William Lambdin

Being deployed to Afghanistan, Specialist David Lambdin shares with us his experiences while serving in the Army. We want to thank him for his service and sacrifice.

1. Full Name?
William Lambdin

2. What branch of the armed forces did you serve
Army

3. What was your rank?
Specialist

4. What were your years of service?
2009 – 2013

5. What motivated you to join?
My life lacked direction and purpose. I knew that I wanted to do something “great” with my life and the Army seemed like a good step in that direction, which it was.

6. Tell me about your boot-camp experience?
Basic Combat Training was a complete mess. I could write a book about the chaos that took place on a daily basis. Turning civilians into professional soldier is not an easy task.

7. How did you get through it?
Lots of laughing, cursing and marching but if you keep your head down, mouth shut and do everything asked of you to the best of your ability, anyone can get through it.

8. Where did you serve the majority of the time in the service?
The majority of my time in the Army was with the 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

9. Tell me about some special people you met while serving?
Brent Hilley and I served together in the 101st. We deployed to Afghanistan together and he was the best friend you could ask for. I couldn’t have made it through deployment without that guy. My boss, Quinton Brown, was also a great friend while I served. I stay in regular contact with both of them.

10. Who was the most influential to you while serving?
Sergeant First Class Lawrence Krieg was incredibly influential in my life, personally and professionally.

11. Tell me a funny story you experienced that could only happen in the military.
A drill sergeant once made a soldier mop the grass.

12. What did you get out of the military?
My time in the Army changed my life in a fundamental way. The man I am now is due to the discipline, duty and honor that was fostered inside me as a soldier.

13. Best and worse food you ate?
Best – any Air Force dining facility.
Worst – any Army dining facility.

14. What did you go on to do as a career post- service?
After leaving the Army, I attained three associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s. I am now a national security analyst.

15. Would you do it again?
If my country needs me, I will serve.

16. What do you enjoy doing on your spare time?
I enjoy working on my 1987 Bronco, training Brazilian jiu jitsu, fishing, working out and hanging out with my dog.

17. What does the American flag mean to you?
To me, the American flag represents an ideal form of social cohesion that is always pursued.