The thought of a free education and adventure prompted Robin L. Nicoloff to join the military right after the Vietnam War.
“When I joined I was among the last classes of the Women’s Army Corps before it transitioned into the regular Army,” Nicoloff said. “I loved basic training at Fort Mccelland, Ala. Being just out of high and an athlete, the physical part was fun and challenging.
“There were a lot of pranks pulled between the platoons. On one occasion I awoke as I was being tossed from my bunk into the lockers and landing on the floor with my bunk on top of me. I wasn’t hurt but someone got the drill sergeant on duty. Once the prankster was determined, I was asked if I wanted to press charges. Of course I didn’t; it was a prank. We all laughed and went back to bed.”
Nicoloff wanted to go into photography, but the class was full. Although she had a high aptitude score, computer repair didn’t sound appealing, so she chose wheeled vehicle mechanic. After her first tour in Germany she landed back stateside at Fort Reilly, Kansas, and was told she was going to be the battalion security non-commissioned officer. The battalion worked on the Abrams tank and many of the parts were classified secret.
“Before long I was on my way to training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and on to my next tour in Germany as a counterintelligence special agent. As I learned and matured I moved up the ranks to sergeant first class and then to chief warrant officer 2. Nicoloff said she is most proud of her Army Commendation Medal, which she received for service in Germany.
“All the people I met in the military were special because they were my comrades. No matter where I went, I was never afraid because I knew someone would be there to meet and assist me. Nicoloff remembers an overnight maneuver when the platoon leader sensed that the soldiers were getting bored and complacent.
The leader grabbed a few men and headed into the dark. “We heard the strike of a match, a fizzle and then a thud, followed rather quickly by, ‘Oh crap’ and the sound of scampering feet. When one of them threw an M-80 it hit a tree and came right back at them.
“I am so proud to have served my country and to continue to honor her through my volunteer service in the American Legion and other organizations like the Lions Club,” she said.
“While in the service I was blessed with my daughter, Shannon, and then my grandson, Lucas. I still have both of my parents, Roy and Marilyn Nicoloff, sisters Michel and Andrea, brothers Mike and Brandon and their spouses and children. When we get together there is more laughter and fun than anyone can image.”
“When I joined I was among the last classes of the Women’s Army Corps before it transitioned into the regular Army,” Nicoloff said. “I loved basic training at Fort Mccelland, Ala. Being just out of high and an athlete, the physical part was fun and challenging.
“There were a lot of pranks pulled between the platoons. On one occasion I awoke as I was being tossed from my bunk into the lockers and landing on the floor with my bunk on top of me. I wasn’t hurt but someone got the drill sergeant on duty. Once the prankster was determined, I was asked if I wanted to press charges. Of course I didn’t; it was a prank. We all laughed and went back to bed.”
Nicoloff wanted to go into photography, but the class was full. Although she had a high aptitude score, computer repair didn’t sound appealing, so she chose wheeled vehicle mechanic. After her first tour in Germany she landed back stateside at Fort Reilly, Kansas, and was told she was going to be the battalion security non-commissioned officer. The battalion worked on the Abrams tank and many of the parts were classified secret.
“Before long I was on my way to training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and on to my next tour in Germany as a counterintelligence special agent. As I learned and matured I moved up the ranks to sergeant first class and then to chief warrant officer 2. Nicoloff said she is most proud of her Army Commendation Medal, which she received for service in Germany.
“All the people I met in the military were special because they were my comrades. No matter where I went, I was never afraid because I knew someone would be there to meet and assist me. Nicoloff remembers an overnight maneuver when the platoon leader sensed that the soldiers were getting bored and complacent.
The leader grabbed a few men and headed into the dark. “We heard the strike of a match, a fizzle and then a thud, followed rather quickly by, ‘Oh crap’ and the sound of scampering feet. When one of them threw an M-80 it hit a tree and came right back at them.
“I am so proud to have served my country and to continue to honor her through my volunteer service in the American Legion and other organizations like the Lions Club,” she said.
“While in the service I was blessed with my daughter, Shannon, and then my grandson, Lucas. I still have both of my parents, Roy and Marilyn Nicoloff, sisters Michel and Andrea, brothers Mike and Brandon and their spouses and children. When we get together there is more laughter and fun than anyone can image.”
RSS Feed