Long story short, my journey into the military was deeply influenced by MAJ Holyfield, who provided incredible motivation throughout my transition from Air Force ROTC to enlisting in the National Guard and eventually contracting as an Army ROTC Cadet. The transition from Air Force ROTC to Army ROTC began when I connected with Mason, Luke, Gabe, and SFC (R) Riehle. Mason and Luke have been the homies from the very start, accompanying me through my time in Air Force ROTC, my enlistment in the National Guard, and celebrating my graduation and subsequent contracting as an Army ROTC Cadet. Gabe’s role is a bit of a mystery, I can’t quite remember when he came into my life, but he’s always been a solid friend. He was the first person I saw when I returned from Kyrgyzstan and would always text me as soon as I landed. It’s like he’s got a sixth sense for finding me after every military adventure. SFC (R) Riehle, the legendary NCO, was instrumental in my growth. Dennis Riehle put in countless hours beyond ROTC classes to help me with everything from land navigation to OPORDS. He was always available, whether in person or by phone, whenever I needed him. Sasha, a no-nonsense dog, played a surprising role in shaping my military aspirations. It was at Sasha's Advance Camp Graduation that I first considered pursuing a military career. Seeing everyone graduate, I thought to myself, "I can do this." That fall, I joined Air Force ROTC, and Sasha was there for my first day of PT. We celebrated with coffee and an After Action Review at Indah Coffee, marking the beginning of my journey.

I joined the military because of the amazing people I met along the way. Looking ahead, I hope to branch into MS, OD, or SC in whatever component I get told. But who knows? Maybe the Navy might just slide into my DMs.

The 742nd has been my entry point into the South Carolina National Guard, marking the beginning of my military career. Right from the start, I was lucky to have Soldiers like Edward Taylor III and Justin Mack take me under their wings, helping me navigate the unit's culture and teaching me the essential "dos and don’ts." I’m always thrilled to see them at drills and watch SGT Taylor’s rise through the ranks. SSG Estep has been instrumental in my development, guiding me through the complexities of logistics and emphasizing the importance of unit readiness. From my days as a PFC and SPC to earning my “Dot,” he ensured I learned something valuable at every drill. Whenever he wasn’t buried under a mountain of tasks, I felt comfortable seeking his advice or sharing a good laugh—because sometimes, you just need to lighten the mood! 1st LT Daniels was my mentor, steering me through the intricacies of working with our Platoon and mastering memo-writing that hopefully didn’t induce too many yawns. Whenever I found myself “lost in the sauce,” he was quick to get me back on course. He stressed the importance of building a solid rapport with my PSG, setting me up for success right before he took off for his new role as XO. Since LT Daniels left, SFC Smith has stepped up to the plate like a true champion. Though our time together has been brief, he’s set the standard for what I expect from a PSG. He genuinely cares for our Soldiers and understands the value of cultivating relationships beyond drill weekends. Plus, he made it abundantly clear what my responsibilities are compared to his—because nobody wants a mix-up in this line of work! In summary, I owe a great deal to these leaders for their mentorship and camaraderie. They’ve not only shaped my journey in the Guard but also reminded me that a bit of humor can make the tough days a lot easier. I will always have the 742nd close to my heart and the people in it.