Now that 2015 has arrived, What does your future hold?

SFC A.M. Drake — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 09:48:07 -0500

Marriage, Health, Education, starting a family, or just doing nothing? Please list

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 9:54 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 09:54:49 -0500

Happy New Year, SFC A.M. Drake! I hope that my 2015 brings continued good health. I guess that would be enough. I also hope (and plan) to soldier on (as a civilian) through 2015 into the future.

All the best to the RallyPoint family in 2015!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 10:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 10:44:16 -0500

Promotion, pcsing, finishing school and progression.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 1:16 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 13:16:45 -0500

Happy New Year to all!
My wish to you is that you have a better 2015 than you had in 2014. In order to do that, here is what I am going to do:
1. Learn to listen better. I have a bad habit of trying to take over a conversation. I would get along much better with others if I could learn to shut up and hear what they are saying.
2. Be more patient. Like #1, a flaw of mine. I find the best solutions take time to develop and implement.
3. Get on the horse for physical fitness. I have been wanting to compete in a triathlon for some time. This year, I will work hard to get ready for one. I dread the swim, but I am determined.
4. Have more fun with my children. They are only young once.
5. Reach out more. No man is an island, no matter how hard they try. The choices we make affect others, sometimes more than we know. (shout out to George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life")

I don't know what my future holds; a lot of it is up in the air. But I know if I do my best to make myself better, my future will be brighter than it otherwise would be.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 2:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:23:09 -0500

It brings me two years closer to get my membership for AARP!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 2:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:30:06 -0500

Hmmm, great question. This year will be my first whole year as a civilian since 1990. Since retiring last year, I have been struggling with losing part of my identity as an active duty service-member. Many will say service should not define you but I disagree. My career spanning 23 years has helped me to grow into a more mature and experienced adult and helps to define who I am overall.

With that said, my goals for this new year are: to be a better husband to my wife; to further guiding, mentoring and teaching my two sons into adulthood; to further my education through schooling eventually earning my degree; continuing to learn about our past in order to further develop our future; to eliminating the bulk of my financial debt and achieving financial independence; to be a better mentor to those still serving in our great military; and, most importantly, to better listen to God and follow His plans for my life.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jan 1 at 2015 2:39 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:39:55 -0500

Packing up to move from Birmingham to Oakland, California in two weeks, to start new adventure in last phase of civilian career. Possibility of either retiring from military or staying for 2 more...time will tell this summer.

Any free advice from you Northern California Hippies would be welcome! Will be looking for some new golfing pals before long!

Have started back to school, hope to get very close to finishing BS by end of year, 10 classes left!

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 1 at 2015 2:48 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:48:27 -0500

As I draw closer to the end of my MEB, I look at 2015 with excitement and a bit of nervousness. I have found this process very frustrating, not because of the time, but because of the uncertainty. It is extremely hard to plan for your future when you don't have all the information to be able to make those decisions. I have no doubts that all will work out, but it has been very stressful. I am very excited about this upcoming new chapter in my families lives and believe that 2015 will be the start of something incredible!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 3:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:26:27 -0500

Happy New Year to all. For 2015 I will continue my faith in the lord. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2014 had surgery in June 2014 and continue check ups every three months. So I will keep my faith that I will continue with positive results. I don't look at it as a curse but just another bump in the road of life. And 2015 will be better!

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 2 at 2015 9:24 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 09:24:23 -0500

Happy New Year to you and yours SFC Drake!!! I am not one who is big on resolutions, but I will do my best to continue to improve my foxhole the best I can as we move into the New Year. Personally, I will be completing the last few classes to complete my Bachelor's Degree. Looking forward to closing that chapter. Professionally, we will be moving from Belgium to Germany this summer. I am hoping to put a Diamond on one more time so we shall see. Best wishes!!!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 10:34 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:34:10 -0500

I'm focusing on getting healthy; mentally and physically.
I'm going to try to drink more water and cut sugar.
Work on my running and hope to run my first 5K this year.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 10:51 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:51:25 -0500

A CCAF Associates degree, a PT test, the end of my first deployment, an EPR, and climbing & confined space re-certification.

