What is your favorite memory with/of your mother or mother figure? How did they react to you joining the military?

SSG Ronald Williams — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:48:06 -0400

In honor of Mothers Day. Let's remember them.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 7 at 2015 11:50 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:50:44 -0400

Her smile. She cried when I joined ... but she was very proud of me.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 7 at 2015 11:51 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:51:06 -0400

How's she sacrificed for us

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:58 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:58:33 -0400

My mom chased me around to beat my ass. She was hurt that I made the decision without her consent. She was scared. When the recruiter arrived she took it better, and she's forever proud. My nephew recently joined and she took that so much better.

My mom is a kid at heart and very adaptive. We continue to make humorous memories and I can only expect some of her shenanigans this Sunday.

My most memorable moment with my mother was the day I got into some serious trouble when I was a teenager. She gave me the tough love strategy and I had to face the consequences on my own. Hands down the most memorable moment. At that moment I realized what a little shit I've become and devoted myself to changing my ways for the better. Single mother raising a demon spawn. I adore her for all her relentlessness support.

Picture- Mom to the left. Sister on the right. Rocky above lol

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 7 at 2015 12:02 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:02:18 -0400

My parents were not in favor of me enlisting. My paternal grandfather fought for the British Army at Gallipoli, Turkey and in the trenches of France and Belgium. My family lost several members in the V bombings of London and my mother especially was against the Vietnam War.
When I enlisted in 1974, I had shoulder length hair and weighed about 150 lbs. Basic at Fort Leonard Wood included thousands of pushups and other physical training. When I went home for Christmas in 1974 with close cropped hair weighing 180 pounds or so, my family looked past me as I walked up near them. My physical appearance and bearing had changed.
My parents, especially my mother who was beginning to have Alzheimer's, didn't embrace my military service and career until I graduated from USMA, West Point. Then they expressed pride in me even though they were still generally against war fight .

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:15:31 -0400

She was the only one who could come to my graduation, so the road trip back to PA is a really great memory. And it kinda go without saying, she was very proud of me.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made May 7 at 2015 12:25 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:25:12 -0400

My parents were not in favor of me joining the military - even though my Dad is a Korean War veteran. That was a long time ago - today, they couldn't be prouder of my service and I know they think very differently now! :-)

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 7 at 2015 12:42 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:42:28 -0400

I joined the National Guard in 1990. It helped pay for college. I quit college my Senior year. I joined active duty. My Mom was understanding and knew service to my country was a forgone conclusion, 22 years and going strong. I promised her I would get my degree and kept said promise in 2009. I am the first person to graduate college in my family and I am currently pursuing additional education.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 7 at 2015 1:11 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:11:36 -0400

Remembering when I was in grade school and was sick how she would hold me tight and make sure my temperature was coming, always there for us kids. Now that she has been gone 3 years this past December, she is missed not only by me but by many people she touched.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 7 at 2015 2:49 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:49:35 -0400

I went to a military school and then almost immediately into the Air Force. I think it was all a plot by my parents. I was led to believe it was to protect me from outside influences (I was raised in the '60's - '70's). In the end I think the parents were proud. I know I was having survived the school and the Air Force.

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made May 7 at 2015 9:12 PM

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:12:30 -0400

Mom's been gone since 2000. I miss her badly. I remember her smile. She was very worried when I joined. But she supported all of my decisions. I miss you mom, Happy Mothers Day wherever you are!