Introduction

My name is Thad Seaver and I was a machinist (MOS 44E) in the Army for five years. Joining the Army was something that I wanted to do since I was 13 years old. I went to basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ in November of 1988 shortly after graduating from high school. I was in the Delayed Entry Program for 11 months. That means that I signed the papers 11 months before I actually had to report for duty. For those 11 months, I counted down the days.

My first duty assignment was at Ft. Carson, CO. I was stationed there almost two years before I got orders for Germany. I did a three year tour in Germany; five months of which were spent in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I made the rank of E-4(P) in less than two years and maintained that rank until the end of my enlistment. I have nothing but fond memories of my time in the Army. Given the chance, I would do it all over again.