7th group started the transition to Elgin 2007, or the talks of moving there was no secret in 2007. I was just going through my selection for the 1st time. I was a non select first go around. And after I got done I was pissed and beat the fuck up. I went home and said fuck this shit I don't ever want to put my body through what they did to me. After I recovered my mind set changed and I went back. Being that I already spoke Spanish they didn't bother with trying me at another language. Was kind of shitty. They don't pay much for Spanish. LOL. I wasn't airborne qualified either. So once I got done the 2nd time I had to go back to Benning go through Airborne School then PCS my family to Bragg for the Q-Course. All in all it was great. Even-though I lost my first marriage. I would do it all over again but I would go straight from high school. I wish I would have got to experience Elgin more. I spent most of my time training, schools, deployed. Once I got my first badge which was airborne wings. I wanted it all. Air Assault, Path Finder, Halo. I didn't do combat diver only because I love the water and I felt that after going through combat diver school I'd hate the water. I'm a pretty strong swimmer.
My dad through me in the water and said swim. LOL!!! Lesson was not to panic, and all relax, body started floating then the lessons began. He taught me about the currents, how not to fight against them and swim with them.
I was in Elgin from 2011 to the end of 2013 then I was sent back to Benning to the WTB to be medically Retired. I was well taken care of by Group and I stay in touch with many of the guys in and out of service. I have a few friends in 5th group as well, that I visit from time to time. Campbell isn't to far from me.