20 Years Ago - Army Boot Camp

It was 20 years ago this week that I left my home in Virginia and headed to Ft. Jackson, SC for Army boot camp  I didn't know what to expect because I didn't know anyone in the Army at the time.  I had a good friend in the Marines and another who had gone to the Navy around the same time but this was a new adventure.

I was a very naive 19 year old leaving for boot camp.  I thought I should be in college and that was the only road to success.  I couldn't have been more wrong. The problem with college is that it cost money and I didn't have enough.  In 1993 things were also much different.  I did join after the first World Trade Center bombing but we didn't have war to truly worry about.  I was also involved in Operation Joint Endeavor  but again not the same fear of war that exists for a young person joining today.  I truly admire the post 9/11 military generation.  Joining during two major wars takes a lot of courage.

By the way I'm not saying school is not important I also went to George Mason after I got out but I would not be where I am today without my service.

Looking back 20 years later it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  I met some great people and the entire experience expanded my view of everything.  You will often hear guys in the military talk about fighting/serving with their brothers.  I can attest to that being true.  In my case Daryl Penn, Todd Hurley, and Will "Big Perm" Forbes are my brothers.  Todd ended up going back in and fighting post 9/11.  In addition to those three guys there were countless other people.  The list is way too long for this blog but a heartfelt thank you to those I served with.

Everyone joins for different reasons but the military fraternity and camaraderie  is something that will stay with you forever.  I'm now in IT and a few years ago I got to go back to Ft. Huachuca for work with the Army.  I had gone to MOS (job) training there and all those years later I still carry many of the lessons with me.

Hooah! and thanks to all that are serving or have served!

Laid back off-duty look...I wish I was that thin and in-shape now

Post Gas Chamber...old school BDU 

Microsoft MVP Year 5

I received an email this morning letting me know that I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services for the fifth year.

I get excited every time I receive the award and I'm so humbled to be in such great company.  The five year mark is an important mark.  I'm glad that I have been able to make a contribution to the community which has helped me much more than I've helped it.

I previously thanked a lot of people.   I won't go through the list again but the same things I said before still apply.

I would like to thank a few new folks this year.  DeLise and everyone at the Microsoft Reston and Chevy Chase Offices.  This is the first year that I started speaking and it is something that I've come to enjoy.  I'm glad to be part of the events.   Shameless plug for TechGate 2013

I've also been a part of several book projects and want to thank the folks at Packt Publishing and O'Reilly Publishing for letting me be a part of them.

Lastly all the people on Twitter working with Active Directory.  I really like the interaction on Twitter and I've met some great and passionate people over there.

Active Directory is starting to make a shift to the cloud (slow shift; it won't happen tomorrow). I'm hoping to turn and pivot as the product evolves (hint everyone learn ADFS).  There are some very smart people in Redmond working on AD and lots of great PFEs in the field.  Active Directory is not going anywhere so stay tuned for more ADISFUN.