When you were growing up did you have people in your life that influenced your decision to join the military?

SrA Jeff Campbell — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 12:20:49 -0400

I am curious about who were the influences in your personal life that made you want to join the Military. The decision for me to join the USAF was based on 2 things: My Grandfather was a Air force mechanic and worked on the B-52's and P-38's. My DAD was active duty in the Marine Corps and Army reserves. My other 2 brothers served also. One joined the USAF and stayed at the same base for 4 years. My little brother joined the Army and was part of the Honor Guard that has duty assigned to the tomb of the unknown soldier in DC!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 10 at 2014 7:30 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 19:30:26 -0400

My uncles and my grandfather that served in WWII & Korea

Response by CW3 John Wescott made Aug 10 at 2014 7:39 PM

CW3 John Wescott — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 19:39:15 -0400

My Grandfather and Grandma raised me. I looked up too my Grandfather. He was in the Air Force in WW II and retired in the late 1960's from the Pentagon. To me
he embodied everything the military stood for - brotherhood, integrity, family, doing the hard right ....

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Aug 10 at 2014 11:27 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 23:27:04 -0400

Although I had some uncles that served during the time of the Korean conflict (Non-combat), they were not an influence on my decision to join the Marines. Actually, the only influence on my decision to join the Marines was my recruiter. Neither of my parents or grandparents served in the military.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Sep 3 at 2014 9:46 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 09:46:33 -0400

Dad was Marine 52-54 and was in Korea when I was born. Between him and John Wayne I always wanted to be a Marine. Joined on my own in 73. Since then I have a son-in-law, nephew, niece and best friend all join the Corps...(and a grandson named "Gunner").

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 3 at 2014 10:20 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:20:34 -0400

My father was drafted during the Korean war and served in Germany. My brother enlisted in the Marines in the mid 70s. I enlisted in the Army in 1983. While my family supported my decision, I do not feel I was 'influenced' by any of them. As a side note, my son is currently serving in the Army. Not sure if he was influenced my me directly or not, but I am sure he was influenced by growing up as an Army Brat! lol!

Response by Sgt Matthew O'Donnell made Oct 9 at 2014 7:17 AM

Sgt Matthew O'Donnell — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:17:23 -0400

Not to many people supported me when I wanted to join. It wasn't till after I signed all the paper work and waiting to graduate from high school. Most people came around but a lot of them still thought it was a mistake.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 2:04 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:04:23 -0400

I have had direct descendants participate in every declared war or conflict in which the United States fought since the War for Independence. I fought in Viet Nam and a nephew of mine made three trips to Iraq.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 6:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:24:43 -0400

My father is a Korean War Veteran and joining was my plan B, I was neck and neck in running for a full scholarship to Spelman College with a friend from High School. She placed #1 and I placed #3 in a class of 200+ I just thank God that I had a plan B which followed my participation as a JROTC member and SSG Perdue one of the instructors that kept it real about what his military life provide him an opportunity to be somebody.