Winell de Mesa

No, single like a dollar bill

none

Tampa, FL (University of South Florida 1999-2003)

Orlando, FL (University of Central Florida 2003-2005)

Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota (2005-2007)

Kunsan Air Base, South Korea (2007-2008)

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany (2008-present)

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan (currently deployed 2009)

My favorite time in high school was my Junior year, because that was the year when I had a lot of my "firsts". The first time I fell in love, the first time for me to own a car (1999 Ford Taurus--to this day I think I was still the only Asian kid that did not have a Honda), and my first job (UPS--OMG slave labor, but hey $8.50/hr I was balling back then).

But if I had to choose one favorite memory off the top of my head it would be the time my first girlfriend tried to teach me how to dance at the military ball. I was so shy and had very little confidence back then (so much has changed), but I remember that night when I got home I was "practicing" the moves she taught me in my room and my dad walked in he started laughing at me. I was so embarrased.

But yes that (among a bunch of other things/"firsts") would have to be my favorite memory of high school.

The most significant thing that happened to me after high school is when I had the opportunity to become a Flight Commander in Kunsan (Korea).

At first you might think it's because of the power and authority that comes with running the law enforcement flight for the base (ask anyone in the AF cops are a different breed). But that isn't so, it was a great opportunity for me because I was able to help a lot of my Airmen by tutoring them through school, getting them involved in volunteer activities, telling when I needed them to grow up, and just being there for them (cooking/bbq/listening to their problems). It has been the most rewarding experience I have had during my military career.

It taught me how to deal and interact with people, how to communicate, how to understand and solve with problems. It gave me more self worth and an true understanding of what I have to offer as an officer and more importantly as a person

LOL...ok.

I ran security for Mount Rushmore when I was stationed in South Dakota. We ran bomb dogs up and down the monument, and I had an opportunity to go see the "Hall of Records" on the way to the top of Mount Rushmore (Yes the one they talk about in National Treasure).

I'm here to tell you it's all a lie, the Hall of Records is just a hole cut in the side of the rock, it's an unfinished project. I was so excited when I climbed into the hole when we got to the end we reached a wall. I looked at my SSgt and said "Where's the books? Where's the records?" he laughed and told me "That's it, sir". We crawled about 20 ft to see a wall at the end of this hole. Ginormous disappointment!

Unfortunately I will still be in Afghanistan during the reunion.