damian + turion

[051105] This coming december 18th marks the 4th year of my CI-ship and 8th year of service in the corps. Finally im coing to the end of a long journey filled with ups, downs and lessons learnt. I remembered my very first training when i was still in sec1 back in 1998. Remembered the sweat pouring after my very first PT session. Remembered thinking to myself how i got myself into this mess. That i remembered clearly, on CCA day, i finished signing up for Badminton when i met my primary school classmate -Zhi Hao and he got me to join NPCC as well.. By the time, i went down to their booth (NPCC Room) it was already closed and i remembered that I had to knock on the door before they opened the door and i replied meekly that i wanted to join. I went for their first training and the rest as they say is history...

The years pass by swiftly as i cursed myself for joining the corps when i was in pumping position but still each week i came faithfully, ready for another onslaw of punishments, scoldings and physical training. Slowly, I rose through the ranks, LCP, CPL, SGT and finally SSGT and along with that, the BUC badge on POP. What pride i felt, the joy and along the 4 years, friendships forged thru the tears and blood we toiled. Another wave of pride and achievement swept thru me when i was handed the application form for the 61st CIBTC course, another recgonition from the officers. I eagerly signed up.

First day of course, grateful for the company of Jun Yang and Yvonne, my fellow squadmates in the course as well but that gave way to despair as we were all seperated out in new squads with foreign faces, unfamiliar territory as we struggled to get through with our lives in CIBTC. I remained recclusive even within my squad, keeping much to myself except for a few people. Most giving the feedback that they hadnt known me too well nor have they talked to me much. Learnt much from the CIIs as well as fellow trainees as i was opened to another dimension of NPCC life. December 18th marked the day when after 2 weeks of hard work earned us our pips and stripes.

Newly graduated, fresh and full of ideas i gradutaed from TRACOM, eager to share with cadets what i have learnt but as the years grinded on and personal conflitcts and realationships took its toll so did my enthusiasm for the Corps and unit. Nonetheless, determined to pass out properly and not leave abruptly, shouldered on til now... As i look back upon these few years of service, i am and will always be grateful for the guidance of so many seniors and fellow CIs and friends. It is a journey in which i have grown to be a better person and man as well as forging close friendships with many that i continue til this day.

And these are the memories i shall carry with me fondly as i leave the corps with a heavy heart yet with light footsteps in a couple of months. Thank You.

Yesterday's memories