How has the military changed your life? Who has been a mentor to you?
The military aside from getting saved, is probably the best life move Ive ever made. Its everything I like about life. Also coming from an overprotective mother and trailblazing older brother, it was something totally new and totally different that I had to conquer myself. I love the structure and respect of the structure in the army. The more I live the more I see how someone not in the army doesnt understand and criticize what the military does (liberals lol). It is its very own entity. That speech Jack Nicholson gave on A Few Good Men? Sums it up very well. Anyway, Ive been and done things I never would have imagined, especially as a musician. I have friends in Romania, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Ive been apart of a Czech Rep wedding. Ive eaten waffles in Belguim, Swiss cheese in Switzerland, Ive touched remnants of the Babylon wall, and Ive stood in the house of Abraham. Its really been a blessing. And all that just playing bass.
As far as mentors, there hasnt really been one that stands out. Ive always been a humble dude, so alot of older soldiers liked to show me things. One I had in Maryland was CSM Melinger. He is the last and only draftee still serving on active duty. Hes a walking military library. Everytime he'd see me, he would ask me a question about a notable Black unit or soldier. I'd either know, or go look it up.
