My 2011-2012 deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan was no different. I had deployed with an extremely small team of eight Soldiers from the 22^nd Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) to lead the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC) laboratory under the Combined Joint Task Force-Paladin which was led by the 71^st Ordnance Group. We were literally the outsiders coming in to join an already cohesive team; however, we were welcomed with open arms! Our laboratory had a large amount of civilian federal government employees and contractors who were highly skilled in their specific forensics’ fields.

 

After seeking approval from our laboratory’s leader, we hosted a large Halloween party outside our laboratory for our employees and Soldiers with games, activities, and an amazing Halloween costume contest. Thankfully for a tremendous amount of support from my family and friends, we had received endless amounts of Halloween decorations, candy, and activities to let our hair down and spend an evening having fun together as a deployed family. It was a fun night without a doubt.

 

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

Without a doubt, I appreciate you all for reading this blog, as I continue to tell my story. It’s been so much fun reflecting on not just my military career, but my life in general. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like me to discuss a subject in a future blog, please don’t hesitate to ask – I’d be happy to discuss subjects you’d like to hear!

 

Thank you again for reading!

 

Have a great week and Spread Some Aloha!!!!