If your son or daughter, who is serving, asks your opinion about volunteering to go into harms way, what would tell them?

SSgt David Norcutt — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:34:44 -0400

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 11 at 2015 4:51 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:51:12 -0400

I think it is something they need to be committed to and have researched thoroughly to make sure it is the right decision for them and they are doing it for the right reasons. I would suppoort their decision either way. By the way I've had to already do that with two daughters.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 11 at 2015 4:59 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:59:20 -0400

As a father of three, I totally understand why my mother cried when the recruiter came to the door for parental consent. My father told her, "Go ahead and sign it, dear. You're only delaying the inevitable." My parents gave me something that I hope to pass along to my kids: Total Love & Support.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 5:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 17:56:19 -0400

Been there done that with my step-son. He was a SrA at the time when we were together in Afghanistan. He's a loadmaster(1A2X1) and had his C-130J peppered a few times from ground fire.

Obviously for security reasons, he couldn't tell me exactly where and when his mission were but did let me know he was safe where ever he was. He's a SSgt now, raising a wonderful family overseas.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 7:51 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 19:51:50 -0400

My opinion would be that they have to do what is right in their mind. Don't do something because you think that is what I would do. Do it for yourself what eve,r your motivations are. What ever decision you make I will support you. But in the end you (wife and children if your married) only have to answer to yourself.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Sep 29 at 2020 5:21 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:21:21 -0400

I would thank them and offer to support them in any way they need.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:25 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:25:23 -0400

Have them see the bigger picture. Sit them down and talk about your personal experience and what you think. And if they decide to go with it, no doubt you are there to support.