Paul Gilbert (Staff)

Paul Gilbert, born on March 20, 1971, served in the United States Army for 10 years total; 5 reserve, 5 active.

Rank/ position: E4 Specialist.

Stationed/ deployed: Vilseck, Germany; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Drum, NY; Fort Eustis, VA.

Paul said his grandfather and father both served in the Army. When asked what inspired him to join the military, he mentioned he was a poor kid needing college money and education. That he wanted to travel the world and lacked other options in upstate New York.

His role or job during his service was general construction equipment operator (MOS 62J, now called 12N) and medium helicopter repairer (MOS 607U, now called 15U).

When asked if he remembered his first day of service or boot camp and what it was like, he said the first day of boot camp was actually 0 week, In processing. He said it was hot, Rigid, And that it was non personalized demeaning. "After a week, we loaded onto cattle trucks and then the 'first' day began," he said. " There was a bunch of yelling, running, and waiting."

Paul served but did not take action for Operation Desert Storm and also during the Bosnian War. During his time in the Army, he traveled outside of the U.S. to Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Czechia, and France and inside the U.S. he traveled to Missouri, Washington, Virginia, and Maine.

His favorite or proudest memories from his time in the military was a special assignment with closing the Berlin Brigade, receiving the Army Commendation Medal and Achievement Medal, and receiving the Commanders Coin for completion of Tank Trail Road.

Paul shared a few funny and memorable moments with us such as him driving 36 hours straight with a 105 Howitzer (Dud) under the seat in the OVM box, The parties (No other info given), And the Nijmegen road March.

Those who stood out most in his memory while serving include: Byron from Stigler, Juan from California, Monzo from Chicago, Scott from Florida, and Stanley from Arkansas.

Paul mentioned being away from home was the most challenging part of his service. Discipline, experience, honor, love for God, family, and country are all things he learned in the military and still guides him today.

Words of advice or encouragement for today's service members: Join and live the life while you have it, it is fleeting as youth doesn't last long. "Do not be a barracks rat."