This month starts the end of my days in an Army uniform before I retire from the Armed Services this coming Summer. It all started back in 1983 by taking the ASVAB test at Alcides Figueroa High School in the small town of Añasco, Puerto Rico. True to form I took the test just to get out of some afternoon classes and goof off because like many that age, I was a teenage dumbass. I would have never imagined how those few hours would shape the rest of my life. That took me to the MEPS at San Juan, PR as a 18 year old kid and will end 31 years later here at Fort Bragg, NC. I was told by quite a few I would never make it as a Soldier. Some even gave me two weeks before getting kicked out. Young people, that’s proof to never believe what geezers say you can’t do. Believe in what you’re positively doing. During my years I’ve been to places I’ve never thought of visiting. I’ve done things some folks can only dream about. I’ve walked amongst “giants” and lived to tell and joke about. I’ve shared many good and tough times alongside a genuine fraternity of brothers and sisters of all Services. Way too many people to mention and thank here. I did these things all while never forgetting who I am, my purpose in life and not shaming my family’s name. Most importantly, I did this through the grace and mercy of God. He guided me, gave me the right tools and know-how. He provided the most crucial piece in my life, my beautiful wife Awilda and my two kids Moni and Jay who supported me and kept me focused. As I wrap up this part of my life, I have no significant regrets even though I’ve to admit doing a few things wrong. Know I never meant to hurt anyone intentionally. So I pray that those who are still serving, especially the Junior Soldiers, continue to do so as best you can and have some have fun with it. Like anything else it’ll all work itself out. Always help and kindly push your Leaders and seniors to do their jobs. To take care of you by action, not words. I’m not going to miss the “Army” as much as the people I had the opportunity to know, laugh, cry, help and serve with. When were gone, we get plaques and stuff then were replaced and life continues. Thats just a fact. Many hail Service members as exceptional, meritorious, outstanding and all the other cliché and buzz words out there. Sometimes those are just empty words if they dont know what you actually did as theyre giving you the gold watch of retirement. Remember this when you visit the U.S. Army Reserve AGR program Hall of Fame. Itll give me immense joy if you smile while gazing at my Action Figure sized statue of 3.75 inches with a plaque that reads This was nobody really important. He didnt win any great battles. He didnt have songs written of his exploits or campaigns. What mattered was in his mind he was greater than life itself. He was just some Master Sergeant who was known as El Gran Tommy Martinez ;)
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:21:10 +0000
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