Are you part of a family tradition of military service?

SFC Mark Merino My father was a Captain in the Air Force. He served in WWII, Korea and the Berlin Airlift. He was killed in December 1956 when his plane crashed during a training flight. All of my other military family members are also deceased. A Brother-in-Law and Uncle served in the Army National Guard. My father-in-Law and two Uncles served in the Army. My last Uncle served in the Air Force. I have no other family members that are serving.

My Father was Air Force, Two Uncles during WWll. One was a Marine the other was Coast Guard. And my oldest son is a SFC in the Army. I’m sure there are others father back.

Like most people I imagine, all of my Grandfathers and Great Uncles served. I also have a Great Aunt who served as a Nurse in the Army during WWII. My Grandmother also served as a Federal GS Employee to the DOD. My father joined in 1972 and narrowly missed service in Vietnam. I know he ha some guilt about it but I know most of my family and Mom were always grateful how that shook out. My Dad ended up at 8th and I and due to a massive drug bust that cleaned out a ton of staff he was brought on as a new Guard at Camp David because he had a clearance and they needed all available bodies with clearances. I have cousins who served in the Corps and I did my service as well. My Dad never pushed me to serve. It was always my choice and I feel the same for my kids. I don't want them serving because of me. If they serve it needs to be their choice and nobody elses.

I'm second in line of what has become a tradition. My father and all my uncles served. Dad was Army Air Corp/Air Force during WWII in the China Burma India Theater, got home and got sent to Germany for the Berlin Airlift, then spent the rest of his Career inn SAC. I'm Army/Army National Guard, and my youngest is going on 17 years in the Navy as Master at Arms.

On the paternal side, we came over on we came over on the run ahead of the British constabulary, seeking to arrest my great great grandfather who killed a British soldier over a girl in a bar. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

My grandad was an Army medic and was with the US forces chasing Pancho Villa in the "Punitive Expeditions." He was in General Pershing's personal entourage and was never within earshot of gunfire.

My dad was a Navy pilot for 27 years. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and again during the Korean war. He NEVER discussed any of his combat experiences. And when we asked, we got "the stare" and silence.

I was only able to glean insights into dad's combat experiences after dad's death. About a half-dozen squadron mates attended his funeral, they spent two days with my brother and me going over his flight logs, fitness reports and gun camera footage, filling in details.

If all they said was true, I understand dad's silence and his wish that his son's not go into the military. Being his sons, we did not listen.

On the maternal side, probably some of the men riding with Poncho Villa, being chased by General Pershing. [Pure speculation on my part]

My mom (legal Mexican immigrant0 served as an Army nurse in the European theater during WWII and a MASH unit during the Korean War. Her service allowed her to apply for expedited naturalization after she got back CONUS from Korea.

On the Norwegian side (Norgard) of the family, I can trace military service going back to WW1 when my Great Grandfather served for the Canadian Army. That's how he met my Great Grandmother. He was wounded and sent back to Canada to recuperate. Once he was discharged, they moved to Nebraska. On the Scottish side (Stuart), there has been been at least one person every generation that has served. My Grandfather served in the PTO in the Navy, joining after notification that his brother was killed at Pearl. A Great Uncle (Carlson) served as a side gunner on B-17s in the ETO. Had a 2nd Cousin (Stuart) that served in the Marines during Vietnam. His story is that he got damn lucky for assignments. He regaled one time that while everyone was in line to get assignments, the guy in front of and behind him were married, while my Cousin was single. Said the two married guys were sent to Vietnam and my Cousin was sent to Okinawa. Honestly, I do not know if I had a family member serve in Korea. But, chances are, there is at least one person.

Then, of course, there is me.

My Great Great Grandfather Served In The 116 Pennsylvania Infantry During The Civil War His Son , My Grandfather Served In WW-1 , My Father Served From WW-2 Through The 1960s And Retired As A Spc-6 .

.. "Our Father Who Art In Heaven" Retired From The Merchant Marines _ USS Texaco Massachusetts; 2 Brothers Before Myself, Mike & Jim, USAF - So I Was Warned Ahead Of Time, Do NOT Laugh At You T.I; It REALLY Pizzes Them Off! -- But Did I Do As Told? _Not On Your Life - OOPS

Not a tradition, just timing. My great-grandfather was France WWI, grandpa USMS WWII, father in Vietnam, and I was the first during peacetime and did 20. I have the same combat patch as my father and I think we both would like to give it back.

I guess we are. I've been able to trace my military roots to the War of Paraguay. I've found at least one family member involved in every major conflict since that time. The ones I'm most proud of are my grandfathers who came through Montford Point to become Marines.