My Life

By GDThompson1

  • Birth

    I was born in Warsaw, New York in 1967. If anyone is wondering, yes there were hospitals. I have an older brother, Stephen, and I am not sure he was ready for me to be a new part of the family.
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    Bliss, New York

    We live in a small apartment in a very small town in western New York.
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    Pike, New York

    We had to move to a new town in a home because we were expecting a special present soon. I lived there with my family until I left for the Army the day after graduation from High School.

  • Sister

    My younger sister, Tonia, is born. When I was young I felt that she ruined Christmas each year because we had to celebrate her birthday when we all are getting presents. I did not ask Santa for a sister.

  • First day of Kindergarten

    I was going to elementary in Bliss, NY for a couple of years.

  • Graduation from High School

    I finally am going to move forward out of a small town to great adventures. I joined the Army and leave the next day for basic.

  • U.S. Army

    I leave for Army Basic Training, I am only 19 years old. Not sure what I expected but I was nervous, maybe scared, but also looking forward to what the future may bring.

  • Army Basic Graduation

    I made it!! I finished my training for the Army now I get to learn a new career. My parents came to my graduation, I was not expecting that surprise. I was able to go off post, the first time in uniform, to have dinner and spend time with my parents.

  • U.S. Army Communications

    My job as a Microwave Communications Operator I get to be stationed in Germany, New Jersey, and Korea.
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    Germany

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    New Jersey

    Stationed in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey
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    Desert Shield, Desert Storm

    Iraq (Saddam Hussein) invades the neighboring country of Kuwait. All countries surrounding the region are in fear and anger by the actions of Iraq, forming a coalition of nations to expel the Iraqi Army and establish Kuwaiti Government.

  • Deployed to Saudi Arabia

    I am deployed to support Desert Shield/Storm

  • Support to Iraqi Refugees/ Operation Provide Comfort

    My mission changes to support refugees that are running away from the government forces after a failed uprising against Saddam Hussein. The refugees run to Saudi Arabia and other countries to avoid getting killed.
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    Korea

    Stationed in Korea

  • Combat Engineer

    Start a new job in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer.

  • Drill Sergeant

    I get my Drill Sergeant Hat after training. Now I am in charge of training new Soldiers as Combat Engineers

  • Birth of Cyrus Paul

  • Associates Degree - Genesee CC

    Electronics Technologies

  • Marriage to Kitty

    I get married to Kitty.
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    Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

    Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood

  • Birth of Ryan James

  • Active Duty-Military Intelligence

    I join active duty to a new job, Military intelligence, I leave the day after Ryan's first birthday.
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    Fort Stewart, Georgia

    Stationed and deployed repeatedly from Fort Stewart, GA
    Home of the 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne)
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    Fort Huachuca, Arizona

    Stationed for the last 5 years of my career.

  • Bachelors Degree - Columbia College

  • Masters Degree - Liberty University

  • Retirement

    I retire from the U.S. Army after serving 32 years, 3 careers, and multiple deployments.
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    Buckhannon, WV

    My final destination and we purchase a home outside of town.

  • Substitute Teacher

    Buckhannon-Upshur Schools Substitute teacher.

  • Social Studies Teacher - BUMS

    I am not full-time teacher at BUMS as the 7th Grade Social Studies teacher.

  • COVID-19

    School Closure due to pandemic COVID-19