Today (Oct. 12)
is my Mom's Birthday, and I'd love it if you all wish my Mom a "Happy
Birthday!" My mom has always been my rock and everyone that has known me
since I was a little kid will say that I'm a "Mama's Boy." Growing
up, she always encouraged me to do my best in everything that I did. She taught
me the basics of life, gave me valuable advice, and provided all the love that
I could ever ask for. She was right next to me through all my adventures,
whether it be Little League practices and games, Boy Scout activities,
cross-country practices and meets, yearbook deadlines, high school clubs,
political activities and so much more. There are no words to give to the one
person who brought me into this world and took care of me. I know these last
22-years in the Army have worried her so much, especially during my 44-months
of combined combat deployment time – but her countless letters, packages, and
prayers helped me get through each one of them.
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In almost every picture of me growing-up; I was always hanging or hugging my mom
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I have so many
great memories that I have shared with my mom. From the countless trips that we
made across the country by plane, train, automobile, and RV. To the countless
sporting events, county fairs, shopping experiences, and more. We also
experienced some life-threatening experiences together which we love to laugh
about now, such as almost getting ran over in Charleston, South Carolina, to
getting hit by a flash flood near Laughlin, Nevada. It would be hard to pick my
favorite memory with my mom, as I have so many – however, I’d say one that I
treasure a lot is that she was able to promote me to Master Sergeant in the
United States Army. That was special to me as that was the last rank that I
would achieve in the military – ending an amazing career in the United States
Military.
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My Mom promoting me to Master Sergeant
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To everyone,
I’m grown up, but to my mom, I’m still her little boy or “mijo.” She gave me
warm hugs when the world gave me a cold shoulder, she gave me peace in times of
trouble and hope in times of failure.
Mom – thank you
for being the most important part of me. You made me who I am today, and I
continue to walk the path you showed me. You have made me the luckiest person
on this Earth by being my mom and I am forever grateful for this lifetime
opportunity. Thank you for always being amazing and I hope you have the best
day ever!!! I can't wait to celebrate a birthday with you again!! I love you!!
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In the Summer of 2019, my Mom had all her Children and Grandchildren together for the first time.
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BREAST
CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
According to
the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 250,000 women are
diagnosed with Breast Cancer, while 42,000 women die annually within the United
States. While those diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer have a 98-100% 5-Year
survivability rate, those diagnosed with Stage 3 have a significant difference
from 66-98% according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Many Breast Cancer
foundations and organizations have done a tremendous job in bringing awareness,
identifying efficient early detection methods, and quality treatment – work
still needs to be done to raise the survivability rate.
There are things that all should do to learn the signs and symptoms of breast
cancer as tumors in the breast grow slowly, some taking as long as 10 years to
be able to feel.
Symptoms can
include—
- - Any change in the size or the shape of the
breast.
- - Pain in any area of the breast.
- - Nipple discharge other than breast milk
(including blood).
- - A new lump in the breast or underarm.
MEN –
you should also ensure that you’re checking yourself, as 1 out of every 100 breast
cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.
I don't think I
have met a person that has not been affected by Breast Cancer - either
themself, family member, friend, co-worker, or someone else they know. Breast
Cancer hit close to home last year when my mom was diagnosed with Stage 1 and
fought her own battle. She has won that battle and continues to be aware of any
follow-on symptoms.
It is time that
we continue to spread awareness - get involved, donate to cancer research, and
WEAR PINK THIS MONTH!
RETIREMENT
TRANSITION
Last Saturday,
I participated in a Suiting Warriors
event in Wilmington, North Carolina hosted by Marine Corps Veteran Rob Rens. Star Lotta,
founded this non-profit organization to provide transition assistance to
honorably, medically, and generally discharged U.S Armed Forces service members
and their spouses, by professional outfitting them in business attire needed to
compete in the civilian workforce. I would say that a large majority of service
members DO NOT OWN suits or business attire, as our "suits" include
camouflage, body armor, and helmets. As service members transition out of the
military, this organization ensures that they are dressed for success. When I
walked into Rob's office, I was taken away by the amount of professionalism and
dedication of Star, Rob, and all the volunteers ensuring that the transitioning
Veterans were looking good. I walked in and was immediately greeted by Rob, who
is a great and caring human being. If you have LinkedIn, you need to CONNECT WITH ROB, as
he'll inspire you daily, while making you laugh. Soon after, a volunteer took
my body measurements to allow the many volunteers to begin picking out dress
shoes, dress shirts, ties, and a suit for me. I tried on all the clothes while
Star ensured that it fits perfect and professional looking. She bagged up all
my new clothes, thanked me for my service and that was it. As I got home, I
began looking at price tags on the items, and was in shock: $295 for one dress
shirt, $325 for another, and so on….I left there with over $1,000 of dress
clothes – ALL FOR FREE!
It is
organizations like these that help make Veterans successful. Transitioning out
of the service is extremely stressful and requires a massive amount of
adjustment. Many Veterans struggle once they have transitioned from the
military and Veteran organizations are here to help get us through this
process.
"Suiting
Warriors was established with one simple idea…That one suit could change a
Veterans life in a positive direction. One suit can create a first impression
allowing introductions, connections, opportunities, and advance."
If you or your
company can assist Suiting Warriors in their mission of helping Veterans, learn
how to GET INVOLVED on
their Website.
MILITARY
MEMORY
One of the most
challenging jobs I had in the Army was when I worked in the Tactical Operations
Center (TOC) while deployed in Ghazni Province and Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan with
the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats,” 25th
Infantry Division. I was a Battle Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) working 12-hour
shifts daily tracking and monitoring over 3,500 mounted and dismounted combat
patrols through my unit’s areas of operation. In a way, you can think of a TOC
as a 9-1-1 call center; receiving the calls for help, and managing the
resources to respond to those calls. Within days of arriving in Afghanistan, I
was the most senior NCO on duty in the TOC when a mine strike hit one of my
unit’s patrols. My heart was racing as I heard that we had an injured Soldier
and that I would need to request helicopter Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), begin
coordinating for additional troops to assist in protecting those injured, and
additional troops to begin searching for those responsible for this attack.
That would be the first of many situations that would require my immediate
ability to rapidly coordinate for resources. In the 12-months that I was in
Afghanistan and working in the TOC, I had requested over 90 MEDEVACs, ensuring
that the injured were evacuated to higher medical treatment to prevent the loss
of lives. Also, I helped managed my unit’s successful operations in protecting
the Afghan government and local population in conducting their first free and
democratic presidential election in their nation’s history.
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Keeping track of troop movements (above)
Communicating with the troops on a mission (below) |
Even though my
battalion was able to disrupt coordination between high-level Taliban leaders
and Taliban cells in southern Afghanistan, four “Bobcats” made the ultimate
sacrifice. Wednesday, (Oct. 14) will mark the 16th anniversary since
we lost two phenomenal Soldiers due to a roadside bomb explosion: Staff
Sergeant Brian S. Hobbs and Specialist
Kyle Eo Fernandez. Please continue to keep their families in your thoughts
and prayers, and Never Forget the sacrifices that they made.
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!!!!
