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!!!!