I BLEED DODGER BLUE

This week begins the Major League Baseball (MLB) Playoffs, and once again the Los Angeles Dodgers will be there fighting for that World Series Trophy. Many of you know, I grew up at Dodger Stadium. My Dad worked at Dodger Stadium for over a decade, mostly providing security for the Dodger players. I had the unique opportunity to be raised around Dodger greats such as Tommy Lasorda, Steve Garvey, Dusty Baker, Mike Scioscia, Fernando Valenzuela, Darryl Strawberry, and so many others! As I’m currently writing this blog, I see the news that another Dodger great, Jay Johnstone has passed away from c COVID-19 complications. My Dad built relationships with many of the players during the years he worked at the stadium – Jay was one of them. Jay was definitely a prankster, to say the least. I often remember him joking around with me and trying to scare me. He knew that my favorite player on the team in the early 1980s was Dodger First Baseman, Steve Garvey. Jay would tease me on why he wasn’t my favorite player. Jay loved woodworking and would do amazing projects, especially during the off-season. One of his projects was getting a Steve Garvey game-used broken-bat, building it into a lamp, and giving it to me for my fourth (I think) birthday – I still have that lamp next to my bed today! After he retired from playing baseball, he still remained active with baseball. During one of our family trips to New York City we met-up with Jay at Yankee Stadium, while he was a broadcaster for the New York Yankees. He was just a genuine and fun-loving individual, and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to be around him through the early years of my life.

(Above) Former Dodgers Pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela, and I; and

former Dodgers Leftfielder, Dusty Baker and I (Below) at Dodger Stadium in 1981

My love for the Dodgers will never die – I truly bleed Dodger Blue! I was there as a two-year-old kid in 1981 when the Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series. I was there at Dodger Stadium the night Kirk Gibson hit his ninth-inning, two-out walk-off home run against Dennis Eckersley which led the momentum for the Dodgers to beat the A’s in the 1988 World Series. This year, as the Dodgers enter the postseason as the best team in MLB, I hope to witness another Championship – we’re long overdue! We will all be watching it on TV – so scream loud to ensure the Boys in Blue here you!

 

NATIONAL FAMILY DAY

Today (September 28) is National Family Day and as I look back on my life, I am extremely grateful and lucky to have such an amazing family. Last week, I described the importance and impact my military family has had in my life and career. My military family did not replace my actual family, rather expanded the family tree. The deep roots and my foundation were built by my parents. They have made me who I am today; teaching me the difference between right and wrong, and setting the example on how to live life to the fullest. I credit them for my successes in life and sacrificing so much for me. I was also lucky to have an amazing older sister that paved the way for me to be the person I am today and bringing my nephew and niece into this World. She’s been there for me through the good and difficult times in my life and has always been supportive of my adventures. Even though we are not married today, my ex-wife endured the military lifestyle for several years and suffered the pain of divorce. We had countless memories that I’ll always treasure, especially having two amazing children together. We enjoyed our little family and made the best of the time we had together. As I continue to move forward in a now nearly two-year relationship, I look forward to doing a better job in always continuing to treasure and love each and every member of my family. They have all suffered the “Mission First, Family Always” mentality of the military. I have missed birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, surgeries, and even funerals due to the military - whether it was working late at night or weekends, traveling, or deployments. I will eventually leave the military after 23 years of service, however, no matter what – my family will ALWAYS be there.

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

Last weekend, I had the absolute privilege in participating in Leader Transition Institute’s Changing Focus: Moving From We to Me event. This 4-day event taught and allowed me the opportunity to refocus on me. It made me truly think about how I can still honor who I am as a future Veteran while allowing me to continue to make impacts on things that I truly and deeply care about; along with strengthening my relationships. I developed MY OWN purpose and vision for the future, and ways to implement these as I transition out of the Army. I have spent my entire adult life in the military; retirement is very exciting but very scary at the same time. During the event, we conducted a “sip and paint” style (no alcohol – just coffee and tea) exercise, which was challenging over a Zoom meeting – I will not say why we did the painting to allow those that will be participating in this event in the future to gain the full appreciation and experience. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this event to all transitioning or recently transitioned Veterans and their spouses. Use the links at the beginning of this section to register for a future course! I hope you enjoy my painting as much as I enjoyed creating it.

