Who Influenced You To Take The Oath And Join The Military? - Login & Share to Win!

2021-08-06T09:14:22-04:00

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Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 6 at 2021 9:18 AM

2021-08-06T09:18:15-04:00

RallyPoint News dear mother, back in 1989.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 6 at 2021 9:21 AM

2021-08-06T09:21:02-04:00

My two WWI.I veteran uncles RallyPoint News

Response by CPL Ryan Thibault made Aug 6 at 2021 5:34 PM

2021-08-06T17:34:06-04:00

I joined the Army when I did for a couple of reasons. I had recently dropped out of college and was in my mid twenties living back at my parents house

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Aug 6 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-08-06T18:34:12-04:00

Nobody encouraged me to sign up. I wanted to get away from home as early as I could (bad environment) and the military was the ticket when I was seventeen. With the stoke of the pen my mother gave me my freedom. I left home and never went back, not even on leave. The Marines was my only choice, never even considered any other branch.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 6 at 2021 6:47 PM

2021-08-06T18:47:49-04:00

Who influenced me? Well not a person- The future. Why exactly- I wanted one.

Response by PO3 Charles Streich made Aug 9 at 2021 5:35 PM

2021-08-09T17:35:02-04:00

The Draft Board was burned and my School Deferment was cancelled in 1969.

Response by SGT Fred Flick made Aug 9 at 2021 5:36 PM

2021-08-09T17:36:57-04:00

My brother

Response by LT William Johnson made Aug 9 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-08-09T17:37:31-04:00

My father influenced my decision to join the Navy.

Response by MAJ Chuck Waryk made Aug 9 at 2021 5:38 PM

2021-08-09T17:38:36-04:00

I was ten; Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. An AF Recruiter at the county fair patiently explained when I asked: "How do I get to be an astronaut?" Need to be a s***hot test pilot. "How do I do that?" Need to be a s***hot fighter pilot. "How do I do that?" Need to become a USAF pilot. "How do I do that?" You need to graduate from the USAF Academy. "How do I do that?" .... I graduated from USAFA in 1981 but medical issues prevented any flight status.

Response by PO2 Thomas Wolf made Aug 9 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-08-09T17:46:26-04:00

My grand father who was badly wounded but survived and made it home from Germany,God rest his sole

Response by PFC Jack Evans made Aug 9 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-08-09T17:46:55-04:00

Texas A&M Corp of Cadets and my Draft Board.
Best two years ever. I grew up a little, had great experiences, and got GI Bill Education benefits that paid for a Masters and Doctorial Degree. I ended up as a University Prof. I personally believe that EVERYONE (male and female) Would benefit greatly by having a military experience before entering college.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Aug 9 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-08-09T17:48:47-04:00

Hard to say ... my Dad and several maternal uncles were all WW2 Veterans. When I was rather young, I had a profound respect for police. A few years before the Cuban Missle Crisis, on a Federal Holiday (don't remember which ... probably Independence Day), the Army set up a Nike Missle display and various military vehicles. Between miltiary and cops, it seemed a natural path to seek some sort of uniformed service and that actually started with the Boy Scouts of America with role models like Lord Baden Powell, etc.

Response by SFC Domingo M. made Aug 9 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-09T17:49:44-04:00

It was the Draft Board on 16 September 1969 in a letter.

Response by LT Mikkel Moller made Aug 9 at 2021 5:50 PM

2021-08-09T17:50:13-04:00

My High School Guidance Counselor

Response by SFC Gerald Paulino made Aug 9 at 2021 5:52 PM

2021-08-09T17:52:58-04:00

High School ROTC

Response by MSgt John Parsons made Aug 9 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-08-09T17:56:53-04:00

My father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather served when our country called. Men in my family have served in every conflict our Country has had going back to the war of 1812. How could I not serve when my Country called? 22 years in the Corps and proud of it.

Response by SGT Anna Tyler made Aug 9 at 2021 5:57 PM

2021-08-09T17:57:30-04:00

The military. Wasn’t ready to go to college after high school. About 6 months before I graduated I received some info in the mail about joining the Army. Signed up for delayed entry in February, graduated in June and at basic training in August.

