Upon completing basic training in 1982 at Fort Dix, N.J., I was selected to attend the United States Army Drill Sergeant's Academy. This honored selection allowed me to train as a drill corporal for a basic training cycle. I received a letter of commendation from the brigade commander and a brigade certificate of achievement for an outstanding job performance as a drill corporal. I later won the Post Guide on competition at Fort Bragg, N.C.