After boot camp, I went to school at the lovely resort base of 29 Palms, California! I never knew there was SO much sand. Here is where I received training for my Military Occupational Specialty 2531. After the Stumps, I went to Quantico, Virginia, Okinawa, Japan, and finally Camp Pendleton, California. 

After my tour of active duty, I joined the reserves at Miramar, California, here is where my eyes were opened to Emergency Medicine. The experiences I had while assigned to Miramar led me to my present day career. I had the fortunate experience of being assigned to A Company, and our primary responsibility was to support the Navy. During my two weeks of training, once again at lovely 29 Palms, I was assigned to support the field emergency room; and, here is where I decided what road that I would travel down in life! I still remember the faces of everyone that I met during my two weeks there. I thank them for the help they provided to me and to others. 

I became an Emergency Medical Technician in 1988 and have worked in the ambulance industry ever since. I currently work for American Medical Response, and was even on Rescue 911 once! 

Carol Gilliam 
July 1997