In my eyes, a hero is someone who lives their life envelopedin the essence of the seven Army values that we hold so dear. An Army hero is so many things but those things come from someone who, in their core,believes in something special…something that is deep rooted and stable… something that makes them stronger than the average man… something that truly shows that in the core of that person lies the strength of a man or woman who is Army Strong.

My hero is a soldier but there is more to him than that. Anyone can be a soldier. Not everyone can be an Army of One… Army Strong. He not onlyvalues the 7 Army Values but he also lives them. My hero did not join the Army for the paycheck. He didn’t join the Armyfor the benefits. He joined the Army because he is a patriot. He loves his country and believes that being a husband, a father and asoldier in the United States Army is his calling.

In his 6 years of service, he has elevated to the rank of E-6 and works very hard to pull good soldiers like himself up with him. He wanted to join the Army beforeSeptember 11, 2001 but the incident that day increased his desire. He was greatly effected in his heart by the incident that happened that day. He was told that he had to lose A LOT of weight before he was allowed to join because he was a large man. He determined in his heart that he would lose that weight and that he would join the military. He did. It took him about 18 months to lose 70 lbs but he did it and could finally join the Army.

After finding out again, that his former wife cheated on him, he divorced. Instead of distancing himself from his children, as many soldiers are forced to do in messy divorces, he took responsibility for them and had them live with him. He had the children for majority of the time. He has taught them to be patriotic, use their manners, do well in school and spends every opportunity with his family that he possibly can.

Since the day I married him, never has he ever passed his responsibilities off on another person. Not at home and certainly not at work. He is well respectedamong his peers and his command. He never cheats, never lies, and ALWAYS does what is right.This is his integrity. Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

When my husband is working, whether it is at home or at work, he does everything as close to perfection as he can. His soldiers say he is OCD about everything. They admire him for it. He is a strong believer in doing what you say you are going to do and doing it beyond just the minimum standard. He helps his soldiers grow and learn to work as a team. Shortcuts are not his forte. This is his duty to all that he puts his hands to. Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks.

Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product.

Not only does he teach his children to be respectful but he also teaches his soldiers to be respectful. Heshows respect to those he works with even when they are disrespectful toward him. He says it is hard sometimesbut he reminds himself that even though others may never understand respect, he still needs to have that Audie Murphy attitude that shows he understands that they are still learning and life is a learning cycle. This is hislevel of respect in all that he does and says. Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.

My soldier is a volunteer. He believes that he can make an impact on his community by his selfless service. He serves his subordinates and soldiers who are not his subordinates by helping them prepare for their visits to the promotionboards. He is quick to help them study. He is quick to volunteer to do physical training with those who have been flagged for weight issues. He is quick to get them the things they need to be successful in their career but is also quick to understand that the soldier must want it enough to take the steps toward that success.

His community efforts include volunteering as a youth sports coach for basketball and other sports. He assists me in my program called Dare2Dream where we talk to local youth about their dreams and dreaming big. About setting a plan of action to achieve those goals. How to pull another person up with you when you are on your own journey to success. He gives of his gifts and his finances when he sees a need without endangering the welfare of his own family. He encourages people to go further moving forward toward success even when it hurts. He shows others how their part is just as important as that which others give. He helps with the FRG, at theelementary schools and so much more.

This is his selfless service which he gives unconditionally. Put the welfare of the Nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

My soldier is a strong and courageous soldier. He believes that courage is not the absence of fear but that it is the overcoming of fear, just as Helen Keller once said. He has been deployed 2 times since he enlisted and adversity has trailed with him since before then. He believes that everything happens for a reason and although we don’t necessarily have that reason at hand, we must press on to the higher mark. This last deployment was very different for him as his unit (a transportation unit) has never before been asked to go outside the wire. This deployment brought forththis new experience and he did have to travel to other FOB’s. He doesn’t discuss it much other than to say that it was very uncomfortable and definitely brought him outside of his box. He doesn’t regret the experience but he has a new level of respect for those who regularly experience that level of travel in such a hostile area.

Other adversities were those which happened at home while he was deployed. I, his wife, had a heart attack at age 38 because I was ingesting energy drinks at unhealthy levels. My heart was unable to cope with this and on November 17th, 2008 I was hospitalized. It wasn’t for very long and the damage was not significant so I didn’t send him a Red Cross message. I simply waited till he called and let him know that my uncle was here at home with me and was taking care of me. He wanted to come home but didn’t and understood that I wanted him to continue his service. This was very difficult for him because he couldn’t be here for me but I asked him to dig deep inside himself and find that strength to stand strong and trust in me that all was going to be well.

