Shepherd, Deyshaun, 1SG

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
The military is an off hand tradition in my family. Most of us have served in on capacity or another.

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 almost joined the Marines, but my mother being a proud Soldier herself had two Army recruiters at the house eating pork chops when I got home from work. The rest is in the history books.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2008-2009. I was a member of the 9th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team (MiTT). It was an awesome experience living among the Iraqi Army and being emerged in the culture as an Advisor.

By, With, and Through.....

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I remember my days as a Private at Fort Drum and a Sergeant at Fort Stewart. My two tours to Bosnia were great and of course an unforgettable tour in Iraq. Above all my days as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson were the most rewarding.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Being selected to be a Drill Sergeant, My tour with my team in Iraq, and being selected for appointment to serve as a First Sergeant.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
No

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?
My Drill Sergeant Badge. It is an award that was worn by several of my family members and I found myself steeped in adversity and pain earning the right to wear it. 9 weeks.... I did not quit, I did survive....


This We'll Defend

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
There are several....

Shelton T. Grant
Condy Wade
Kenneth Pointe
Darrell Goodson
Rodney Stanley
John Womble
It would be very difficult to name you all, but if you know me and we have ever had a heart to heart then you meant something to me in my career.

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?
Not really... I am sure that I will remember something soon.

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?
First Sergeant

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Signal Corps Regimental Association (SCRA)
Association of United States Army (AUSA)
Noncommissioned Officer Association (NCOA)

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?
I am very matter-of -fact, straightforward, and no nonsense in my personal life.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
Do not lose focus, set goals, attain those goals, and always have a plan.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
TGS has allowed me to contact friends that I have not heard from in years. Great service to the military community.