I truly enjoyed the weekend learning from the Leader Transition Institute

and loved the way my painting came out!

MILITARY MEMORY

Two weeks ago, I explained my reasoning for staying in the Army after the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks – it was to do my part to help keep us safe. In 2004, I finally got the call to deploy in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM – Afghanistan. I was excited but extremely nervous at the same time. I didn’t know what to expect and with only a small number of soldiers in my unit with previous deployment experience, it was difficult to gain additional knowledge. Luckily, I had extremely technically and tactically smart infantrymen who led my unit and prepared us for deployment. My deployment began in Ghazni, Afghanistan, then quickly found ourselves in Tarrin Kowt (TK). When I stepped off the C-130 turboprop Air Force plane in TK, I literally saw NOTHING. When I say nothing; I literally mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G. We found ourselves without running water, no showers, no restrooms, no laundry services, no shade, and no place to escape the 100+ degree temperatures. We overcame our living conditions while making significant gains in the fight about terrorism. Those 13-months in Afghanistan changed me as a person – something that I will always cherish. Below is a picture of me in TK - notice the dirt stains caked along the front of my hat and the inside collar.

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!

Happy New (Fiscal) Year to our Federal Government Employees out there!!

Happy Yom Kippur to my Jewish Family and Friends!!

 

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

It’s Not Goodbye; It’s See You Later

Something that I have always treasured about the military are the bonds that our military members build with each other. Growing-up as a Military Brat, I witnessed the relationships that my Dad had with his military colleagues and how close they became. Many of those relationships that he and my Mom built over his 20+ years of military service remain today. Those Army friends, became family. Those friends were there for all our birthdays, celebrations, the good times and not-so good times. They were there in my Dad’s final hours alive; supporting him while being there next to my Mom, Sister and I. Most of them watched me grow-up as a newborn and throughout these 22-years of military service. There is something unique and special between military colleagues.

 

When I left my family and friends in California to join the military, there was something immediately missing in my life – my family. Through Basic Combat Training and my job training (Advanced Individual Training), there was not much of an opportunity to build a family relationship – rather we were all doing what we had to do to get through the initial training and embracing the suck together. I did not fully fill that gap until I arrived at my first duty station at Fort Lewis, Washington. It was there I gained my first “military family.” It was my first Platoon Sergeant whom welcomed me to her home and took me under her wing to teach me basic life and military skills. Throughout my career, I have developed lifelong bonds with my military family – we have all experienced many special, unique, life-changing and amazing times together. Throughout the years, my family has significantly grown.

 

Over the last eight years that I’ve been at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing friends. Two of them have a special place in my heart, as they are such amazing, loving and caring people and have truly became family – Roxie and Amy.

 

I first met Roxie about six years ago through another mutual friend. Roxie is a member of the Fort Bragg Women’s Rugby Football Club, and if you don’t know anything about Rugby – it’s one challenging and rough sport. Shortly following our initial meeting, Roxie invited me to watch one of her Rugby matches on Fort Bragg. As the girls got in their scrums and tackled each other without wearing any pads – I would just cringe thinking about the pain. I quickly admired the ladies that were playing and getting at it! Roxie introduced me to the players, whom were all extremely nice, welcoming and just a fun group of ladies. Roxie would continue to include me in all the Rugby activities, from dinners to parties to other Rugby matches. Overtime, we became extremely close, doing almost everything together – from watching football games to RuPaul’s Drag Race and so on. There wasn’t a day (or as it seemed) that we were not hanging-out or spending time together. About four years ago, she moved to Missouri when I immediately felt lost without my partner-in-crime. We would talk on the phone, FaceTime, and still keep up – but it wasn’t the same. I know she missed her Rugby Family back here in North Carolina – and we missed her too! Last year, she decided to move back to North Carolina where we have all enjoyed so many new memories together! It was like things went back to normal again…. until last week when she made another move. This time, to Tennessee! When she moved back to North Carolina, Roxie landed herself an amazing job – so amazing that her bosses wanted her to relocate to Tennessee. Over the last couple months, we had discussed if she should go or stay. Even though everyone wanted to be selfish and have her stay, we knew this was a great opportunity for her to move forward and gain even more experiences. It’s been a weird week to say the least. Football season started and we weren’t watching the games together. Keeping Up With The Kardashians started again, and Roxie wasn’t there on the couch falling asleep. Thankfully, technology has kept us connected daily – but I sure do miss her!

