Being an 88 MIKE!

Hi everyone! 

So I would like to share a funny story on how I needed up as a 88Mike or heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver or just good ol' TRUCK DRIVER! 

So when I enlisted in the Army I had no idea how anything worked, what the scores of the test meant and what it meant to be joining the military aside from me being able to get out of the little town of Yuma, AZ and being able to go to Germany. #europe #shopping #sorryimjustaprivateandaintgotnomoney 

So needless to say I could care less what job I got to do as long as my contract said I was going to Germany and that I was getting my money for college that's all I cared. 

So they told me I would be driving for Generals and important people and that basically I would just be a driver. 

So I said, but I m going to Germany right? #thatsallicaredabout 

So after boot camp and my training school to be "driver" I was off to Germany. The only question I had was, why do I need to learn to drive this big trucks? I don't think the Generals are going to jump in a truck?! 

But oh well, I was too excited thinking about being in Europe I could care less. 

Upon my arrival in Germany on Xmas Eve of 2001 and with everything that had transpired after 9/11 things where different. 

The real training started and missions driving big trucks across Europe started rolling in. I was touring Europe in style on a big Army truck hauling 5000 gallons of fuel. Still awesome! 

Things got real in 2003 with the Iraq invasion real Truck Driver missions started rolling in as we crossed the border into Iraq during the surge. Transporting supplies and fuel to infantry and special operations regiment was essential and I was one of those people doing that!  So I took pride in being a truck driver. 

Our unit became very close, our platoon became even closer and we became brothers and sisters. We were no longer driving trucks from point A to Point B for training. This was mission essential to continue to push forward into Iraq and to make sure our guys in the front Iinea had the supplies they needed to get the job done! 

So I guess you can say I enjoyed my job. 

In 2005 during my second deployment to Iraq things got a little different and truck drivers became "jacks of all trades" our unit was tasked as convoy patrol escort unit and we went from truck drivers to basically military police conducting convoy security all across Iraq. 

I went from truck driver to lead gun truck gunner and I LOVED IT!  The adrenaline rush is like nothing you will ever experience but it's also something you will never forget. 

Most of the people whom I deployed with in 2003, all of the rest of my fellow truck drivers where now part of gun truck crews and we we're inseparable. Once you had your crew you always went out on missions together and you trusted them with your life. A sort of Band of Brothers and 1 sister :) 

Altough initially my intentions were to tour  Europe and shop and basically be a tourist and drive Generals around as my side job. 

Life had a different plan for me. Life wanted me to grow up and mature faster than I had expected. It wanted me to see and experience things no one should ever have to experience so that I may become who I m today. 

So that I may serve and understand veterans and be a resource for them and their families and together fight thru recovery. 

I went into the Army as an 88Mike/Truck Driver but who I became does not have an MOS. 

Although there are good and bad days, I wouldn't change anything. I would go back and do it all over again. 

Hope this was helpful in sharing that no matter what your job is, it matters who you become because of the experiences your job puts you in. 

Dark Angel out!