To be honest, I only started because my boyfriend at the time was in it. I was tired of choir and craved something new. Something different. Somewhere I can actually achieve something and make a name for myself. Freshman year, I saw all the things he got to do, the awards he was bringing home, the friends and connections he made. I then found where I wanted to be.
The start of my sophomore year, I started my LET 1 year, I'll never forget how I changed. Since lord knows when, I've always been another face in the crowd. Nothing of significance. But during basic training I shined. High speed, motivated, not to mention the only female out there. I had to compete against the boys. Jimmy, David, Que, Howard. How I adored them though. Throughout the year we competed throughout the ranks, together, individually. During our time there, we encouraged eachother, developed a sort of companionship you can't find anywhere else. The upperclassmen all saw each of us had our potential. From the beginning I drafted into color guard. I didn't really have an option, the Battalion S-3 didn't really leave any room for rejection. I got into the unarmed drill team and became an assistant to the Battalion S-2, much faith was put in me as a LET 1, I wasn't going to let them down. The first year wasn't as memorable.
The start of my second year I made Battalion S-2, a LET 2, 2LT. Member of the female varsity color guard, unarmed drill team squad leader, platoon leader. We were slowly making changes. LTC Janus left us for brigade, then we got LTC Guzman. He gave our little battalion hope. He helped us so much. The second year was just as significant as the first. Not very significant at all. Until the summer came. Several of the instructors donated their time to help a few schools enjoy a week of summer camp. That was an incredible experience. All I really remember was the JCLC drill champs were none other than Madison's students. Best drilled platoon, FOXTROT. And best drilled individuals Howard and I. The way it should be!
LET 3, Battalion S-3, Major. Unarmed drill team commander, color corporal female varsity color guard, platoon leader. Now, the incredible cadre have come together. These instructors were everything I needed in my life. LTC Guzman, the man who was on my ass everytime I messed up or started slipping. The man who always knew what was up and was never afraid to call you out on it. 1SG Mercado, the big brother you never wanted. I had to spend my extra periods throughout the day helping him with homework, catching up in his JROTC work, trying to keep him sane. He burped like none other. But he always had your back. Then there is CSM Hines. He made everything better, he was that shoulder to lean on, the one with the pep talks and encouraging words. The one you went to after Guzman tore into you. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for these three incredible men. They change lives. My senior year had to be my toughest year, college applications, working, fixing credits, helping lead a 150+ man battalion. But with the help of these men and some good friends, I made it through and managed to graduate. This year, our squad and platoon placed, best drilled individual was successful, both male and female color guard did well, the armed drill team AND the unarmed drill team placed in both the veterans day competition and brigade competition. I never thought for one second I could change Madison's luck around and with the help of eleven young ladies and Ezequiel, who were ever so dedicated, bring home a trophy for unarmed drill. Proud moment. Now the program is booming, those I trained are now passing on the lessons I taught them, and soon enough they'll be passing them down as well. Who ever thought one person could make a difference.
Someday I'll get my chance to pay the program back. Thank you♥
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