My time in the Army

Hello everyone. Well everyone knows if you have not read my article or profile what I have done or what I have been going through this year, but this article is aobut where and what I have done in the Army. I joined back in 1996, first in the reserves at the age of 29....well just befor emy 29th birthday. I had that (29th birthday) during my basic training at FT (relaxin) Jackson, SC. I ended up being in charge of my platoon for the full 8 weeks of basic. I went in as a fuel hamdeler, basically refueling other units ,and my unit as well when we got deployed or on field exercises, but I wanted more so after a few months when I returned from basic training I was allowed to go active duty. I switched to Aviation operations and that was fun. My training was at FT. Rucker, AL, and upon graduating there I went to FT Campbell, KY. Home of the 101st Airborne/Assault Division. That the best time of my life. I loved the training I received and I took full advantage of the military schools, (Communications, Air Assault School, Military software for advanced land navigation, Physical Training School, etc) I even did my first bodybuilding event when I was there. Even to this day at 41, and with my situation with my son and not having the time to go to the gym like I want at the moment I still keep the phyisque from back then. I just do a lot of pushups and other bodyweight exercises I can do at home. Anyway, from FCampbell, i went to Germany for 2 years, first at Weisbaden, then my battalion moved to a small village called Giebelstadt. It was a blast being able to drive to other countries like France, Holland, Hungary, Austria just to name a few. Although, the unit I was with was not high speed like 101st, but it was still okay. I was ale to take more advantage of some military education out there. When I first arrived there I had to prepare to go to Albania and Kosovo in the beginning of 1999 and was there for about 4 months. Stayed about 2 weeks in kosovo, then back to Albania. That was an experience. After my time was done in Germany, I came back home and after 9/11, The shoot first say I made mistake after all Bush invaded Iraq pr was planning on it and I got reactivated to go and was there for nearly 2 years. Despite the 150 degree temperature (during the summer) and dealing with the desert crawlies there (google camel spiders.......they are going to freak you out when you see the photos) sandstorms that lasted for 9 hours, and other things it was still a great experience. Tough and depressing most of the times, but still an experience nontheless. I was able to get promoted to SGT out there and get my Combat lifesaver. The part of that course where we had to pratice sticking each other with IV's was a bloody one...and painful when my partner could not find the vain and over comes the instructor, "try here!" NOPE! Thats not it!!!!! LOL I will add some pics from that course, my bodybuilding and some from Iraq as well. Here are some photos from my homecoming party my family threw for my back in 2004. The first one is with my wife and I. And Wendy.....I do smile!!!!!!!! LOL Take care everyone. Christopher