Within 24-hours of Roxie leaving North Carolina, another friend, Amy, departed North Carolina to Texas. I only meet Amy almost two years ago, but looking back at it now – feels like we’ve known each other for a life time. From the first time meeting her, she quickly became an amazing friend. We’ve had so many amazing experiences together, such as going to baseball games to having some delicious dinners, and so much more.  We also had so many heart-to-heart talks about the military, life, and everything in-between. She is such a caring person that always wants to see others happy – that makes her happy! She and her family hosted us in New Orleans to celebrate my birthday during Mardi Gras. She took us around the town, giving us a local’s perspective of Mardi Gras and had such a remarkable and memorable time. Her brothers even did a seafood boil, allowing me to experience crawfish for the first time. I’ll definitely miss her signature saying of “THERE I AM” as she walked into our apartment; simply said – we have had some amazing times together that I’ll never forget!

Something that I have also experienced in the military – we all have to move at some point. I also quickly learned that it was never a “Good Bye,” rather a “See you later!”

 

SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH

As I know that I’ll see Roxie and Amy again, there are members of my military family that I will not see again. It saddens me deeply to see that life had become so difficult for them, that they had to choose to end their life. I have lost nearly 30 military friends to suicide – all combat veterans; all men that I felt were resilient. Many of these men were next to me during the toughest and most difficult times in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 45,390 American adults died by Suicide in 2017, of which 6,139 were Veterans. This calculates to ~17 Veterans die by Suicide daily.

 

I ask that you take the time to learn the signs and indicators of a crisis!! Learn to Recognize the Red Flags by CLICKING ON THIS LINK.

 

As a friend and family member – if you’re going through a difficult time in life and need some assistance, please reach out for help! Call the numbers below!! You can always reach out to me or call me if you want to talk as well! I don’t want to lose any more of my family and friends to Suicide.

 

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

As I begin this military transition, I often feel stressed, anxious, nervous and excited – all at the same time. For the last 22-years, life has been fairly predictable, always having a steady paycheck, and knowing that I had a job. As I look forward to retiring, things will be different in the “civilian world.” It will be a new way of thinking, talking, and integrating. There is a tremendous amount of assets available assisting me in preparing for this transition. I am very thankful for everyone helping me in this process. My typical day consists of spending 6 to 8-hours speaking with mentors, participating in webinars, or doing the “homework” required to transition.

 

One thing that has kept my mind focused during this process is listening to “Thank You, Now What;” a biweekly podcast about life after the service. This podcast has featured many service members that have discussed the reason for them joining the military; their challenges before, during and after the military; and how they were able to adapt to life after the service.

 

If you have the opportunity to listen to this podcast, you’d gain a huge appreciation for what Veterans are doing in their communities after serving.

 

MILITARY MEMORY

This week, I reflect on my first deployment to Afghanistan with the 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats.” This deployment definitely had its challenges, but we did take some time to embrace the Afghan culture. Approximately a month before we departed Afghanistan to return to Hawaii, our unit leaders decided to allow a local farmer to come on base to allow the Soldiers to ride and take pictures on a camel. I thought this was the greatest thing ever, and now can say that I rode a camel in Afghanistan!

Thanks for reading and hope you have an amazing week! Be Safe and Spread Some Aloha!

22-Years Later

PREFACE: I apologize for not keeping up with this blog during the last several months. We all have had and continue to endure a very difficult time; something that none of us have ever seen in our lifespan. As I have adjusted to a new way living, I have decided to begin writing this blog again. Over the next year, I plan to keep up with this blog as not just an update on my life adventures, but as a way for those planning on transitioning out of the military to see how I'm doing it - maybe right, wrong or indifferent; regardless a way. Hope you enjoy what this next year has to offer.....