Response by SP5 Wayne Ray made Aug 9 at 2021 5:57 PM

2021-08-09T17:57:42-04:00

my father and uncle was in the army during korean war

Response by PO2 Tom Sage made Aug 9 at 2021 5:59 PM

2021-08-09T17:59:25-04:00

My cousin who was about 10 yrs older who had served on a destroyer in WW2.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Aug 9 at 2021 6:03 PM

2021-08-09T18:03:53-04:00

My brother, he got a four day pass and a couple hundred dollars

Response by MSG Dennis Duggins made Aug 9 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-08-09T18:04:22-04:00

My father set the example by enlisting during WWII. I was proud of him and followed his lead during VietNam.

Response by SSG Charles Hubbard made Aug 9 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-08-09T18:05:30-04:00

I grew up in a military family

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 9 at 2021 6:06 PM

2021-08-09T18:06:18-04:00

My Uncle Danny USMC wounded on Iwo Jima. He always told me that 50 years later he could still smell the place.

Response by SGT Beverly Tift made Aug 9 at 2021 6:10 PM

2021-08-09T18:10:35-04:00

Me, myself and I. I was a displaced homemaker, I was unable to find a job of any kind. Then I saw an ad in the newspaper, if you are between the ages of 17-35 come see us. Hum, one weekend a month, two weeks annual Training, that seemed better than no job at all. I joined the Indiana National Guard, I was 34. After AIT I moved to Connecticut ARNG and few months later I was Active Guard Reserve.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Aug 9 at 2021 6:11 PM

2021-08-09T18:11:02-04:00

A former boss and his wife while I was still in high school working in the summer. They suggested I go have a chat with him andf that was all she wrote. The day after my 18th birthday I was in basic training. Never even bothered to register for the draft. My late mother had fun with that point but that's for another time.

Response by CSM Clifton Obrien made Aug 9 at 2021 6:12 PM

2021-08-09T18:12:16-04:00

My father enlisted me at the age of 17 because I had let’s say…a lot of energy. He was a WWII vet and it was the best thing he ever did for me!

Response by SPC Daniel Berliner made Aug 9 at 2021 6:18 PM

2021-08-09T18:18:12-04:00

It was a personal decision for me I wanted to change where my life was heading and decided that the Army was for me and it definitely made an enormous difference in my maturity growth. I made a lot of friends while serving but unfortunately did not keep in touch but have many wonderful memories.

Response by PO2 Jeffery Jones made Aug 9 at 2021 6:19 PM

2021-08-09T18:19:14-04:00

My grandfather’s WWII Naval service, and my youth along the shores of Lake Huron.

Response by SPC Russell Ghaner made Aug 9 at 2021 6:29 PM

2021-08-09T18:29:31-04:00

The Vietnam war

Response by PO2 Wayne Faris made Aug 9 at 2021 6:31 PM

2021-08-09T18:31:11-04:00

I was influenced by a high school buddy who had just been accepted into the Air Force Academy. I joined a reserve officer candidate program in the Naval Air Reserve because I, too, wanted to fly.

Response by SPC Tim Phillips made Aug 9 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-09T18:33:59-04:00

Everyone in my family before me had served. Starting with the civil war on up. It was just a family tradition.

Response by SSgt Ron Breier made Aug 9 at 2021 6:35 PM

2021-08-09T18:35:10-04:00

My family's teaching me of Patriotism and love of country.

Response by PFC Kimberly LaVoie made Aug 9 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-08-09T18:41:56-04:00

The district court Judge....1969

Response by PO2 David West made Aug 9 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-09T18:43:10-04:00

My grandfather and my father.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-09T18:43:23-04:00

My dear late father, who also proudly served in the US Army.

Response by SSG Mark Lawless made Aug 9 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-08-09T18:45:19-04:00

My father did. Said it would build character. Then I reenlisted and tried for years to get me out of the Army.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Aug 9 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-08-09T18:54:45-04:00

John Wayne, when I was five years old. My second reason was an article in Reader's Digest in 1963 about a Catholic Priest who brought 200 people into South Vietnam to escape the evil little people (MY mindset) in North Vietnam. Because I was born deaf, I had to sneak past the physical to join the Marines. I wanted to go to Vietnam and fight for the freedom of all people.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Aug 9 at 2021 6:56 PM

2021-08-09T18:56:37-04:00

This may sound a little cheesy.
1. I come from a long line of line of military members back to before WWI.
2. Having grown up in San Diego Cailf. In the late sixties and early seventy's .
I was about eight years old living in Navy / Marine Corps housing.
When i saw for the first the two dress uniforms getting out of there staff car.
One being a Chaplin ,and then one staff officer. Every one knew what that meant.
I have seen this more times then I can remember.
That is why I Took my first oath of enlistment at the beginning of my senior year.

