My name is Cynthia Escalera. I'm 20 years old and I'm a Future Soldier in the United States Army. It's not easy to decide to join any branch of the military. It takes strength to even take that step. But I woke up one day realizing I had no direction, no money, and no will to continue living. I used to be such a vibrant individual. And just like many of you, I thought I had all of the time in the world to become an adult. Yet there I was, in debt and with no idea where I would live.
My friend had just come back home from Air Force boot camp and she seemed so happy. I wanted to be that happy again. So I started talking to recruiters from every branch. But the Army stood out. They cared about what I wanted and knew what it would take to get me there. I wasn't just a number to them. I was a Future Soldier...a young woman who could carry on serving the country when it was my turn.
It was all a blur. Between meeting the recruiters and MEPS to even swearing in (which was the proudest day of my existence). Now I'm just waiting to ship out to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in February.
I'm trying to enjoy my civilian life while I'm still here but I'm just getting into the balance of preparing for Basic Training as well. I've already made friends who will train with me and I feel like a family already. The Army has given me security and I would whole-heartily give any individual a thumbs-up if they joined as well. Joining the Army was the best decision I ever made for myself. I can finally be proud of myself.
Pvt. Escalera
42A Future Soldier
US Army
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Future Soldier Cynthia Escalera
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Future Soldier Alberto Feliciano
Hi my name is Alberto L. Feliciano and I’m very proud to say I’m a Future Soldier. My story began when I saw my father put on his uniform and work in something he loved. My father was an Airborne Ranger. I always wanted to be a Soldier and at the age of 16 I quit playing baseball to become a Civil Air Patrol Cadet. When I started my senior year of high school I talked with my father about enlistment and his said, “If you want to enlist go for it, but only when you finish college.’’
Some months later he went to Iraq. On Jan 13, 2006 my mom received the call you never want to receive - my father was hit by two cars bombs and was in a plane to Germany for treatment in Ramstein AB. I forgot all about wanting to enlist and decided to go to college.
In my third year of college, I saw a table with cadets of the Air Force ROTC and started thinking and decided that I really wanted to be a Soldier so I talked with a TSgt and his said, ‘’You are too fat for the program.’’ I was over 250 lbs at that time so the TSgt said when you drop that weight to 185 lbs come and meet with me. Six months later I went to the TSgt office and he weighed me and didn’t believe that I dropped my weight to 184 lbs. I signed the initial contract and started the next semester. My plan was to finish my last two years of my bachelor’s and the other two years for my master’s.
Almost one year later the Air Force had some cuts of personnel and one day the Commander said AFROTC have 5,100 cadets and only needs 2,500 so all the cadets with plans to do a master’s have one choice: to extend the bachelor’s degree or go to Army ROTC; so, at this time I was only at 9 classes to finish. Obviously my time in AFROTC was done.
I decided to finish my bachelor’s degree and enlist in the Army. One month after my graduation (my bachelor’s degree is in computers and network). I met my recruiter and the rest is history. I chose to follow the steps of my father and enlist in the Army. Some people doubt me and tell me I can’t be a Soldier, but after some hard work and motivation I’m now waiting for my day to ship to BCT. If you want something just do it HOOAH!!!
SPC Feliciano
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Future Soldier Kelsey Evan
Hi my name is Kelsey Evans and this is my journey to enlistment. I went to college in the fall of 2005 knowing what I wanted to do. I wanted to become a Photojournalist and play lacrosse in college. I think at some point during my junior year of college, when I was finally taking actual photojournalism classes, I realized that I didn’t really have the passion for it that I thought I would. So instead of wasting more money and switching majors I stuck it out, finished my lacrosse career, which was my real passion and got my degree.
When I graduated college I also thought I knew what I wanted to do and became a part-time college lacrosse coach and worked full-time in retail to supplement my income. I did love coaching those girls, but the office work side of it was not for me. All I knew was that I loved being part of a team, I loved working hard and being hands on with my job.
It had been 1 ½ years since I was a college lacrosse goalie so I was out of shape. I decided in January of this year to start doing Crossfit. I headed to my local box (their term for gym) and took beginner’s classes for a month until I was able to do the real classes. I spent that time around ex-military and current military personnel who loved the Armed Forces and their jobs. I got the opportunity to work out with them and get to know them and it really shifted my perspective on what I wanted to do with my life.
