P-R-O-M-O-T-I-O-N

Today, I was pinned to E-4, Specialist. No longer will I be called Private. Now, I'm also just one step below Sergeant, which I've already started working for.

Big day. So excited, and worried. I kept waiting for there to be something to keep it from happening, but nope, there I was in front of the company.

I've actually known about this for awhile. I qualified for promotion back in June, and my paperwork (that makes everything official) has my Date of Rank as 01 July. I should know, I typed it.

So, I've "technically" been an E-4 for a month, just not wearing the rank. NOW, I am wearing it. Nice little jump in pay and respect. Finally did it...

It was so cool to be up there. I've waited so long for this.

Commander had some nice words to say while he pinned me on, noticing I was "getting skinny". Very pleased. Also, had my favorite Sergeant, whom I've known since my first night at AIT, back in May 2003, come up and pin me. Sort of an honor I wanted her to have, since I couldn't have Ellicia do it. She's a good friend, and pleased me to have her there. (I was expecting a disapproval from my Platoon, because she's not of our platoon, but as I explained to my Sergeant... I've known her forever, while I just joined these guys. She's made the biggest impact on my Army career. So, I asked her. She had some nice congratulatory comments - even came back around later.) And of course, Top... First Sergeant... someone whom I really look up to and respect... more solid congratulations.

So, here are some pics...


















Till later,
Specialist Stanley