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Letter No. 17: Glad to be livin' in the USA, with a sergeant's
stripes
By
David J. Jenkins, USU class of '98
March 14, 2005 | Hello,
Everyone. Greetings from Fort Lewis, Wash.
We arrived in Washington state on the 16th of March.
We have been going through the demobilization process
and trying to find our way back to Oregon.
Demobilization has proven to be a painful process (not
just the shots). We have been waiting in one line after
the other, undergoing physicals and the administrative
process of crossing T's and dotting I's.
Part of the de-mob process involves receiving clearance
from Madigan Hospital. I proceeded to Madigan, underwent
a couple of sets of X-Rays, and MRI and appointments
with a family care doctor, a physicians assistant and
finally an orthopedic specialist (all this in just one
day--amazing); all this said and done, I have been extended
on active duty and assigned to a medical hold battalion.
I am currently being reviewed for the rotator cuff injury
I incurred while training at Fort Hood, Texas, over
a year ago. I will find out more on this in about a
week.
I had the pleasure of speaking with a master sergeant
at Oregon's Military Department (MilDep) a couple of
days ago. She informed me that my promotion orders were
complete and she faxed over the orders. Today, I approached
my former squad leader with HHC, 2-162 with the order
and he took a few minutes to assist me with removing
the specialist rank on my uniform and replacing it with
sergeant's stripes. It was a quiet and private moment.
Personally, I could have done that myself, but it was
nice to share that moment in time with SSG Cummings,
as he has been not only a good squad leader and platoon
sergeant, but also a good friend.
I was notified today that there will be a demobilization
ceremony in Salem (I am assuming at the Salem Armory),
at approximately 3:30 Thursday.
Although I am no longer reporting directly to 2-162
at this time, I am still planning to attend the ceremony.
If for no other reason, to meet as many of you who
may wish to attend and show your support for the troops.
I am short on time now, but would like to take a brief
moment to say thank you to everyone. I plan to continue
sending my updates from Fort Lewis, as long as I am
here. I am sure there are many humorous anecdotes just
waiting to happen as I begin my journey within the world
of military medicine.
Best wishes,
SGT David J. Jenkins
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for Letter No. 1 and a photo of David J. Jenkins
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