Off the top of my head.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:06:13 -0500

More PT for me! Gotta Run

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:13:50 -0500

Happy New Years to all! This year will consist of getting our house ready to put on the market, and then PCS IN to Ft. Polk, LA. Also, I plan on keeping our marriage strong and spending as much time with the kids and wife.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jan 2 at 2015 5:17 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:17:55 -0500

A year of preparation, prep for JRTC, then Prep my retirement packet, maybe even ACAP.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Jan 2 at 2015 5:40 PM

SrA Andrea West — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:40:10 -0500

I will set up my company website, brush up on my Russian, and find a new niche for my skills.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 5:59 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:59:43 -0500

2015 will be a big year with change. I am moving my wife and daughter to America. Other than Guam, they have never been to the 50's.

For the first time in almost 10 years, I will be assigned to a land billet.

I would like to finish my Bachelor degree but, it will have to take the back burner until after my move. Only 7 more classes.

Maybe, if the stars align, Ill make E8 in late 2015.

Hope everyone else have an excellent year.

Cheers!

Response by TSgt Kristin Parsons made Jan 2 at 2015 6:01 PM

TSgt Kristin Parsons — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:01:48 -0500

My future holds a lot of questions...have to take it one day at a time.

Happy 2015 RP!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 6:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:30:22 -0500

Good question!
Pay cuts and uncertainty if I'm going to be able to retire or stay in

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 6:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:39:48 -0500

Graduate school at Indiana University and transition to the civilian sector. Looking forward to the next chapter!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 8:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 20:33:53 -0500

personally - be a better dad for my kids, get out of debt (probably not gonna happen), knock out 2 or 3 classes for my masters program

Army - finally PCS from Bragg this summer (been here since 08) to go play with Bradleys in Bliss, should be fun.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 11:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 23:42:16 -0500

There are so many things I want to do with my career. I want to do Airborne school, DS school, PCS somewhere else, level 3 combatives and hopefully start civilian education again. I just don't know which one to do first.

I am a welder/ machinist H8 and Air Assault qualified. I am hoping to start the welding program at Savannah Tech. Hopefully I get to go to the board this month and finally get my P status and make SSG this year.

I have also been battling an ongoing injury to my left IT band. I have been bicycling as much as I can because its low impact, but it hurts. I am also trying to lose wieght. Although I have been taped after every PT test I have taken in the last 7 years, I have never busted tape. I am 185lbs and would like to get to 170lbs.

Response by SPC Brandon Walker made Jan 3 at 2015 8:37 AM

SPC Brandon Walker — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 08:37:09 -0500

Joined the reserves. That with continuing education as well as handling my finances better.

No more drinking. I have to become as professionally minded as I can.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 10:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 10:57:23 -0500

Reenlisted indefinitely in late December and reclassed to a new MOS, So the new year will ring in new job experiences as well as a Bachelor's Degree; I am two classes away from graduation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 12:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:10:35 -0500

In 2014 I finally got my 2 year degree for criminal justice, so wouldn't mind continuing education. Picked up my 7 after a little more then 10 years in so have to wait a bit for that next step... marriage? Who knows...

Started a contract position for ROTC so my summer will be teach cadets... however I need to fit some travel to some exotic location soon.

Hopefully everyone else has more of a plan then I do.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Jan 3 at 2015 1:22 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:22:59 -0500

1) My first job after the military. I've been out since November and I start working for a law firm in 2 weeks. I'm ecstatic and BLESSED to have landed this and I can still pursue my educational goals.

2) School, and more school.

3) My health. Going to get back into the gym atleast 5x a week and get back into shape. I finally found a new pain clinic that is helping me manage life to where I can finally function again.