On February 28th of this year I walked into a recruiter’s office and told him I wanted to join the Army and go to OCS and so began the LONG journey of me joining the Army. I had to lose weight so I continued doing Crossfit and started running and started doing the Paleo diet strictly. I lost 9 pounds of fat in about 3 months and went to MEPS on May 18th and 19th for my ASVAB and medical exam. Unfortunately for me the Officer Review Board (interview before three officers) was canceled in June. I had to wait until mid-July. I was nervous out of my mind for the hours they had us waiting to go before the board, which is funny now because it went so well and it was pretty laid back and kind of fun. All three of the officers highly recommended me as an Officer Candidate, which means that I could become a Reserve Officer Candidate if I wanted. I wanted active so they sent all my paperwork and their recommendations to the Paper Review Board. They took 31 of 85 candidates that month I believe. I wasn’t accepted as an Active Duty Officer Candidate.
I already knew that I wanted active more than I wanted officer and had plenty of time leading up to this day to make my decision. The day I got turned down I went to my recruiter’s office in late July and picked my MOS of 35M Human Intelligence Collector. On August 4th I FINALLY enlisted in the Army. I got what I wanted and the 7-month wait in the DEP began. I’ve decided since then that I want to try to become a HUMINT Warrant Officer anyways knowing how I love hands on work.
I went from not being able to do one military pushup in March to being able to do 50 in 2 minutes by May. I went from not being able to do more than 30 sit-ups without being exhausted and completely slowing down to doing 76 in 2 minutes now. And my running…When I was a freshman in high school and decided to play lacrosse I couldn’t jog a lap around the track because of exhaustion and lack of mental toughness. By my senior year of high school I could run a mile in 8:04. I now run a mile in 7:26 and my 2 miles is 16:05.
If you want something and are willing to work for it, you will get it. There is no question. It just may take a long time. Next step is Basic Training in February. I know it will be hard, but I’ll handle that too. I can’t wait to be SPC Evans.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Future Soldier John DeLima
School just wasn't for me. I wanted to work- I had no problem clocking in, doing my time, and clocking out. I tried a few semesters at community college and nothing clicked for me. I ended up getting a desk job and after three years the monotony got to me.
My cousin SFC Harris is the only other person in my family that is in the service and is currently doing her recruiting duty. She put my one buddy SPC Molloy into the service and he's currently a Ranger now. Between the two of them, seeing the transformation of a civilian to a Soldier is just inspiring. I had enough of civilian life and I told my cousin I wanted to be better. I wanted to do something honorable and I wanted to overcome a real challenge. I didn't want to be a loser anymore. The Army was the only path to take.
I contacted a recruiter on a Friday, by the following Friday- I signed my contract. It was the best day of my life thus far. Every single day that passes as a Future Soldier opens my eyes to more of what the Army has to offer me and I can't believe the chance I have now. I'm leaving in April to become a 35F and I couldn't be more excited.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Future Soldier Judy Rodriguez
My name is Judy Rodriguez. I'm 29 years old and I'm so proud to say that I'm a Future Soldier. I recently enlisted in the U.S Army!!! Yes, some would say a little older than most people usually join the military, but late is better than never. The Reality of life is that you don't always get what you want, when you want it. This is something I’ve always liked and been interested in. I actually became an adult way ahead of my time!
Let's see where do I begin; well I was married for ten years. I was 16 yrs old when I started dating my ex-husband and got married at 17 yrs old. So, I obviously had to learn what it was to be an adult, wife and all the responsibilities that come with those titles at a very young age. It was hard, at times I had to work full time “plus hours” at times. While going to school full time, maintaining a husband and household! I guess it didn't go so bad since I did get my high school diploma, then my associates degree, and kept my job and later moved to my career in the medical field.
My desire has always been to keep pushing myself and accomplish everything I’ve wanted to do. Once I became single, I had to find myself again and become my own person. It had been so long since I only had myself to worry about and consider. My once upon a time thought and desire to join the military came back. I’ve been fortunate enough to have two cousins, friends and my boyfriend who are military veterans (different branches) to guide me through this process. Honestly, when I started considering the military once again, as the questions aroused, such as “Am I too old already?," "Would I be able to keep up with the young kids? Just things of that nature. Then my personality kicked in. LOL HELLO!!!!! Judy, of course you can!!!. You can do everything and anything you put your mind to! If you want “IT” that much you will succeed (where there‘s a “WILL“ there‘s a “WAY“).