Response by Lt Col Jim Stark made Aug 9 at 2021 6:56 PM

2021-08-09T18:56:48-04:00

My local draft board!

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 9 at 2021 7:00 PM

2021-08-09T19:00:33-04:00

Nobody influenced me to join the Army. I was involved in the NJROTC program when I was in highschool. I enlisted in the Army roughly 7 months before graduating highschool.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Aug 9 at 2021 7:03 PM

2021-08-09T19:03:15-04:00

My "Uncle". That would be Uncle Sam, as I was drafted in 1966. My brother-in-law forbade me to join the Marines, as he was a Korean War vet and wounded many times. I did take the "Oath" on my own to become Regular Army and have the opportunity to pick one of several schools. The primary one being OCS, so I took an additional Oath of Office to become an officer. Best thing I ever did. Wanted to show my Dad that I could "be more than he ever expected from me".

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Aug 9 at 2021 7:09 PM

2021-08-09T19:09:15-04:00

As an immigrant, I, myself, decided to join the usarmy to become a complete citizen, just as others did before me, where i came from and where i am now . and i dont regret an instant of it and i am forever grateful for what the country gave me .

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made Aug 9 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-08-09T19:11:34-04:00

I was attending a local college at the time, but was tiring of being in my hometown, feeling that I wanted to get out and explore other places. Fortunately, a Marine recruiter happened to be around, who offered me another alternative to my query for traveling. As I walked into the recruiting station, an Army recruiter picked me up and gave me a great deal to enlist. I had taken him up on it, and did just that, to no regret, as of this day. I wish I could remember who that Marine was.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Aug 9 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-08-09T19:12:12-04:00

I was 19 & newly married when I received my reclassified notice. I tried to enlist in the Marines but they we not taking recruits with wives at that time. So I voluntered to enlist in the USAF. Spent over 22 yrs - E-1 to E-5 & O-1 to O-4.

Response by PO1 David Shepardson made Aug 9 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-08-09T19:13:10-04:00

I was a teenager working on a family farm and reaizied small farms were on their way out, so I made the decision to join the U. S. Navy in 1956. And never regretted it, not one damn bit!

Response by A1C Michelle Pagan made Aug 9 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-09T19:14:19-04:00

No one. It was my decision alone.

Response by Sgt Tony Anderson made Aug 9 at 2021 7:15 PM

2021-08-09T19:15:51-04:00

Tons of family, etc that I grew up with. Dad flew a B25 in WWII, Brother was a radar operator in Nam, Godfather, retired Navy from Korea through Nam. Numerous Boy Scout leaders who were WWII and Korea vets. In addition, my dad spent his post war career in military aircraft engineering.
It was very much a natural thing for me to serve.

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Aug 9 at 2021 7:21 PM

2021-08-09T19:21:36-04:00

Both of my parents served during WWII mother USMC father USNavy and the stories they told about friend ship was a big part.

Response by PO1 BrendaLee Lennick made Aug 9 at 2021 7:36 PM

2021-08-09T19:36:52-04:00

Had no desire to go to college, jobs were hard to come by and I wanted to get out of my home state so I joined. Didn't realize I'd make a 22 year career out of it!

Response by SSgt George Wadsworth made Aug 9 at 2021 7:39 PM

2021-08-09T19:39:31-04:00

I had a Drafting Teacher in High School, Mr. Cosgrove, who had retired from the USAF as an aircraft load-master. I built models of military aircraft since I was a kid and listening to my teacher's Air Force career stories was the clincher for me.
I signed up under the delayed enlistment program, because I was 16 years old at the time, needed a GED and be 17 years old to be guaranteed a job as an aircraft mechanic.
I was the only kid in school with a GED, and still attended classes in my Junior year until my entry date in May.
I liked that! To me it was a different form of patriotism.