4) Relationships.....time will tell.

But overall, I know 2015 will definitely be A LOT better than 2014 will be. The only thing positive about 2014 was medically retiring from the Army after 8 years.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 3 at 2015 2:11 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:11:33 -0500

One hell of a car payment !!!!! learning to deal with my bullheaded attitude, watching my mouth/ fingers on here and in life.... forgiving more often...counting to ten...then counting to ten again...and a gain and again if needed until I can cope with a situation calmly..... meeting more of my brothers and sisters on here....Happy New Year !!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 4:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:25:05 -0500

I thought about this question and I can honestly say that I have not a clue. I can speculate of the many things that I want to accomplish, but if I will really get a chance to check of one of my many items on my to-do list, well only time will tell.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 5:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:16:42 -0500

2014 was a year of rebirth for me. I turned 50 in September and on January 1st of 2014 decided that I wasn't going to go into the second half of my life heavy and out of shape and dreading every PT test. With the support of my coworkers and family I dropped close to 16" off my body and gained a lot of muscle through exercise and proper diet. I also focused on distressing my life and focusing on the important things in life - wife and family first, career second.

2015 I will continue this journey I am on with my health and fitness. I will also complete my MOS conversion course in a few months and realize my military dream of being a military policeman. Travel more, and spend as much time with my wife as possible without driving her crazy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 6:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:01:07 -0500

SFC Drake, Happy New Year!!!

My Plan is to:
o spend time with my family
o prepare for the next several rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) to Observe, Coach and Mentor our future Soldiers and Leaders
o continue to complete my Bachelors with Texas A&M/CTC
o complete support OPS II

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 12:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:01:14 -0500

lets hope not a QSP Email on the 10th of Feb.

Response by SPC Mickey Bennett made Jan 4 at 2015 3:00 AM

SPC Mickey Bennett — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:00:42 -0500

I'm going to be moving to North Carolina VERY SOON to attend a voc rehab program so I can deal with my OIF induced sleep insomnia, my "Baghdad bitchiness" (which means getting my chunky ass back in the gym is a PRIORITY ONE MISSION), and maybe get back to both loving and being good at what I do, which is fixing cars! It kinda feels like that fire mission that your "spidey sense" tells you that you ABSOLUTELY CAN'T FUCK UP! It's that fire mission where your trigger finger itches and you're jacked to the max, yet it feels so natural and right! Bottom line: this is the opportunity I absolutely MUST make the most of!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 8:23 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 08:23:24 -0500

Wedding at the end of Jan. Honeymoon to the Philippines early Feb and a promotion 1 Mar. My year is off to a great start!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 4 at 2015 12:34 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:34:38 -0500

Happy New Year and welcome to 2015!! This year is going to be the year of change...or more accurately, the year of prepping for change.
- February: Wife and I will travel to TN to scope out a few locations for possible retirement (we haven't been there, no family there, but looks like it may meet our desires).
- 2 March: will push the button for retirement
- April: hope to put current house on the market for sale
- June: daughter does her school Washington DC Trip
- July: possible re-location of wife an daughter to TN (or other location for retirement as determined right by us). They will do this so that my daughter can start her first day of HS at the new school.
- December: should have my retirement ceremony and leave Montana for TN. Official retirement 1 March 2016, projected last day in uniform is on/around 10 Dec 15.

Going to be a very exciting and yet also scary year.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:12 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:12:31 -0500

1. Try and find a job
2. Try and get all this crap sorted with the VA
3. Get some new guns
4. Paint so toy soldiers
5. Drink a lot of beer

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:53 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:53:17 -0500

More schooling, more studying and any further steps that might help me accomplish my dream of becoming a pilot! I also plan to keep working on my fiction and creative writing in my off time.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 4:37 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:37:29 -0500

1. Since the end of 2014 brought the arrival of our son I will be working towards getting back in shape and enjoying time with him and our oldest daughter.

