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!