[Morelli CSMR]

Good evening everyone. I'm a 28 year old out of Los Angeles. I am a recruiter with the California State Military Reserve. The CSMR is authorized as a state defense force under the provisions of the Title 32, United States Code, Section 109 and the California State Military Reserve Act (codified in the California Military and Veteran's Code).

I'm more commonly classified as a "missed opportunity" to serve individual. I grew up wanting to be a soldier, but that influence that needs to be there when it is time to walk down that path was not there, and it didn't even cross my mind. Fast forward 10 years, I have a great career, a home, a wife, a baby girl...and the need to serve almost burned a hole in me. I found the CSMR, ran down, and enlisted immediately.

As the State Defense Force of California, we are a part of the California Military Department, the parent organization of the California Air and Army National Guard. We are an equal player. However, we do not have a Federal charter, therefore our service is in state only, although we have been activated to serve in other states as well, last time being Katrina. We work hand in hand with the Guard on their homeland security mission, and step into their shoes when they go over seas. We are also in charge of a ton of training for the Guard, we run their SRP's, teach them at their AT's, etc.

I have the most respect in the world for those who serve, and I am humbled to be able to serve them myself.

HOOAH!