Response by SSgt Steve Thrower made Aug 9 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-08-09T19:43:13-04:00

Coming from a family of folks that had and were serving thier country it was in my blood to serve.
MY God, MY Family, and MY Country was what it is about.
I am proud of every minute I served and will do it again if called.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Aug 9 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-08-09T19:43:26-04:00

I looked around at the town I grew up in and saw it was a dead end. I worked with WW II vet who told me a couple stories about England during the war. There was no way I was staying there and the Marine Corps gave me a chance to do what I wanted to do: helicopter maintenance.

Response by PO2 Phillip Scott made Aug 9 at 2021 7:45 PM

2021-08-09T19:45:58-04:00

My father a 26 yr career Air Force officer

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Aug 9 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-08-09T19:52:53-04:00

I did. I always wanted to be a Green Beret.

Response by MAJ Alan Reiter made Aug 9 at 2021 8:06 PM

2021-08-09T20:06:19-04:00

My Dad, who was a WWll veteran.

Response by Sgt Tim Greenwalt made Aug 9 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-09T20:16:19-04:00

I decided on my own

Response by SFC Norman Graves made Aug 9 at 2021 8:52 PM

2021-08-09T20:52:19-04:00

older brother. I knew from age6-7

Response by LCpl Bobby Spatafore made Aug 9 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-08-09T20:57:14-04:00

Needed a better life.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Aug 9 at 2021 9:12 PM

2021-08-09T21:12:44-04:00

A friend on our HS football team, he went in before I did....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2021 9:28 PM

2021-08-09T21:28:43-04:00

My PO1 Dad, US Navy Retired

Response by SFC Pamela Williams made Aug 9 at 2021 9:28 PM

2021-08-09T21:28:59-04:00

Family of military to include females serving from Korean War to Gulf War to SWA.
They all did,

Response by PO1 Brian Vick made Aug 9 at 2021 10:02 PM

2021-08-09T22:02:45-04:00

Family history of military service.

Response by MCPO Robert McCombs made Aug 9 at 2021 10:04 PM

2021-08-09T22:04:11-04:00

Nobody. I had given a friend a ride to the recruiting station and while waiting for him a recruiter showed me information about the Navy's nuclear program. The rest is histoty.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 9 at 2021 10:29 PM

2021-08-09T22:29:43-04:00

My best friend and I joined up together.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Aug 9 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-08-09T22:34:56-04:00

My father served in the Army in WWII, and also my uncle was second wave on Omaha beach

Response by TSgt Carl Johnson made Aug 9 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-08-09T22:58:13-04:00

RallyPoint News I was influenced by a family history of military service, including my father, who was in the Air Force, and a neighbor who was a WWII veteran who retired as a warrant officer from the Marine Corps Reserves.

Response by SPC Marvin Loachridge made Aug 9 at 2021 11:01 PM

2021-08-09T23:01:57-04:00

I wanted a job and the experince,I got both and then some

Response by CMSgt Ron Meade made Aug 9 at 2021 11:10 PM

2021-08-09T23:10:54-04:00

My Korea War Era uncle, and his oldest son (my cousin.) In 1977, the cousin came back for a family reunion wearing his "Zumwalt Era" Navy Blues. The girl cousins, and a friend of theirs (whom I fell in love with), all swooned over him. After taking the ASVAB my Senior year of high school, and being hoodwinked by the Navy Recruiter about the pros of Nuclear Power Training, I enlisted for six years (Delayed Entry Program) and entered basic in San Diego RTC, October of 1978. 9 years 3 months later, I separated and joined the Missouri Army National Guard. 7 years later, I entered the Air Force Reserve, where I remained until my retirement in 2011. 33 years of active and reserve time combined. Loved my uncle, he showed me the value of squaring off my dixie cup, and of using a roll of dimes to roll up the kerchief of my Cracker Jack uniform (served as an emergency fund for the phone if you were lost, back when we had pay phones), and as a last ditch weapon, similar to a bolo. His boy, heh, not so much. :)

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Aug 9 at 2021 11:35 PM

2021-08-09T23:35:56-04:00

My veteran parents, & a number of my veteran teachers, & neighbors influenced my decision. So did history lessons about how our nation came to be, so our Founders as well.