After an academically challenging Freshman year at the University of Arizona, and a summer working at Adler Public Affairs in Long Beach, California, along with a part-time position as an Usher at Dodger Stadium, I decided to join the military. This enlistment would allow me to refocus myself and to move forward with my academic and career goals, along the way gaining lifelong skills and self discipline.(Note: I wrote a letter to my close family and friends explaining my decision....if anyone still has it, please let me know.)

It was September 14, 1998, a typical 75-degree Southern California Monday night when United States Army Recruiter, Staff Sergeant Cooper came to my house to drive me to the Los Angeles Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). This would begin a four-year enlistment in the military, which would allow me to mature and return to school utilizing the Montgomery G.I. Bill.

A week before I departed for Basic Combat Training, I had stopped working at both Adler Public Affairs and Dodger Stadium. Working both jobs, especially after a very long Dodgers homestand, commencing with a loss to the San Francisco Giants, didn't allow for much time with friends and family before departing. This time off allowed me to get into the right mindset and spend time with family and friends before embarking on what I thought would be a four-year adventure. 

Those four-years took me across the United States and Overseas. I completed my Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort McClellan, Alabama, earning the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) - 54B, Chemical Operations Specialist. 

Upon completion of BCT and AIT, I received orders to Fort Lewis, Washington where I remained for two and a half years, until relocating to South Korea for which I thought would be my final year in the Army. 

Once I arrived in Korea, I began to prepare myself to transition out of the Army, go back to school and begin my life outside of the Army.....until that horrid Tuesday evening (Korean Standard Time), September 11, 2001. At approximately 10:00pm KST, already in my barracks room bed, I hear one of the Sergeants from my company banging on all the barracks doors, yelling and telling us to come to the Day Room (a community room on our barracks floor with couches and televisions). He's telling us that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, and as we watch the Korean news not understanding because of the language barrier, we witness the second plane hit the second tower. As we sat in awe, the air raid sirens begin to alarm on our small military base, which housed the 2nd Infantry Division Commanding General, Major General Russel Honore. From our Day Room window, you could see his house across the street, and watched as his entourage prepared him for what would come next.

My Company's First Sergeant met us in the Day Room, and instructed the company to immediately go to the Company Headquarters with all of our battle gear, which included our helmet and body armor. I had actually just received my gear earlier that day, and had not put it together yet, so I grab my entire duffle bag with all the contents, got in uniform and ran to the company. 

My heart was racing as I begin to see military helicopters flying over our base and Infantrymen armed with their weapons in their battle gear securing the perimeter. I didn't know what was happening; initial thoughts were that the North Koreans were about to invade South Korea, and since I was stationed less than 30-miles from the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), I was merely a speed bump as they moved south to Seoul.

The North Korean invasion was not the case, and as we all know - this began an enduring fight against global terrorism. As the days continued; as we analyzed the losses; and as we began to respond - I knew this was no longer the time to get out of the Army.

It may sound cliché, but in a time of need, I couldn't leave the Army right away. I needed to be apart of something bigger than myself - I needed to do my part to keep us safe. I reenlisted for another four years which took me to Hawaii to be a member of the 25th Infantry Division where I deployed twice with two amazing Infantry Battalions (2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment "Bobcats" and 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds") and reenlisting another two times to stay in the military for a career. 

As I celebrate my 22-years in the United States Army, I look forward to this final year before I take off my boots and hang-up my uniform, helmet and body armor for the final time. I look back at these two decades of experiences, friends, and family bonds, and do not regret my decision to remain a Soldier. 

I can look back at these last twenty-two years of my life and proudly say I did my part to help keep the United States and the World safe. As I did when I was a 19-year-old pimple-faced kid, stepping in the boots of generations of Soldiers before me, like my Father - it's now time for me to step aside and allow the new generation of Soldiers to continue and improve upon what has been left for them in the fight to continue keeping us safe! 

Over this next year, I'll be sharing some of the stories that have shaped my military career and made me the individual that I am today. I hope you enjoy reading about them, as much as I will enjoy reminiscing with you all. 

Be Safe and Spread Some Aloha!

Conducting my Oath of Enlistment at the Los Angeles MEPS (Top)

I'm joined with my Officiating Officer and my Dad

after conducting my Oath of Enlistment (Below)