SrA Diarra McCormick, U.S. Air Force (2011-2015)

Unbreakable Bonds From Basic Military Training

It amazes me how basic training, hair, food, and running sparked friendships and a long-lasting sisterhood in arms, like the Energizer bunny. I served with Trainee Earleen Aranda and Trainee Sheri Lee Edwards at Lackland Air Force Base for Basic Military Training in 2011. These women had my back no matter what obstacles we faced. I have fond memories of them both.
     
I remember the first time Aranda braided my hair. I got tired of the sock bun, so one weekend, when we had more time to shower thoroughly, I spent too much time washing my hair. I randomly looked at Aranda and asked her if she could braid my hair. With five minutes until lights out, she said yes. Aranda went to work on my hair and had braided 6 cornrows to the back. Then the lights went out. So, we left the bathroom and went into the bays. She used the light from her cell phone to finish the last 3 braids. This girl was a master braider from Belize and had been braiding hair since she was 11. Everyone was amazed at how fast and neat she braided my hair in the dark in under 10 minutes. After that, everyone wanted their hair braided.
     
Aranda and I had the pleasure of bonding over hair in basic training and food in technical school at Keesler Air Force Base for 6 weeks until she left and went to her first permanent duty station. We bonded over hair and food because Keesler had midnight breakfast, and Aranda loved to eat.
     
Edwards was from Jamaica, and we often ran together during PT. She struggled with push-ups and sometimes sit-ups, so we would help each other out. We were also put in remedial PT for a week until we got kicked out. We started running next to each other and pacing each other for the actual PT tests. When I was on my fifth lap, I could hear someone cheering me on, and after I exhausted myself on the last lap, I realized Edwards had finished her test well before me and was the one cheering for me. Even though we were stationed at different bases, we pushed each other to make the next rank. Although I got out after my first tour, I told her to keep on going.

I look forward to seeing her make Chief before her 20 years is done.
     
Aranda and I still talk, and when she’s not vacationing overseas, I get to talk to Edwards. Both Aranda and I completed one tour and achieved the rank of SrA with an honorable discharge. Edwards is currently a Master Sergeant racking up awards for the Med Group and living her best life overseas. Aranda has her own hair care products and other business ventures, and I still write during the day while working for the government. Nowadays, I cook, braid my own hair, and try to stay active. I’m so glad I served with these women!

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.