Response by SGT Robert Eddy made Aug 9 at 2021 11:45 PM

2021-08-09T23:45:27-04:00

President Johnson sent his "Greetings".

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2021 11:52 PM

2021-08-09T23:52:54-04:00

My brothers played an influence on me joining as an Officer. Both were enlisted.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 10 at 2021 12:01 AM

2021-08-10T00:01:29-04:00

My dad. WWII USN Diver and a patriot. I never thought of NOT serving.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Aug 10 at 2021 12:35 AM

2021-08-10T00:35:29-04:00

One of my relatives.Uncle Sam contacted me in 1966.Really persuasive old man.

Response by SPC Daniel Kennedy made Aug 10 at 2021 3:04 AM

2021-08-10T03:04:41-04:00

5 uncles in ww2,and John Kennedy who ask not what your country can do for you.rather what can you do for your country.nuff said.

Response by PFC Edward Mayer made Aug 10 at 2021 3:09 AM

2021-08-10T03:09:07-04:00

nobody

Response by PFC Edward Mayer made Aug 10 at 2021 3:09 AM

2021-08-10T03:09:36-04:00

nobody

Response by A1C Michelle Pagan made Aug 10 at 2021 4:15 AM

2021-08-10T04:15:50-04:00

Ends Aug 31, 2021. Good luck everyone!

Response by SFC Robert Falco made Aug 10 at 2021 5:34 AM

2021-08-10T05:34:08-04:00

My Grandfather, a WWII veteran and an old history teacher from high school, Mr. Dougherty.

Response by MSgt Bill Shields made Aug 10 at 2021 6:06 AM

2021-08-10T06:06:32-04:00

Lack of jobs in my hometown.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Aug 10 at 2021 7:42 AM

2021-08-10T07:42:35-04:00

No one singular person. My grandfather was a Marine in WWII. Being a Patriot meant being proud of your country and pride in our flag. Always watched the old black n white war movies. Patton by far was influential to me for wanting to be a tanker. I worked for a good man who was a tanker in the 2nd Armor Division in WWII. Then started digging into family history and found my direct blood line of many proud Americans doing their part. My great, g, g, grandfather KIA at the siege of Port Hudson, LA serving in the 21st Maine, Civil War. With further digging found many distant relatives found in the Union Army and have died wearing that uniform. Then continuing with straight line to the War of 1812, the Revolutionary War, and the Colony-Indian war against Wampanoag Chief Metacom.

So the long version. My dad tried to sway me to join the Navy, dry bed to sleep in, hot meals and so on. But I had my mind made up. I was going to be a US Army tanker. And I enjoyed it so much I stayed for 27 yrs. :)

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Aug 10 at 2021 7:58 AM

2021-08-10T07:58:39-04:00

I came from a Military family, so I know I was always going to go in the Military, I come from a Navy family, But I decided to go in the Army, because I was always my own person and did what I always do. I did it my way.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Aug 10 at 2021 7:58 AM

2021-08-10T07:58:57-04:00

When I was 17 I was in an accident and broke my neck and back thus spending my senior year in high school with a brace on my neck. In 1969 with a draft number of 63 I reported as ordered and was told that I passed my physical. I went home and seek out the army requiter to have a choice and to CYA. I had 3 choices. I could got to jail, I could go to Canada, I could do my duty and work to save lives. I chose to work to save lives in Vietnam.

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Aug 10 at 2021 8:02 AM

2021-08-10T08:02:47-04:00

I came from a Military family, so I always knew I would join the Military. But my family has always been a Navy family, but being the black sheep of the family, I did what I always have done. I went in the Military on my terms and Joined the United States Army. The best 24 years of my life.

Response by SP5 Michael Barczykowski made Aug 10 at 2021 8:46 AM

2021-08-10T08:46:47-04:00

My father did. He served under Patton and received 6 bronze stars and a few other medals.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 10 at 2021 9:17 AM

2021-08-10T09:17:56-04:00

My Father was my biggest influence. He was a WWII VET. Not the only vet or service member in the family however like normal i talked with him more than many of the rest of the family.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 10:00 AM

2021-08-10T10:00:48-04:00

Lots of war movies and my dad was in WWII.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 10 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-08-10T11:37:52-04:00

My best friend and buddy encouraged me to sign up with him.