Then later in early 2009, I was diagnosed with having precancerous cells. I explained to him that it was not terminal and that I would undergo cryosurgery and all would be well. I explained to him that my uncle would again be there to take care of me and he was at ease. We only had a few months left to go and we would be reunited. During all of these issues and the deployment, our lawyer was working very hard to help him keep custody of his children even after he returned from deployment. The courts in Washington State still consider duty to one’s country as a form of abandonment or absence. Many soldiers have lost custody of their children, even to neglectful parents, because they have faithfully served their country. Many people could not understand the reasons why my soldier and I decided that he must stay in Iraq for his tour and let me and my uncle handle the medical and legal issues but they also don’t understand the kind of courage it takes to do the things he has had to do. This is his personal courage which he emulates to those around him regularly.

Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.

Regardless of the multitude of opinions that flow from the masses, my husband supports his country, Constitution, the Army, his unit and his soldiers. His loving devotion to his country, which first spurred his entrance into the Army, is unmistakable. His devotion to the Army emanates with the example he sets for all soldiers and his obedience to his command. His loyalty to his subordinates and soldiers and their success exudes true mentorship. His watchful eye and ability to research actions taken by his unit prior to the actions being made show his devotion to his unit and the success of that unit.

His loyalty to his family is obvious when he is with them, teaches them and leads them. This is his loyalty which he gives in abundance. Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.

My soldier respects the moral, andlegal aspects of the Army values. He honors his country, his Army, the US Constitution,his fellow soldiers, and his family and community by exuding these values. They are not just for work. They are for all day, every day including the time that the uniform is hanging in the closet on a Saturday afternoon on the highway when not everyone is a safe driver. He knows these values reflect on him and his family. He knows these values are an integral part of being an Army of One. He knows these values will be passed on to the next generation and they can be passed by a positive example or by a negative example.

He chooses… every time… to be the positive example for the world to see. This is how he honors his country, the Army and his family. This is his honor. Live up to Army values. The Nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.

You ask who my hero is. My hero is my husband. My hero is SSG Mark Addison Jones of 593rd Sustainment Brigade, 57th Transportation BN, 265thTransportation DET (MCT)in Fort Lewis, WA. He is my Army of One. He is Army Strong.

Submitted by Charlene M Jones

The Army and Air Force reserves offer a wide range of opportunities for citizens to serve their country without full time enlistment. Both the Army and most Americans have a wide range of needs and the desire to balance many different aspects of their lives. The reserves are the best way for both sides to meet those needs.

Blending Civilian And Army Careers

The typical reservist serves 2 days a month on average. This fact allows the reservist to pursue their civilian careers while simultaneously training and serving with the armed forces. Neither career has to suffer for the other. Pursuing two career paths offers a unique sense of fulfillment and builds a strong character. This will benefit both the individual and the armed services through diversifying the skills that a reservist can bring to both their careers. Anyone who has a strong calling to both serve their country and to build a civilian career will find the reserves a perfect fit.

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Former Active Duty Personnel

After a long life in service in the armed forces, many former active duty personnel have good reason to continue to stay affiliated with the Army. There is only one place in the world where someone can find the highest level of camaraderie and discipline. Furthermore, continuing education through military service provides many of the sought after skills that empower individuals. With all that the Army has to offer, there are many great reasons to stay active with the armed services.

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The current world economic crisis may or may not be resolved in the near future. Job opportunities are disappearing faster than ice cream in July and established companies are closing their doors at an unprecedented rate. Even experienced employees are losing their benefits, their incomes and their homes.

Fierce Competition Or Fair Compensation?

Will you struggle and battle against established and experienced employees for a shrinking number of job opportunities or will you allow the U.S. Army to pay for your training and education as you collect a competitive salary and earn excellent benefits? As civilian companies shut their doors, the Army is expanding and building new career opportunities.

A World Of Its Own

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The U.S. Army is very much a global city all its own. Every type of job skill is needed to keep the Army running smoothly. Doctors, dentists, teachers, cooks, mechanics, carpenters, linguists, pilots, painters, writers, musicians, computer programmers and everything else imaginable is needed by the Army.

