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Posted on Sep 1, 2014
SSG Sherman Rivers
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I was heavily influenced by the fact that my father served 22 years and was a green beret. I was further influenced by the fact that my older brother was serving as a paratrooper in Italy. I was further still influenced by the fact that my older sister served in the Army. Ultimately it was something that I really wanted to do but having a rich family military history and growing up as an Army brat had a lot to do with my decision to serve as well.

How about you?
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Responses: 37
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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Absoultley my parents inspired me to the utmost to join. the best advice ever.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
CPT Jacob Swartout
>1 y
My father served in the Air Force and I am the soul keeper of his documents. My mother wanted someone responsible to take care of them. I plan on putting his binder of docs in a case someday.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
>1 y
Sir awesome, post, very inspiring.
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SFC Kenneth Hunnell
SFC Kenneth Hunnell
>1 y
Yes, my older brother was in
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CPT Jacob Swartout
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I always wanted to serve in the military. I had several member serve in the past and I'm currently the only one with the longest tenure so far. Maybe it was my two uncles who are Vietnam Vets and they are proud that I'm continuing the family tradition still.
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SFC Signals Acquisition/Exploitation Analyst
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My dad, an uncle and a grandfather were all in the Navy at one point and a great uncle who retired from the Air Force. I was the first one in my family to join the Army, it was something that I had wanted to do since I was ten years old. I am also the only one who has stayed in beyond one enlistment, been in a total of 17 years and I've got 7 more to go. I hope my daughter will follow my footsteps.
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Did a family member serving influence your decision to serve?
1SG Company First Sergeant
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I am the first from my family. I hope that I can be the reason that my children join later on though. Great topic!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
>1 y
Awesome, post.. Its all about leaving a leagacy when you serve for others to follow.....
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SGT(P) Kenneth Jones
SGT(P) Kenneth Jones
>1 y
My uncle served vienam in the army but i tried marines back in 89 and over a 20 year stretch but grew tired of excuses after going through DEP so i came in the army and never thought twice wish i would have done it back then but still as motivated as i was then. Hooooah My aunt retired as a 1SG and passed away the following week i arrived at my first duty station.She recieved a full military funneral her husband a retired marine had passed 3 years.prior. I was unable to attend at the time do to reasons beyond my control but went and visited the next year on the anniversary of her passing. Her and my uncle and my other were the ones that enstilled the hooooah behind duty honor and selfless service. Heres to them the ones that have served and still motivate others in memory. HOOOOOOOOOOAH!!!!!!!!
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PFC Stephens Clark
PFC Stephens Clark
>1 y
Yes my Family was the biggest Influence to join. My father served in Korean War 50-51, my brothers served from the early 70's thru the 80's, I asked my father to sign the papers so i could join at 17 yrs old. i did my first year of reserves while still in high school. Army blood runs thru this Families Veins.  HOOOOOOOOOORAH.  92nd Engineers, GO BLACK DIAMONDS.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
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Edited 11 y ago
Col joe burleson
SSG Sherman Rivers

My dad served on active duty for 42 years and I don't recall a day of my young life that I ever considered anything other than a career as an Army officer I loved my dad and was very proud of him and his service to our country. I wanted to be just like him.

Attached is a picture of my dad, taken before I was born...
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
CPT Aaron Kletzing
11 y
Great story - thanks for sharing, Sir. I think all of us here in the RallyPoint community would say your father is proud of all that you did in uniform as well.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
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LTC Edward Marshall
LTC Edward Marshall
11 y
Thank you SSG Rivers
My father served 20 years 47-67 in Army Security Agency (ASA).
Korean War, Vietnam in 1961
I grew up with father, uncles and history back to the Civil War of family serving in nearly every conflict.
I guess I never thought of not going into the Army.
I was the first Officer in the family.
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SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano
SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano
8 y
You look like your dad.
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SGT Team Leader
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My dad. And grandfathers' grandfather...all the way back to the Rebs.
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SPC David S.
SPC David S.
>1 y
Father and both Grandfather's all served over 20. I didn't know anything but military. From reveille accompanied by a cannon shot to retreat. Almost forgot my father-in-law also served.
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SFC Mark Merino
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SSG Sherman Rivers What a great family history of military service you hail from! My grandpa was a Corporal in the Army during WWII. Dad was in the Merchant Marine Academy.
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SFC Robin Gates
SFC Robin Gates
>1 y
I had 3 Uncles in WWII, 1 Uncle in Korea War and Old Guard, Cousins that served in Vietnam, and a brother in the Army before me. So I was influenced.
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SGT Roshone Morgan
SGT Roshone Morgan
>1 y
The fact that's father served in Vietnam influenced me to serve for twenty years.
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MAJ Jim Woods
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Edited >1 y ago
Dad and i 1992
My Dad ........... 28 years active duty. Gave me the option of getting a job and paying rent or joining the service. Decisions Decisions........
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SGT Bryon Sergent
SGT Bryon Sergent
>1 y
Yes! My uncle in Vietnam in the Navy, father in the Army, Aunt in the Army, Step-father in the army.
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MSG Brian Breaker
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SSG Rivers,

I joined because my role model is my father. When I was 12 years old I tried on all his filed gear one day and said I am going to join the Army.
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SSG Sherman Rivers
SSG Sherman Rivers
>1 y
I remember eating C-Rations and thinking it was cool, lol.
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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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Edited >1 y ago
Great question, I recall an experience at a resident school where the instructor paused to ask the audience how many were "legacy" or from a military family, I recall that almost every hand in the audience went up. Very interesting, I'm sure different splits for different crowds, although it did make a point and a strong impression. Definitely got me thinking, and family definitely had an impact on my decision. Again, great question, and I look forward to hearing others answers on this one!
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