Posted on Jul 28, 2017
Were you the first one in your family to join the military? Or do you come from a family where service is common?
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How did you loved ones react to your decision to sign up?
Military Family
Enlisted
Officer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 40
There has been at least one person in every generation of my family (on my mothers side) that has worn the uniform.
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Someone from every generation in my family has fought in every war back to1640.
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I was the first to serve since my grandfathers served in WWII. Everyone was proud of me but my mother was not crazy about the idea because well, she's a mom, and the thought of her favorite child (I have 3 sisters) getting hurt didn't sit well with her. But she'll admit now that it was a good decision.
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SN Vivien Roman-Hampton
I like how you added that favorite child in there. I have a sister so I often add that comment when talking to my parents.
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MAJ (Join to see)
It's a constant theme in our family. Of course it's all in good fun. But not really. I'm the favorite. :)
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My uncles, (4) on my dads side were Vietnam vets. 1 Marine, 2 Airmen, and 1 Army Ranger. My dad was Army. I was Army. You could say it's a family thing haha
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SN Vivien Roman-Hampton Nope Not the First to Serve. Uncle Bob (Robert) and Uncle Bill (WIlliam Eugene) on Dad's Side were in the Navy during WWII. Uncle Fred Wesling on Moms Side was in the Navy Vietnam Era. Dad was in the Marines Between WWII and Korea. Parents weren't thrilled but Dad was Glad I went into the Navy and Not the Marines Like He Did.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SN Vivien Roman-Hampton Even though I wouldn't call us a "Big" Military Family and I'm the Only one from My Generation and I have a lot of Cousins. In the Past there have been several "Notables" from my "Kin", Brig Gen Rufus Dawes, Dr Edward Dawes, Civil War and William Dawes who Rode with Paul Revere on that Famous Night.
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SN Vivien Roman-Hampton
Wow PO1 William "Chip" Nagel that sounds like some amazing history you have there! My grandfather and my uncle both served on my mother's side and my grandfather and grandmother on my father's side.
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SGT Jared Holmes
Not the first. My grandfather served in WWll, his twin brother served as well in WWll. A nother uncle was a paratrooper who jumped in on D-Day. A nother grandfather was in Korea, my Dad was in Vietnam, along we two cousins one of witch was killed in action " was first killed in action of are home town ". My Brother served, my niece, I served in OIF 2007 and a few other cousins. On a family search a family member did uncover that were supposed to be related to general Hancock from the civil war. Doing my own research to see if I can confirm it for myself. Don't want to say we are if not true tell people we might until I see it.
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My family fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, WWII, and Korea. My dad was a jumpmaster with the 82nd Abn, and had two combat jumps in WWII (Sicily and Salerno). He was a Company Cdr at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea with the 31st RCT/Task Force Faith. So, my family didn't blink an eye when I enlisted in the Marines
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My father did ROTC in college, but resigned when his mother became ill. He was the first person to get close to joining the military before me. I still have his OD green boonie cap with his ranger tab on it. But no, I was the first person in my family to serve. My mother didn't want me to either. I had scholarships to go to college and I tossed them aside to enlist. I figured that I had my whole life to go to school and I wouldn't need the scholarships at that point because I would have my GI Bill, but you are only young once and I wanted to do something worth while with my youth.
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My family has a history of service as far back as I know. of my father's side: my dad and one of his two brothers served in the USAF. My youngest uncle came of age During VOLAR. His Dad served in the Pacific in WWII as an Army infantryman. Of my mother's side: her sister's husband was among 5 brothers (all Army, one went to Vietnam as a LRRP). Her father did not serve in WWII, he was a welder churning out liberty ships and escort carriers. One great uncle fought in WWI. I know little of others beyond them.
Of all my "peers" (cousins) I am the only one of 8. My sister did not serve either. So 1 of 9 of this generation.
Of all my "peers" (cousins) I am the only one of 8. My sister did not serve either. So 1 of 9 of this generation.
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