To ensure that all Army personnel are highly skilled and motivated, the Army is prepared to pay you to gain highly useful skills. The Army offers some of the best benefits available, including free housing, food and clothing, full medical and dental benefits, continuing education opportunities, military shopping privileges, and much, much more, just to ensure that they have the highest qualified personnel for every Army job.

As others struggle to make ends meet, you can let the Army pay for your career training, world travel and benefit, all as you gain life experiences you cannot get any other way.

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Once you commit yourself to a career with the U.S. Army, it is to your advantage to prepare for Army Boot Camp before you arrive. Army Boot Camp is both mentally and physically challenging. You will be yelled at, pushed to your limits and then pushed even harder. Getting into good physical and mental shape ahead of time can make the difference between surviving and thriving in Army Boot Camp.

Get The Lead Out

Start running and don’t stop. Run every day and push yourself beyond your self-imposed limits. If you don’t, you can be sure that your Drill Instructors will. Running regularly will help you develop the strength and stamina you will need for the physical demands of Army Boot Camp. Create a fitness regime that will have you physically prepared so that you can focus your energies on learning the lessons of Army Boot Camp, rather than suffering unnecessarily with muscle aches and ragged breath.

Understand What’s Coming

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One of the things you must learn in Army Boot Camp is to handle difficulties, challenges and impossible odds. You will be yelled at, insulted, and criticized to break down your defenses and bad habits, making room for better thought processes and an improved team spirit. You are never an individual in Army Boot Camp. You are the member of a team that must succeed together or not at all. Put your excuses and your petty protests aside; they are a waste of breath that you cannot afford.

Entering Army Boot Camp with the right mental and physical starting points will allow you to achieve far more in Army Boot Camp.

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My husband, SPC Norman L Cain III, my hero and my best friend. My beloved was taken from me on March 15 of this year when his truck hit an IED while he was deployed to Afghanistan.

I was blessed to be married to my dream man. Norman was a loving father and a devoted husband. Always a prankster, he could make me laugh no matter the mood. We had a special relationship. Communication was the best part of our marriage. No matter where the Army took him, we talked everyday. Norman always stayed an active part of life at home.

I knew I would marry him the night of our first date. We were hopelessly in love with each other. It was my greatest honor to stand beside him and my dream come true to love him. He always said we were the lucky ones. We had what everyone wanted, but most didn’t find. I was told everyday that I was the love of his life and the best thing that ever happened to him.

Although I didn’t have him as long as I wanted, I am better because of him. Norman taught me what love was. He had such a big heart. When he loved, he loved with all he had. Norman was the definition of a true American soldier and he will forever be not only a national hero because of his sacrifice, but will forever be my hero.

I miss him more than I could ever express and will live everyday of my life honoring him and making sure he is remembered. I know he knew how much I loved him. I always will.

Too many career paths lead nowhere. Jobs easily acquired coming out of high school rarely lead to promotions or salary increases. Today’s economic difficulties make finding that ideal job even more difficult. Many jobs require college educations that many simply cannot afford. If you could choose any career path at all, which one would you select?

Design, Build And Create Your Career

There are Army career options that allow you to create your dreams. You can engineer new machinery, build buildings, and design new concepts that make things work better than they are. You can organize programs, lead professionals and make a difference in the world with the Army. The only thing that has been stopping you is your lack of training.

Use Your Artistic Skills For A Living

Photo journalism, graphic arts, performance, music and entertainment careers are all exciting, but they can be difficult to break into, unless you know someone who knows someone in the industry. You know you have the aptitude, the interest and the talent, but you see no way to get started earning a living doing what you love, unless you join the Army.

Computer Careers Are Everywhere

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You cannot get a computer or IT career going without the proper training. Your dead end job doesn’t pay you enough to go to college or vocational school. On the other hand, the Army can provide you with the skills and the opportunities to build your computer and IT career.

Let The Army Pay Your Bills

The U.S. Army needs practically every skill known to man and they are willing to pay for your training and education. Whether you want to work behind a desk, train dogs, go to medical school or draw illustrations, you can earn a paycheck and receive free housing, full medical and dental benefits, 30 days paid vacation each year and enjoy free world travel and military shopping privileges, among countless other benefits, all as the Army provides you with the skills you need to build a career you can be proud of.

