68WM6

I enlisted in the Army on December 7, 2008. I had originally enlisted as a respiratory therapist but after my physical at MEPS, I was disqualified because of my color deficiency. I was then given a new shorter list of MOS to choose from. Many were office jobs, which is what I was trying to get away from. From the entire list, there were only two jobs that I was interested in. If I was single and did not have kids then I would have chosen 38 Bravo. I was told that the Civilian Affairs Specialists more or less sells the American dream to other countries, in war or peace time. It involved lots of traveling and its something that I’ve always wanted to do. My priorities have changed and I decided that my family was more important to me than traveling.

So my second choice was it, 68 Whiskey-Mike 6. I decided to become a Nurse (LPN). I joined the reserves so I wanted a job that I could do anywhere and that it was on high demand. Nurses are always on demand and I speak Spanish. I have done radiology and though I did not treat or really help my patients, it was rewarding to be part of the process. As a nurse I will be there with the patients, by their side. The job is dangerous no doubt and I’m sure the MOS is too. I will be a nurse but I will also be a combat medic, so if a unit needs a medic and I’m available, then I will be with them patrolling the streets of Iraq or wherever we are fighting. It is no wonder the MOS comes with student loan repayment, the GI bill, a GI bill “kicker” and a $20,000.00 bonus.

Ultimately, I would like to be a Physician’s Assistant. If that fails, at the very least I will complete my BA in history (which at this time I have 22 units left) and hopefully get a commission. I will also like to earn my BSN to become an RN and move up from there. I hope I’m not setting my aims too high but I would like to one day be a Colonel. Colonel Hernandez has a nice ring to my ears.