Off to Basic Training

I have always had a slight interest in going into the militaray. My father, mother and stepmother were all in the Army, and a few more of of my family members as well. I was always a bit reserved about joining the milirary because I did not know if the military could offer me what I needed to succeed, without a big sacrifice. The first time I seriously considered the military as an option was close to high school graduation time. I met with US Marine Corps recruiters, and discussed my options for the future. At the time, I was about to turn 18, and I was so naive that I would believe just about anything the recruiters told me. Needless to say, due to some issues at home I didn't graduate in time, and I wasn't able to sign on the dotted line. Maybe this was a blessing, as I later found out that the Marines would not have offered me the best chance I needed to succeed.

Now, here I am seven years later, and have finally joined the military. I joined the US Army National Guard on June 23, 2010.  I joined the Guard because I really liked what they had to offer. I feel like the Guard will offer me a great chance to succeed, while also helping me to develop valuable skills as a leader. I am currently Private First Class (PFC) Hayes, and looking to be a future officer. My MOS or military occupation in civillian terms, is 09S. 09S is the military code for officer candidate. Once I finish Basic Training, I will begin Traditional OCS (Office Candidate School) that will take 16 months to complete. Upon completion of OCS, I will jump from an Enlisted rank to an Officer rank. PFC or Corporal Hayes then becomes 2nd Lieutenant Hayes. It is an absolute honor that I have a chance to achieve an Officer position in the National Guard, as I will be relied upon to lead the next generation of National Guard troops. I'm looking forward to the tough challenge that this will bring, but first things first! I have to make it through Basic Training!

My agenda for the next 2 days goes a little something like this. Briefing at Dobbins at 0800 Tuesday morning. Finish up any last minute paperwork, and make sure I know some of the ins and outs of Basic Training. Then it is on to the hotel to prepare for MEPS. Wednesday morning wake up call is at 0400 and breakfast will last until 0500. At 0530 it is on to MEPS where I will get my last physical and tie up anymore loose ends if need be. Then its on to the bus to head to Fort Benning! I am not exactly sure what Basic Training has in store, but I am definitely having all types of emotions about it. Mostly nervous feelings, but I am hoping that they will pass. Thanks for everyone who wished me luck in my journey to Basic Training and I will be thinking about you all while I am there! Take care my friends, and I hope to have regular updates for you throughout the process!

You Thought You Knew Me...

When people first meet someone, it gernerally takes very little time for them to form an opinion about that person. Whether it's an opinion about the type of person you are, or the lifestyle that you live, your actions and demeanor have given that person enough information about you that they think they know who you are. Most people who look at me think that I come from a middle class family, somewhat privileged, and know nothing about what it truly means to be "black". Well I'm guessing that you've figured out that since I'm writing this, that it's the exact opposite...

My family is from Atlanta; and when I say Atlanta, I mean inner city Atlanta! As early as I can remember, my family moved to many different housing projects around the Atlanta area. One of my earliest memories of life was when my mom, little siter and I lived in a housing project called East Lake Meadows. The nickname of this project was called "Little Vietnam" because the violence and casualty rate of this place was very high. One night in particular, I remember waking up to the sound of machine guns being fired through our windows. I remember my mother and a friend of hers holding mine and my sisters' heads down, so as not to get caught in the gun fire, or in the path of flying glass. Thankfully no one was hurt that night, but definitely not of the fondest of my first memories.

My mom, sister and I later went to live with an aunt and her kids. I remember there were nine of us, living in a two bedroom, 1 bath apartment. There were 4 bunk beds in one room for the kids, my aunt and uncle had their room and my mom and sister slept on the couches. It was tough to make it work sometimes, but it was what we had to do to survive.

I will be the first to admit that my upbringing was a bit rough, but I use these experiences to help better my life, and others around me. So a slight glimpse into my background, but way more to come! You think you know, but you have no idea...