I’ve accomplished a lot considering everything I’ve been through in life. I’ve succeeded and accomplished everything I’ve set out to do thus far. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, something you've always wanted to be a part of. You’ll be part of a team, ‘a Warrior‘!! (something I consider I'm definitely good at). I’ll be part of something greater, bigger than ourselves, serve our country, and defend our freedom.
At that point I spoke to my man and my family and made “THE” call to my recruiting office. I had a lot of support and great advice. My man helped a lot, him being former military (Navy). I’m very proud and happy to have someone who knows and understands the military life. He has helped me with the training process such as: Ranks, Saluting, Marching, ABC's, etc., as well as the overall transitioning from civilian before BCT - and may I add he’s learned too! Since I’m Army and he’s former Navy he had to learn the Army ranks and remember to say “MOS” to me instead of “Rate”, which I still find it funny... he and my family have been my major support team.
My sister has been amazing as well, she’s very active with the Future Soldiers Family page on Facebook. She’s learning military abbreviations to be able to understand the military lingo that I‘ll be speaking once I’ve finished BCT. I am extremely excited, motivated, and ready to embark my new life in the military. I’m happy to be able to show my niece and younger brothers, who are very important to me, a great example and maybe even be their role model. To show them it's never too late to go after what you want in life no matter what life throws at you, even when the opportunity presents itself a little later than expected. Fort Jackson better get ready, Here I come!!!!!! ;-)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Future Soldier Ivan Rivera
Hey. My name is Ivan Rivera. I'm 27 years old and a father-to-be. When I first thought about joining the ARMY was when I was 18. At that time, a recruiter went to my former high school to offer information to students who wanted to follow a military career. But when I talked to the recruiter he told me I was too fat. Can you imagine how I felt? I really wanted to be important. To be a hero. I was so disappointed that I gave up almost immediately. Almost ten years later (mid December 2010 to be exact) I was at my workplace and a work partner was talking about how proud she was for her sons. The three of them are currently in the Army. And that kinda gave me the desire to try to join again. But there was one detail. I still was overweight. But this time I was decided. When the recruiter took my measurement he told me I was like 10% over. I was 278 pounds that day (February 12) but I went and took the ASVAB anyway. And i did pass it with a good score. Then came the really challenging part. I have to lose about 40 pounds asap. After the first month of intense training and diet, I lost 38 pounds and went from 278 to 240. I was so happy looking at myself. I felt really good and my recruiter was proud of me. After that I went to MEPS, passed the physical test and made the Oath of Enlistment. That was the BEST day of my life. Today I have to wait a few weeks to ship. But I am proud to say I will serve my nation, my people, my family. I am proud to belong to the greatest family in the whole world. I am proud to be a Future Soldier.
Pvt. Rivera.
