Reginald Smith Pizarro @ReggieSmithPR - Twitter Profile

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over 1 year ago

16th year Military Service Anniversary Today marks 16 years of service in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard. I’ve served well, and the military has served me well in return. I’m proud to be a soldier in the United States Army. When I made the decision and signed my enlistment papers on December 22, 2008, my initial goal was to become a JAG officer (military lawyer). I wanted to enlist but remain in Puerto Rico. At the time, I didn’t even know the National Guard existed. After months of research and learning about the military, I decided to join the Puerto Rico Army National Guard. Looking back, there were moments when I thought about leaving, but the military has shaped me into the man I am today. It has helped me develop character, discipline, values, and leadership—qualities that few professions can provide. Through the education and opportunities I’ve received, I’ve achieved goals I never thought possible, especially considering the limitations and lack of opportunities in my neighborhood. (Unfortunately, that shouldn’t be the case.) The Army funded my Master’s in Public Policy, my Master’s in Psychology, and my Doctorate in Psychology. It also opened doors for civilian employment, giving me financial stability. And while I may have 20,000 aches and pains, it’s all been worth it. Beyond the professional and military educational gains, I’ve also gained invaluable experiences and built relationships with incredible people along the way. Some might think serving in the National Guard or Reserve doesn’t offer much, but I made sure that wasn’t my story. While I know I could have done more on the military side, I’ve balanced it with my civilian life and feel proud of everything I’ve accomplished in these 16 years. Here’s a summary of my journey so far: •2008: Enlisted in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard as a Signal Support Specialist (25U). •2010: Deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, working in External Security with the 296th Infantry Battalion under Operation Enduring Freedom. •2014: Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through Officer Candidate School. •2014: Assigned as Platoon Leader for the 225th Military Police Company. •2015: Completed the Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course. •2016: Served as Executive Officer for the 225th Military Police Company. •2016: Led a Law Enforcement Platoon during the 45th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C. (POTUS Donald J. Trump). •2017: Participated in the National Training Center with the 480th Military Police Company. •2017: Conducted disaster humanitarian response for Hurricanes Irma and Maria. •2018: Appointed as Company Commander of the 225th Military Police Company. •2020: Served as Law Enforcement Commander during the 46th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C. (POTUS Joseph R. Biden). • 2021: Law Enforecement Detachment Commander Soto Cano Air Force Base, Honduras. •2022: Completed the Military Police Captain Career Course. •2023-Present: Assigned as Law Enforcement Operations Officer (Assistant S3). •Numerous State mobilizations. While I’m eager to fully dedicate myself to my civilian career and life, I think I’ll stick it out for four more years to retire with 20 years of service. But who knows… my separation package is ready, yet something tells me to hold off. 😅 I’m deeply grateful to God, my family, and the incredible people I’ve met along this journey. Seguimos! 💪🏿🫡🇺🇸🇵🇷

ReggieSmithPR's tweet photo. 16th year Military Service Anniversary

Today marks 16 years of service in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard. I’ve served well, and the military has served me well in return. I’m proud to be a soldier in the United States Army.

When I made the decision and signed my enlistment papers on December 22, 2008, my initial goal was to become a JAG officer (military lawyer). I wanted to enlist but remain in Puerto Rico. At the time, I didn’t even know the National Guard existed. After months of research and learning about the military, I decided to join the Puerto Rico Army National Guard.

Looking back, there were moments when I thought about leaving, but the military has shaped me into the man I am today. It has helped me develop character, discipline, values, and leadership—qualities that few professions can provide. Through the education and opportunities I’ve received, I’ve achieved goals I never thought possible, especially considering the limitations and lack of opportunities in my neighborhood. (Unfortunately, that shouldn’t be the case.)

The Army funded my Master’s in Public Policy, my Master’s in Psychology, and my Doctorate in Psychology. It also opened doors for civilian employment, giving me financial stability. And while I may have 20,000 aches and pains, it’s all been worth it. Beyond the professional and military educational gains, I’ve also gained invaluable experiences and built relationships with incredible people along the way.

Some might think serving in the National Guard or Reserve doesn’t offer much, but I made sure that wasn’t my story. While I know I could have done more on the military side, I’ve balanced it with my civilian life and feel proud of everything I’ve accomplished in these 16 years.

Here’s a summary of my journey so far:
•2008: Enlisted in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard as a Signal Support Specialist (25U).
•2010: Deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, working in External Security with the 296th Infantry Battalion under Operation Enduring Freedom.
•2014: Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through Officer Candidate School.
•2014: Assigned as Platoon Leader for the 225th Military Police Company.
•2015: Completed the Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course.
•2016: Served as Executive Officer for the 225th Military Police Company.
•2016: Led a Law Enforcement Platoon during the 45th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C. (POTUS Donald J. Trump).
•2017: Participated in the National Training Center with the 480th Military Police Company.
•2017: Conducted disaster humanitarian response for Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
•2018: Appointed as Company Commander of the 225th Military Police Company.
•2020: Served as Law Enforcement Commander during the 46th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C. (POTUS Joseph R. Biden).
• 2021: Law Enforecement Detachment Commander Soto Cano Air Force Base, Honduras.
•2022: Completed the Military Police Captain Career Course.
•2023-Present: Assigned as Law Enforcement Operations Officer (Assistant S3).
•Numerous State mobilizations.

While I’m eager to fully dedicate myself to my civilian career and life, I think I’ll stick it out for four more years to retire with 20 years of service. But who knows… my separation package is ready, yet something tells me to hold off. 😅

I’m deeply grateful to God, my family, and the incredible people I’ve met along this journey.

Seguimos! 💪🏿🫡🇺🇸🇵🇷

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Reginald Smith Pizarro

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