It's been a crazy year!

In late September 2009 I yelled "NOOOOOOOOO!" while staring in disbelief at the computer screen in my Provo, Utah apartment. How could this be? My life wasn't suppose to go like this? I hadn't planned on it? Hearing the scream, my roommates rushed into the room. Soon they realized what caused my panic.

Towards the end of my junior year of high school I decided to participate in ROTC during college and commision as an Army officer upon graduation. Due to some unique circumstances, I received my duty assignment several months after my peers and only weeks before the training commenced. The previous June when I filled out my "dream sheet" (a list of ten duty locations I rank in order of preference which the Army uses to fill its slottings) I never actually dreamed of receiving my eigth choice--Alaska!

While I tried to regain my consciousness, John, my brother, consoled me. He replied, "Jim this is awesome! Think about it. I can visit you in Alaska! We can do all kinds of cool things up there! Dad will love it!" Despite his well meaning attempts, the shock failed to wear off. Somehow, I recovered enough to attend dinner group that evening. Over dinner I shared the news with those in my group. Sharing the news with others failed to lessen my utter surprise. I wondered, "how could this happen to me!" and "this isn't where I wanted to go!"

However, with the passage of time, the shock began to ease (a little). During the 6 weeks between receiving THE surprising news and leaving Utah to begin the training, it slowly began to seep in. I really AM going to Alaska. Finally, after all years of schooling and training I thought, "I'm going to do it!"

I left Utah on October 27th enroute for Ft Benning, GA. After spending 7 weeks for initial officer training an hour and a half from my parents home in Georgia, I attended my specific career field training at Ft Eustis, VA. Finally, during the first full week of April I left Virginia for Alaska. Open for adventure, I took 3 weeks to drive across the North American continent (this included the detours I made to Utah and Washington before going on a three day ferry to Alaska). It was definitely the roadtrip of a lifetime!

Less than a week after my Alaskan arrival I found out that I would deploy to Afghanistan within 4 weeks. That brings me to my currently location in Afghanistan (six months later).

During this year I've driven 23,000 miles across the US, spent time in both the US and Afghan capitols, participated in both mounted and dismounted live fire excersies, and commanded a company during the three weeks when the commander was on R&R. Definitely, the most exciting and dangerous opportunity I've received has been leading Soldiers on combat logistical convoys throughout eastern Afghanistan.

When I read Alaska on the computer screen that fateful September 2009 day, there was no way I could have known what the next year had in store for me. Who knows what the next year will bring! (Well, I know what I'm looking forward to come next June!) While this past year has been filled with anticipation, adversity, and adventures, I continue to look forward to my future opportunities. This year has stretch and tried me in dramatically new ways. In addition, it has contributed toward me becoming the person I've always wanted to become!