13D Future Soldier
US ARMY
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Future Soldier Jessica Adams
Hello, My name is Jessica B Adams (aka JBrandi the Drummer Girl), soon to be PFC Adams. I am from San Antonio, TX where there is everything from BBQ and Mexican food to Chinese Buffets and Fast Food restaurants! I decided to join the Army Strong family after 6 years of going from job to pointless job and feeling like I was getting no where in college. I wanted to be part of a group that was larger than myself and wanted to use my hardworking skills to actually get ahead in life. I used to be in sports since 5th grade and have always been in shape. After I graduated I worked a couple of jobs and went to school full time and my weight went to 230+ pounds for a 5'3" female. I decided that I wanted to turn my life around and do something for myself. So I went to a great friend of mine (We will call her Ms. Luke so she won't be embarrassed) and asked for her help. I visited local recruiters to see where I stood as far as weight standards go. Most of them took one look at me and said "Only thing I can tell you is just lose weight!" I got discouraged time and time again until my friend told me to give it one more try. Sure enough, I found a recruiter to give me a chance after I told him how I wanted to turn my life around. He took me to take the ASVAB and took my measurements. Sadly (LOL) I had to lose 60 pounds to get down to 151 pounds!! He told me to keep going and keep up the hard work. So I took 4 workout classes at a local college, including Jogging, Weight training, Cardio Kickboxing, and yes, Fencing! My final was a 10 mile marathon, Fencing Competition in which I placed 2nd place and bench pressing close to 150 pounds! At the end of 5 months I went back and still needed 25 pounds to lose. I was getting disappointed once again because I had done so much hard work throughout the semester. So I went on my own, along side my best friend Ms. Luke and once again pushed myself beyond belief on my own without a coach doing my own 10 mile marathons around San Antonio and hitting the gym countless times. I took a visit to my recruiter after 4 more months and I weighed 148! This past August, I went to MEPS (hit a snag) and took my first Oath of Enlistment in August (was in the first round of marines, sailors and airmen to take my oath) and only my best friend was there bright and early to take photos cheering me on. I can't explain the feeling of accomplishing something like losing 85 pounds and joining the United States Army after 8 months of endless work. I leave for boot camp next year and I will truly be one of the best and hardest working Soldiers out there only because I have been put through so much from being homeless to being sick and losing everything. Finally as a Future Soldier (92Y) I will be the accomplished adult I want to be at 25 years old and I owe it to my best friend (Ms. Luke who has been there from day 1 pushing me to never stop) and my recruiter.
Army Strong 2012!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Future Soldier Mary Macdonald
Where to begin? I am a 33 years old, happily married to my high school sweet heart, and have two children 15 and 10 years old. I decided to join the Army to give my family a better life than what we have been living. I am college educated and hold a teaching certification here in Maine. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts I lost my teaching job this year and have found it very difficult to find another one. So after some thought I decided that what better way to guarantee my children's future than to help fight for it along side some of the the best men and women America has to offer. I can't wait to start my life in the Medical Corps and some day...I think I see Officer in my future??!! HOOAH! ARMY STRONG! only 3 1/2 months left before BCT at Fort Sill Oklahoma!!!!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Future Soldier Kevin Arguello
Well, I'm originally from Spain. I was born there, I studied there, I have my
friends and family there... Everything. Once I was thinking about my future after finishing High School; my first thought was joining the military. I won't lie, it was difficult to leave everything behind and come here with some relatives to start a new life by my own. The journey has been as difficult as it could be for someone whose parents are Spanish and American: Problems here and problems there! But the thought of giving up never crossed my mind. I kept fighting for what I wanted. For my dream. For my future.
I studied for the ASVAB really hard (as I said, my English level is pretty good but
not as good as someone who lived here all his life, so I had difficulties to study in another language, even if I knew 90% what I was reading or working on). I submitted all my package materials, including my transcripts from High School, reported to MEPS several times, talked to the recruiters, passed my medical check-ups and picked the job I wanted based on my score and my capabilities... And FINALLY, signed my contract:The contract that offered me the greatest training and resources for my future.
I chose 68W opt. 40 (Combat Medic Airborne Ranger). I couldn't be more satisfied and proud of myself: Proud of what I've accomplished on my own, with hard work, a daily strong mind setting of what I want and what I know I'm able to do.
I came here Sept. 2010 and signed April 2011; Nothing is free, but my story definitely shows that you can get what you want if you really want it.
Hope this helps other people to fight or keep fighting for their dreams.
We all are part of the brotherhood now.