Response by COL John Hudson made Aug 10 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-08-10T12:39:28-04:00

At 19 years of age in North Dakota, I didn't have one brain cell in my head as to what my future would be. I had a twice daily paper route (03:00am~4:00pm), mowed yards and hauled hay for local farmers. A required meeting with a high school counselor was rudely interrupted by another student who cut line and ran in ahead of me. Glancing at a military recruitment stand to my left, I spotted a card sticking partially out of the pocket, "Are you a high school graduate?" Yep, that's me. Pulling the card out to study it, I was astounded by, "An exciting new opportunity to fly for our U.S. Army - Be a Helicopter Pilot" or words to effect!! I ran straight home, found my mother washing dishes, and proudly proclaimed I was going to join the Army and be a pilot! Her response? "You're insane!" Dad told me I didn't "have" to leave home yet. Oh, you couldn't stop me! I drove to Fargo, North Dakota and enlisted within days. PFC / E4 / E5 / E7 / WO1 / CW2 / 1LT / CPT / MAJ / LTC / COL - what a 30 year adventure!! ALL DUE TO ONE LITTLE LEAFLET STICKING UP OUT OF A RECRUITMENT POCKET!!!!

Response by MSG Bobby Dean made Aug 10 at 2021 4:12 PM

2021-08-10T16:12:53-04:00

My future was at stake. Needed money for colege and working in a restaurant was getting me any closer to that goal. Joined the Army to get ahead in life. Worked out just fine. Spent 34yrs 7 months and 12 days in with Active duty, GaNG, and Army reserve time with one deployment.

Response by SFC Bobby Potter made Aug 10 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-08-10T16:15:41-04:00

If you would have asked me 40 years ago, I wouldn't really know. Now, I do know. I joined up to get on a better path in life, rather than stay in the run down town I grew up in. Simple as that. I hated what my boring home town offered, and took leave of it. Thank God/Jesus I did.

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Aug 10 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-08-10T16:15:47-04:00

My Uncle, he was a Marine.

Response by PV2 Keith Young made Aug 10 at 2021 4:16 PM

2021-08-10T16:16:30-04:00

My dad, who was a colonel in the Army, active duty

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 10 at 2021 4:17 PM

2021-08-10T16:17:00-04:00

Myself, and amalgamation of the military biographies I read as a kid.

Response by SPC James Nokes made Aug 10 at 2021 4:17 PM

2021-08-10T16:17:18-04:00

He never knew it, but my late grandfathers, one was a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during WWII, the other was everyone else's Uncle Milty.
I never told either of them they had a hand in that decision on my part.

Response by SGT Kevin Kearns made Aug 10 at 2021 4:17 PM

2021-08-10T16:17:59-04:00

A high school buddy

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Aug 10 at 2021 4:18 PM

2021-08-10T16:18:49-04:00

Almost every male member of my family was in the military. It was a way to go because jobs were scarce, and no way to go to college. Matter of fact, I didn’t want to go to college until later. I traveled and saw so many countries in such a short time, you’d have to have Soros money to do the travel I did.

Response by Capt Bill Chada made Aug 10 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-10T16:22:02-04:00

My Dad. At the time, he was a three-war veteran and a MSgt in the USAF.

Response by CW3 Billy W. Teague made Aug 10 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-10T16:22:39-04:00

My dad and I were in an argument about my grades. I ask him to sign the paperwork and I would meet out oof his hair and get my own mfzuture. We later became best friends . I retired as q CW3 Physician Assistant.

Response by SSG Scott Kelley made Aug 10 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-10T16:22:45-04:00

I was the first person in my family to join the military in 30 years. That person had passed, so I was my own main influence. Best decision!

Response by SSgt Tina GAllagher made Aug 10 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-10T16:22:46-04:00

Myself. My Grandfather and Great Uncle both served in WWII. My family served back as far as the Spanish-American War. I felt it was my turn and my duty. To this day, I'm the only woman in my family to wear the uniform. I have no regrets.

