What part of your life has changed the most since you joined the military?

1SG DeyShuan Shepherd — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:02:07 -0400

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 2:08 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:08:02 -0400

MSG DeyShaun, great question! For my family the part of our lives that has changed the most is being away from our extended family. As most military families have, we've also had to adjust to periods of separation, and extended work hours; although these are the "adjustments" we've made, we feel blessed in every way to serve, in retrospect we wouldn't change a thing, and would absolutely do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 10:08 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:08:25 -0400

STRUCTURE! and I love it.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And being around people (for the most part) who act like they have a purpose on this Earth, whereas many folks on the civilian side are the complete opposite.</div>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 11:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:10:11 -0400

Being a 25P in the Army gave me the skills that led directly to me being hired at my civilian job at CenturyLink. Because I work for CenturyLink and I had the G.I. Bill, I actually made money while I went to college and I don't have any student debt. When I got my degree, I qualified for ARNG OCS and received my commission as a Signal officer. Now, I'm the S6 at a FA BN waiting for the promotion board that will put that coveted "(P)" next to my name. I don't think that's too bad for a kid who swore he would never reenlist.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 16 at 2014 8:38 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:38:24 -0400

My youth.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 8:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:48:52 -0400

My preference for facial hair went totally out the window.

My horizon was broadened by the amount of travel. Before I joined the Military I had been to Canada. Once. I have now visited some of the worlds least hospitable places and received vaccinations for diseases no one has heard of in 600 years.

The best part, and the real reason I joined the military is because it has connected me inextricably to a common thread of service that forged this nation and defended it at great personal cost. No matter what I do with the rest of my life, I stood as part of the rampart when many elected to sit. As such, I have had the blessing of sharing untold hours of misery and toil with some of the best souls on Earth.

Response by SPC Nader Mickail made Apr 18 at 2014 11:33 AM

SPC Nader Mickail — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:33:36 -0400

To be responsible for the things I want to handle and not rely on other people. Also, seeing how people live in Iraq got me to appreciate the simple things, unlike some people who never served and complain about not having the latest smart phone or luxury car.