COL Evangeline Rosel, U.S. Army
My Story…
During my promotion ceremony in November of 2018, I wrote this “poem” of sorts to express my gratitude to those who have truly made a difference in my life. When I read the guidelines for this blog, I thought of sharing this – my thoughts, my Army life, expressed in a different way, my way.
One hot summer day, back in 1993
I took a leap of faith and headed to the US Military Academy
I remember my sister Maria telling me it really wasn’t going to be that bad
Yeah, I don’t know what Honor Code she was under, but man, I was a little mad
Growing up, I heard stories about my grandpa being a Soldier
But never once, did I think I could do the same when I was older
As always, I listened to big sis, she played that Cadet role so well
Me, yeah not so much, you can ask my classmates, oh the stories they could tell
Now I wasn’t like a really bad cadet
With lots of time on the area like some
Like the host of today’s ceremony,
200+ hours and look how far he’s come
But I soon learned how to adapt,
It wasn’t that hard being from an Asian home
Where a B was an Asian F
And you earned your freedom only when fully grown
(and yes, and I still live with my parents)
My sister, my ride or die, was right,
Things at West Point weren’t that bad
We had more freedom at WooPoo U
Than at home with a Tiger Dad
Upon graduation, I planned to do my five and deuces call it a day
But my 4th year was 9/11, so I felt it my duty to stay
I was in Louisiana that day - it took me eight hours to get through the gate
I was there with my Fort Polk Crew, wondering what was to be our fate?
To all my Fort Polk families,
You were my foundation at that time
You being here today truly shows
Your hearts are always with mine
To my Adjutant General brothers and sisters
And our new chapter – the Lightning Bolt
Tampa Bay AGs now awakened,
All it needed was a little jolt
Thanks Rod and Wandy for getting it started,
SOCOM and MEPCOM for completing the team
The Regimental Association is standing by
To see how strong our chapter will be
To the CENTCOM J1 Team,
And particularly to my division, the best
I could not have asked for a better line-up,
I just show up and you do the rest
To Rose, Mike, and soon to be CW5 Tumlin
I lucked out with you as my branch chiefs,
I’m telling you - God IS SOMETHING
A special thanks to DPP for making today happen with ease
Much gratitude to the J1 Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines
Thanks to Chaz, Chief, SSG T and our civilians, too -
To all my mentors through the years
Thank you for giving me your best
I am so humbled to join the flock today
and be welcomed to the nest
To the most important people in my life,
I saved the best for last
My family, my heart and soul,
Who make my life a blast
To my grandfather, the World War II Vet
who escaped the March of Death
At 96, you continue to inspire me,
appreciating every moment and breath
Here with my sis, is her daughter Sam
Class of 2022
I told her the truth, but she still
Decided to go to West Point, too.
I love you like my own,
I HAVE since the day you were born
So proud to be your aunt,
As you stand tall in your uniform
To my mom, you are my rock, keeping me sane like every day
I can’t do what I do without you, a true blessing in every way
Don’t worry, I know a lot of you are just my friend
Because she cooks like a star
I know you use me for her lumpia,
But I know who you are
So Momma,
Thank you for always taking care of my friends, my babies and me
With my dad living abroad at times,
You provide enough love and stability
You are the main reason
I stand here today
For the sacrifices, I thank you
And love you in every way
Makayla and Gabriella,
I love you more than you can know
Your lives are like that book –
Oh, the Places you will go!
I know sometimes it’s hard for you
‘Cause we move from place to place
But you understand and just pack up
With a smile on your face
To my babies and my village
The squared away ushers have some stuff
From me to you to show my thanks
But I know, it’s not hardly enough
Don’t worry, I am almost done,
Just a few more things to say
If I didn’t mention you, don’t fret, ‘cause you’re here
So you’ve made a difference to me in some way
It is an honor to work in this joint world
On the premier CENTCOM team
Especially when the Commander in Chief Trophy
Is exactly where it should be
Last thing I’ll say, I promise
Before eating some shrimp, meatballs and gravy
December 8th, one, two, three-peat –
Go Army – Beat Navy!