Good morning/afternoon Sergeants Major. It’s a honor to be here with you today. I was born in February 1983 in Charleston, South Carolina, and I remained there for several years. I moved around quite a bit growing up and lived in several different places. In 2003 I graduated with a High School Equivalency Diploma from Galax High School in Galax, VA and a few years afterwards enlisted into the Army as an Infantryman. As most of my family came from different military backgrounds, I was also eager to serve. After completion of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training all at Fort Benning, GA, I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, KS. While stationed there I attended US Army Sniper School in April 2008 and shortly after I deployed to Iraq as a Sniper.
After returning from my deployment to Iraq in October 2009, I was recommended for the E-5 promotion board. Shortly after the board I PCS’d to Fort Stewart, GA and got my first experience as a Non Commissioned Officer in a brand new unit. I was tasked with a lot of responsibility that not only motivated me to excel above the other NCO’s standards but to also pass my own and seek higher expectations. In early March 2010, I received orders for another deployment to Iraq and a few months later I deployed for a 2nd time from July 2010 to June 2011.
In late 2011 after returning from my deployment I attended Warrior Leaders Course and was assigned as a squad leader where I successfully served for 2 years. In December 2011, I received orders to attend Recruiting School in March 2012. I was not excited about the assignment until I realized this is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership ability and progress my career.
