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
Monday, November 21, 2011
Future Soldier Ivan Rivera
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!