2. Looking at Graduate programs for Human and Heath services to enroll in for the fall.

3. Finish restoring an 80year old hutch my great grandfather made.

4. Spend more time volunteering.

Response by PO2 Katie Benson made Jan 4 at 2015 5:29 PM

PO2 Katie Benson — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 17:29:21 -0500

Someone please start making me take college classes!!! I will except a headlock :)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 4 at 2015 6:18 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 18:18:47 -0500

Promise, SFC A.M. Drake. The future holds promise!

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 8:15 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:15:35 -0500

I want to work on my education. Start getting my general education classes for my CCAF degree.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Jan 5 at 2015 9:15 AM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:15:17 -0500

Heading back to school to get my BS Degree in Computer Science. Happy New Year to All!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 1:13 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:13:04 -0500

Happy New Year everyone! 2015 will be a bit of a crossroads for me. On the civilian side, I'm going to roll off my first project with Booz Allen Hamilton and go onto another project, so I'm growing within the firm.

On the Reserve side, I get my first look for CW3 in April. I don't find out until July. I would be very surprised if I don't make it, but if I don't, I get another look in April 2016, and again find out the following July.

If I make it on either look, I will be promoted on 25 July 2016, and at that point, I will stay in for 3 more years before going into the IRR until it's time to retire.

I'm still undecided on whether I'm going to stay in my current unit. It's in transition, and there are things on the horizon that will be great. I just don't know if they will get here fast enough for me to feel useful and needed.

I guess all I can do is wait and see. I will know more in July.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 5 at 2015 1:16 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:16:18 -0500

I don't make resolutions, instead I just head through life and take the cards dealt. My problem is I have a hard time setting goals now. After retirement, sometimes I feel like I'm a little in limbo.

One thing I want to do is start turning more hand made shoes. I'm a farrier and use mostly keg shoes, unless I get some special needs. I want to make a pair of shoes every day.

I'm doing a bit of writing now and got a couple books I'm working on. One is a sequel to Thoughts of a Crazy Old Man. It was a fun book to write and those who've read it really enjoy it. Hopefully it should be ready to print around mid year or so if I do the self publish thing. Right now I'm trying to find an agent to represent me and get a publisher to help out.

The next book I'm working on is a work of fiction, military. It will deal mostly with enlisted and NCOs. This is requiring a lot of research as I am using actual events and operations in the book with the fictional part worked around it. It might be down the road I might be asking some of you for some info, if you don't mind helping me a bit. One thing I need is a little info on medics, units and such. If there are any medics who were operating in the 80's, 90's or so that I could throw some question to, I appreciate the help. If so we can PM on it on the side.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jan 5 at 2015 3:50 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:50:32 -0500

staying more focused at worked and lil less mad at equipment

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 5 at 2015 3:53 PM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:53:40 -0500

More quality family time, better fitness, and stay on the Dean's list. Those are my goals.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 5:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:10:25 -0500

My first Retention Board (yay, 20 yrs?).

Promotion Board for Major.

Hopefully starting my Master's degree...just need to decide what to get it in...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 5:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:49:47 -0500

This is a new year so I have decide to make a to do list of goals for 2015.

Personal:
Teach my three boys Spanish and my oldest how to play basketball.
Eat two portions of greens everyday.
Complete 12-15 college credits towards my BA.
Bench press 250Lbs, deadlift 410Lbs, and squat 335Lbs.
Save some more money.

Military:
Score 2/2 on the Brazilian Portuguese DLPT.
Complete Adobe Dreamweaver Expert Certification.
Finally, avoid getting kicked out from the Army! LOL

Response by SGT Charles Vernier made Jan 5 at 2015 5:58 PM

SGT Charles Vernier — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:58:50 -0500

I'm not sure what the future holds. However, 2014 was probably the low point of my life, so I'm working hard to make 2015 a better year. I need to find a new direction in life, complete an education, but most importantly I need to regain custody of my children because life without them is hell.