A Farewell to Arms

Personal reflections on a career of service

Last week, after nearly 24 years wearing it, I doffed my uniform for the final time. 

I have tried to spend some time over that week reflecting on my service.  

My career and service have been wholly unexceptional compared to the incredible heroism and leadership of such men and women as Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, Corporal Kyle Carpenter, Staff Sergeant Jared Monti, Master Sergeant John Chapman, Sergeant Sal Giunta, and many others—both those recognized for heroism and valor and those that are not.  As such, I have no right to ask that you spend time listening to or reading my words.  Yet, writing some memories of my service may be good to me, and if you’re so inclined as to indulge me by reading them, perhaps you’ll find something interesting or humorous—even if it’s at my expense.  So, with that, I’m going to deviate from the normal Military Monday post to capture a handful of my reflections.