My fondest memory of basic training was being taught how to work as a team with other recruits from all parts of our wonderful country. No matter how tough each situation in our training, by working as a team, all adversity could be and was overcome. This taught me that I'm not the most important person; we all are the most important person.

My fondest memory of basic training was the last day at the Recruit Training Center in San Diego. Marching down the middle of the grinder toward the waiting buses for the airport, being watched by all the other boot companies and new R&O recruits, my pride of now being a U.S. Navy sailor and the accomplishment of making 10 weeks of basic—I just can't describe it.

My worst day of basic was when, each morning after chow, it was time for inspection. It is when we all lined up on the grinder, standing at attention and a chief petty officer would walk up to each of us—from my perspective about 2 inches from my nose, staring into my eyes and asking me one of the General Orders. I knew never to make direct eye contact with the chief. I saw one recruit in my company who did make direct eye contact, and all hell broke loose. I could not believe what happened next, and thanked God it wasn't me. That left an impression on my immature 18-year-old brain.

I will say one thing basic training did for me is make me into a man. I learned I could overcome anything if I put my mind to it. It was better to always worry about my boot company and put them first. I owe my company commander and the Navy for making me into what I am today, a contributing member of society.

Go Navy! Beat Army!