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Very few people graduate from high school knowing what they want for a lifelong career. The same is true for community college graduates. There are simply too many careers to choose from. The world’s current economic crisis compounds the problem. Even if you choose a career that you will enjoy, there is no way to know if there will be any job openings in the future. That is, unless, you choose a career with the U.S. Army.

As established companies shut their doors and experienced employees are laid off, the Army is offering paid training, free housing, full medical and dental benefits and 30 days paid vacation each year. They will also help you to discover the best career path you.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

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The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an assessment tool used by the Army to identify the best career path for you, taking into account your interests, abilities and aptitudes. Once your ideal career is identified, the Army will then pay for all of your training.

You will receive a paycheck and benefits as you go to various schools around the world to build your professional skills. You will also develop strength of character, a sense of community that spans the globe, and have the opportunity to apply your new skills in a wide range of circumstances.

Love Your Job

There is no sense going to job every day that you dislike. There are simply too many careers to choose from for that. Your job should be something that challenges you, that piques your interest and that allows for you to grow and achieve higher levels of accomplishment. The U.S. Army is ready, willing and able to help you make your dreams come true.

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America loves its troops! Most know that many businesses offer discounts to military — but how do you know which ones do? The folks at RewardOurTroops.com have come up with a great idea — a way for you to search for businesses that offer discounts to the military.

The team at RewardOurTroops.com seeks out companies that offer military discounts and compiles them in an ‘easy to search’ list. They list discounts on everything from groceries, to restaurants to hotels. If you’re an active military member, it pays to check out Reward Our Troops before you buy.

Great Marketing for Businesses!

If you offer a military discount, adding your listing Reward Our Troops can help you increase patronage. For a limited time, Reward Our Troops is offering a 1 year FREE unlimited posting and sign up to all businesses, all military members and supporters of our troops with absolutely no obligation.

Not everyone can learn another language effectively enough to become fluent. If you are one of those rare individuals, the U.S. Army is prepared to offer you an exciting career in linguistics. As an Army linguist, you will travel the world, meet heads of state, work with intelligence gathering and interpretation and facilitate crucial negotiations.

The Army Will Pay You To Learn

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You will earn a paycheck and a sizable benefits package as you receive foreign language training from the U.S. Army. The Defense Language Institute, located at the Presidio of Monterey, CA, is recognized around the world as the premier language training center. Here, you will gain linguistic and cultural skills to help you perform your job to the best of your ability.

As you are trained and perform your duties, you will earn a competitive salary and receive free housing, full medical and dental care, a food and clothing allowance, 30 days paid vacation each year and have access to many other Army benefits, including free world travel, military shopping privileges, discounted insurance and guaranteed low interest home loans. Your family will live in safe, attractive communities and your children will be able to attend some of the best schools in the world.

Prestige And Promotions

Your career as an Army linguist provides you with plenty of opportunities for promotions and the prestige that comes from bringing nations together on an even keel. Your sills are recognized and appreciated and you are rewarded accordingly. You will be part of all the pomp and circumstance that occurs when leaders come together and they wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

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Do you feel like Hermey this Misfit Elf, from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in your current career? Do you dread going to your current job, secretly wishing you could afford to go to dental school? Well, now you can. The U.S. Army is prepared to help pay for dental school and will cover your living expenses while you attend classes.

You get the added benefit of not having to build a medical practice to use your skills as a dentist. The Army provides full medical and dental care to all Army personnel and to do so, they need qualified dentists. You can go to school, earn a salary and receive Army benefits, all at the same time.

Licensed Dentists See The World For Free

Currently licensed dentists can take their careers to a whole new level by joining the Army. You can provide dental care to victims of natural disasters and to communities who have never been taught the importance of dental hygiene. You can provide dental care to the Army service men and women around the world. You can also receive continuing education through the Army to help you develop your area of specialization.

Healthy Paycheck, Solid Lifestyle

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The Army provides you with a competitive salary without all the office politics and capital outlay of opening and running your own practice. You also receive full medical and dental benefits, free housing, 30 days paid vacation each year, military shopping privileges, free world travel and many other military benefits, such as guaranteed low interest home loans and discounted insurance.

You and your family can enjoy living in family-friendly communities around the globe where your children can attend some of the best schools in the world and be surrounding with positive role models, all while you develop your skills and expertise as a dentist.

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