HOOAH Future Soldiers and all service members of the military!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Future Soldier Amanda DiStefano
My name is Amanda DiStefano and I am from Philadelphia, PA. At the age of 25, I decided to join the Army. I want a career change into something more meaningful. I also desire to apply my skills and strengths as a civilian to better serve my country. I always had the Reserves in the back of my mind but decided to go Active Duty. My MOS is 42A Human Resources Specialist. After being in DEP for 5 months, I am confident I made the right decision and am looking forward to the transformation into Specialist DiStefano. Hooah!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Future Soldier Ashley Baylor
My name is Ashley Baylor. My MOS is 68E Dental Specialist. I decided to join the ARMY because I was uncertain about my future last summer when I was seventeen. At that moment, I knew my four years of JROTC was meant for something and I love the military lifestyle. I may be young at nineteen to serve my country, but I was meant for it. Now, I have about four months to wait before I leave for BCT. I'm ready for this new part of my life in the ARMY.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Future Soldier Justin Miller
My name is Justin Miller and my MOS is 25S Satellite Communications Systems Maintainer/Operator. I always had a strong sense of duty and loyalty towards my country. I spent two years in my High School's JROTC program and during that time, my dedication, patriotism, and efficiency allowed me to rise up to the rank of Captain. I decided to join the Army, because I saw it as a way to maintain my family's honor and tradition of serving in the military. I want to do my country proud and lay everything that I can on the line if need be. I leave in November to go to Ft. Benning, GA upon my graduation I will officially be a PFC thanks to my JROTC and FS Training. After my BCT and AIT I will go back to Benning for Airborne School and afterwards hopefully Ranger School. I want to stay true to what the Army commands of me and be all that I can be. I strive to be the top in everything that I do.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Future Soldier Keila Orozco
Hi my name is Keila and I am 27yrs old. I joined the Army because my father was a proud Vietnam Veteran and when I was little he would to sit me down and tell me his war stories. I knew since then that this is what I was meant to do. I tried to join right out of high school, but in my last month of school I found out that I was going to have a child. Eight years later I am now married and have someone I trust to look after my son once I leave. It's taken me a long time to do this and Im so EXCITED that I now am able to!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The 150th Anniversary Celebrating the Medal of Honor
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Future Soldier Michael David
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| Before |
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| Ready for BCT! |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Future Soldier Stephannie Martinez
My name is Stephannie Martinez , my MOS is 31B Military Police. I decided to join the ARMY because ever since I was in JROTC I could tell that I was a born leader and this is what I wanted to do. Now I leave in about 5 months or so and I'm super excited to start my career as an active duty soldier. This is something that I have been working so hard to get and now that I'm so close to it just makes me even more motivated to go into basic and kick some butt!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Future Soldier Naomi Hernandez Bristol
Name: SPC Bristol
MOS: 68X (Behavorial Health Specialist)
I decided to join the Army because my grandfather was in the Army, my father was in the Army, and my husband is in the Army; I wanted to continue that tradition because of personal pride and to give back service to my country.
I'm most excited about beginning this new chapter in my life....to experience something and do things that never in my life I would have ever thought of doing. I'm nervous about BCT, but I know with the right attitude and mindset going into it, I, as well as many others, will accomplish that stage and become US Army Soldiers. HOOAH!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Future Soldier Erin Ellison
Erin Ellison
11X Airborne
I joined the Army to better myself and to better my future and to protect the American way of life like all those before me have. It will be an honor to wear the uniform and serve America. God bless!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Future Soldier Allyson Scott
Name: Allyson Scott
MOS: OCS, then 31A
I joined the Army to be part of something bigger than myself where I am able to help my fellow Soldiers. Also, joining felt right to me because I am able to give back to my Community and Country.
I am excited to start my journey in the Army through BCT, and then OCS. I am a little nervous for OCS, but I know the experience I will get from OCS will help me better lead and teach my fellow Soldiers.
Nutrition
Monday, August 29, 2011
Guarding the Tomb of Unknown Soldier
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Future Soldier Henry Ramos
I don't come from a military family, my dad was a mechanic in the Air Force, and that's about it. But I grew up watching all the war movies, then playing with G.I. Joe's, and playing video games and all that. But that only sparked my interest; as I grew older and into my teenage years, my respect and passion for the military had only grown. I still watched the movies, all the TV shows, and military channel and all that good stuff, but I also saw some documentaries, like Restrepo, the best documentary I had ever seen. It shows who the Soldiers really are, they goof off, talk, play guitar, play video games like regular people, but then in action, they are strictly professional, and focus on the task at hand. I want to join the United States Army because I love this country, I love the people in it, the opportunities it provides, and everything about it. And sure, there are ways to give back to your community and your country, but nothing as great, and selfless, as the U.S. Military. I want to stand up for those who can't for themselves, fight for freedom, for honor, for my family, and for my country. And I am proud to say I will be at MEPS soon and I will be a part of something greater than myself, the U.S. Army. I can say for a fact, it will be the proudest moment in my civilian life. HOOAH!