Armstrong, Shirley, SSG

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
I wanted to serve my country and assist in Operation Desert Storm. I also needed the college money. I enlisted into Delayed Entry Program but by the time I was to report to Basic, Desert Storm was over. I was disappointed but still willing to serve. I am glad that I made the decision to join the military. I am proud of my service and of my fellow Soldiers.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I enlisted as a 29J (Telecommunications Terminal Device Repairer) which was a Signal MOS. I did my job training at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. My MOS changed over later on to a Ordinance MOS of 35J but kept the same title. I am now a 42A ( Human Resources Specialist) in the Adjutant General Corps.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I can't say that there is any particular memory. There have been so many memories, good and bad. Korea was difficult being so far away from family but I made connections that I still feel are probably the best friendships made during my service. The Rocky Mountains outside Fort Carson were beautiful. I got married for the first time there. I got to spend a lot of time with and getting to know my Uncle Alvin while stationed there as well. I had my first child at Fort Hood. I also lost one of my best friends there too (DUI). I became and NCO there. My marriage failed but I also met the man that is now my current husband there. I wouldn't trade any of it.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Probably the Korean Defense Service Medal. Serving in Korea was something that I shared with Uncle Alvin who served there during the Korean War. And even though Dad served in Germany during the Korean War, I still feel like that service helps tie our services together. My Uncle Ed also served during the Korean War in the Navy in the Sea of Japan.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
That would have to be my former 1SG, now retired CSM Mark Stroh. He showed me how to be a Non-Commissioned Officer. He was tough but understanding. He was a leader and a friend. Thanks Top!

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Again, there are so many. Sitting out in the field sharing childhood stories with my friends was always great. 1SG Stroh and I used to drive CPT Greene nuts with our Hillbilly/Hoosier battles. Watching newbies to Korea drop to the floor after drinking Soju was hilarious. So many good times.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
After leaving Active duty, I went back to school and earned my Associate Degree. I missed the military a lot so I tried out the National Guard. I didn't really like it though. I got married to my current husband, and headed back to Fort Hood with him. Being a military spouse has been difficult at times but not bad. I am now a Reservist but plan to reenter Active Duty.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
The military helped me to grow up and become a stronger person both physically and mentally. The military is my chosen career.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
Stick with it. I have wished so many times that I never got off of active duty. You can't beat the health and dental benefits. Uprooting and moving around can be difficult but most civilian careers aren't any different.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Army

I have found a few folks that I served with on here but not really that many. What I like the most was being able to put assisted pages for my dad and Uncle Alvin on here. I hope to be able to connect with other members of my units in the future. It would also be awesome to connect with people who knew and served with Dad and/or Uncle Alvin.

DS 6/22/17