I have been selected for Appointment

Major Matt Lewis · September 12, 2008, 05:34:02 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I left the military a number of years ago. I was very proud to be a Non-Commissioned Officer of Marines. However, after 9/11 I wanted to reaffiliate with the military, as many have done in the past 7 years. I was never in the right spot with family or career. Now, all my kids are out of diapers and in school, finely. My marriage is stable and I believe I had entered the "mid-life crisis" zone. I always felt that I could give more to the nation in the form of service. I did not want to enlist, as I met the criteria for a commission. I looked at all of my options and found that the Army Reserve offered me the opportunity to be commissioned without the obligation of serving in the event of the commissioning falling through. I had also discovered that I was too old, 37, for a commission in my beloved Marine Corps. However, there was no issue with the USAR. Nine months ago, I submitted a commissioning package. Today, I found out that my package has been endorsed by The Secretary of the Army. I am not "in" yet as I still have the physical and background check to go through but I do not anticipate any issues with that. I am not sure when I will be pinned, but now it is not a case of "if" but "when."

Needless to say I was VERY excited when I got the news today.

Captain Lee Bishop · September 12, 2008, 09:23:06 PM

A few NCOs I have served with wound up doing this as well.
If you're okay with going to sandbox (because you will go. More than once), then I say go for it!

Major Matt Lewis · September 12, 2008, 09:37:06 PM

I was there in 1991. I believe in the cause.

Frenchie · September 12, 2008, 09:54:32 PM

I can only speak for myself but I'll bet lots of us feel this way: If I can get or do anything to help your family while you're serving, let me know.

Major Matt Lewis · September 12, 2008, 10:00:32 PM

Thanks Frenchie. It is very much appreciated.

Frenchie · September 12, 2008, 10:15:17 PM

I'm proud to know someone who volunteered to serve again.

Pony Racer · September 12, 2008, 10:48:37 PM

MML congrats.

Where can I send a pair of rank - the metal ones are shared by all of our services.

PR

Trailrider · September 12, 2008, 10:55:49 PM

Thank you for your past and continuing service our country and to the cause of Freedom! I salute you.

Your obdt servant,

Silver Creek Slim · September 13, 2008, 09:28:57 AM

Congrats, pard.

Slim

Major Matt Lewis · September 13, 2008, 10:49:08 AM

Pony Racer,

I am very honored. I will PM you with my address. Thank you Sir.

Tjackstephens · September 13, 2008, 07:37:59 PM

Way to go Major Matt. I am proud to know you!! Texas Jack Stephens TJ

Hill Beachy · September 14, 2008, 10:29:21 PM

Well done, Major Matt!

However, I strongly recommend that you DO NOT wear your GAF uniform at your commissioning. Some folks just lack a sense of humor.

Frenchie · September 14, 2008, 11:48:35 PM

But you must take that hat along and send us a pic of you wearing it with your cammies!

Steel Horse Bailey · September 15, 2008, 08:45:28 AM

Congratulations!

Captain Lee Bishop · September 15, 2008, 08:27:13 PM

Quote from: Major Matt Lewis on September 12, 2008, 09:37:06 PMI was there in 1991. I believe in the cause.

Sounds good. I only brought that up as I know there are others who believe what they're told by recruiters. Yesterday I heard a Guard recruiter tell someone that "The regular Army sends folks to Iraq, that's true, but the Guard is for domestic issues." Myself and a dozen others told that young lad otherwise!

Major Matt Lewis · September 15, 2008, 08:53:47 PM

Captain Lee,

Oh, I didn't join the Guard. I am being commissioned in the Army Reserves. My soon to be Company Commander has guarenteed me the opportunity to go down range. Most people don't realize that 2/3's of the Army's Combat Arms is formed by the National Guard. Luckily, the Army Reserve provides Combat Support. So, hence I am going to be a Military Police Platoon Commander.

Also, the way I am going in has both an upside and a downside. I am a direct commission from Civilian to 2d Lt. If for some reason the commission falls through, I am not obligated to serve in the enlisted ranks again. I have not been dealing with a recruiter. I have been working with an Ascention NCO. His job is to work with internal Army Reserve candidates for commission. The National Guard gave me some run around about joining up for 6 years and doing 2 years in their OCS. The Reserves has a straight path to commission without OCS. I figure after Army Boot Camp when I was 17 and 19 when I graduated from Marine Boot Camp, I am not going to miss much by going this route.

Terry Lane · September 16, 2008, 11:00:06 AM

Congratulations Major. Well done. Take care.

Mustang Gregg · September 17, 2008, 08:24:45 AM

Well done, Sir!
Congratulations.

Respectfully,
Mustang Gregg

OKDEE · September 17, 2008, 10:35:14 AM

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Oklahoma Dee