Desert Combat FTX

We spent three days and nights out in the OTA (orchard training area) running combat and recon patrols and simulated warfare. We were tactical 100% of the time, thus no sleep and very little food. I couldn't take videos of our patrols, but I had time during transport to pull out my phone and record the UH-60 Black Hawks and some of the guys. The sound was deafening and the clips were random, so I spent a little time turning it into an actual video for your enjoyment rather than tolerance. So, here's a very small taste of what I do... Enjoy!

Spring 2009

School is winding down to an end in these next couple weeks. This semester has been a challenge of my character and my commitment to success in school and the Army, but I've made it out the other end, more intrepid than ever. I can attribute my development over these past months only to LTC Trujillo, 1SGT Rodriguez, Major Schoonover, Courtney, and others who either helped or inspired me to keep moving forward.
Early on, I received multiple back injuries (twisted vertebrae between my shoulder blades, a herniated disc, multiple subluxations, and twisted hips) and was forced onto profile with the military. This status halted my paperwork at the department of defense and ceased any payment I would have received from the Army for my books, tuition, or even my monthly paychecks. As a result I trudged through the semester without textbooks until just weeks ago (I got two of them thanks to mom :), had unexpected expenses of tuition and no money for food. This semester has consisted of one question after another. I gave up music and enlisted, thinking that I would have the privilege of service along with financial support for school. A lot of people (mostly my mom) were wondering if I was just headed into a situation worse than the one I had left.
Obviously, I've thought about it a lot, and here's my answer: Though the circumstances are unfortunate and the road here was difficult and unexpected, the experience has taught me much more than any professor ever could. This commitment is so much more important and rewarding than Blue Thunder ever could be (despite the misgivings of David Wells)... the stress, hard work, pain, sleep deprivation, and doubt is all I could have hoped for. If it was easy, everybody would sign up... Harder days are ahead and I'm excited for the opportunity to face them for a cause this time. Basically, I just want to set the record straight for anybody who might be thinking, "Oh crap, Joel's getting screwed over again." I'm happy where I am and doing what I'm doing. The money will come in time and I'm making it so far. So, no worries!