Response by SGT Barbara Wilt made Aug 10 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-10T16:22:53-04:00

Broken heart the man I was to marry decided we no longer were compatible.

Response by SPC Jordan Brown made Aug 10 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-10T16:24:01-04:00

It was basically myself.
Nobody really convinced me to join, it’s was something I always wanted to do and when I met the requirements decided to take the plunge.

Response by SSgt Clare May made Aug 10 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-10T16:24:11-04:00

A lot of little things done by a lot of people at different times pre-May 1978. A solid job. A sound career. John Sawyer, B. 08/02/1895 D. 08/10/1974 was one. Doug Hall a history teacher was another. My Great Uncle Kenneth May, SSgt. USAAC, KIA 03/06/1944 in a B17 with the entire crew, One older brother (USN tho...), another brother both USMC and USA B. 05/26/1952- D. 12/13/2018, the conflict of Vietnam on the news everyday when I was a kid... and the disgust I had for the unpatriotic protesters that Walter Cronkite and others put out every day on the television, all 3 of them CBS, NBC and ABC.

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made Aug 10 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-10T16:24:44-04:00

My Grandpa Dean. WW1 & WW2 vet. He was and will forever be my Hero. And glad he doesn't have to see what our country has become after what he and his generation endured to protect it.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Aug 10 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-10T16:27:28-04:00

My scholarship money had run out and I was 10 credit hours short of my degree in Civil Engineering. I did not want to spend the rest of my life working overseas on construction projects in remote areas. I had scored very well on my military aptitude battery and knew I would get interesting work in the Army. And, my family on both sides had served in the military for several generations.

Response by SFC Garry Kolberg made Aug 10 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-10T16:27:54-04:00

To be truthful, it was my letter from Uncle Sam saying "Greetings". Went downtown to the Army Recruiter and 3 mos later was on the way to Basic Training.

Response by MAJ Ward Odom made Aug 10 at 2021 4:29 PM

2021-08-10T16:29:23-04:00

My draft board.

Response by SP5 Bill Merritt made Aug 10 at 2021 4:29 PM

2021-08-10T16:29:58-04:00

It was my draft board. I wanted to have some choice in what I did, so I enlisted before they got me.

Response by CW3 Jim Mannion Jr. made Aug 10 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-08-10T16:30:01-04:00

An old police show from the 70's.
I was watching with my dad and was mesmerized by a police chopper chasing bad guys.
It then crashed behind a building after being shot at by the bad guys.
I looked at my dad and said "I want to do that"
He said what shoot down helicopters? I said no fly them.

So I did...Army Aviation
Above the Best!!!

Response by COL Paul Sutherland made Aug 10 at 2021 4:41 PM

2021-08-10T16:41:50-04:00

I was of the Vietnam Era. Had student deferment for college and Berry plan for medical school. After finishing residency and family started wife agreed to my joining. Oath was 1 Feb 1991. Recruiter had the TV on in the office, he ask if I really wanted to proceed. I took the oath.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Aug 10 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-08-10T16:42:23-04:00

I was born in 1947, and I am truly a Baby boomer. My father was a WWII Navy gunners-Mate. He told many a sea story, and I was determined to join the Navy as soon as I was of age. I grew up watching the old WWII shows on an old TV, in particular was "Victory at sea" series. I was an E-1 at entry to the Navy and went all the way to Chief Petty officer (E-7). While I was a CPO, I was selected for Chief Warrant officer CWO-2. And continued my service as a fully commissioned officer. I eventually was promoted to CWO-3. I served several years as a CWO-3, and decided to retire after 23 years of service, 14 of those years was sea duty which included the Vietnam war. My father lived long enough to be at my retirement from the Navy. As I was being pipped over the side by the side boys, I looked back at my father... It was the first time I ever saw him cry. That is why I proudly took the Oath to join the Military.

Response by Capt Darrell Marin made Aug 10 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-08-10T16:46:33-04:00

My 4 older brothers served in the military and I knew someday it would be my turn. I joined shortly after high school graduation.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Aug 10 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-08-10T16:50:58-04:00

It is not a who but an event: the Vietnam War!

Response by SFC Richard OConnor made Aug 10 at 2021 4:51 PM

2021-08-10T16:51:59-04:00

I decided on my own after a conversation with my recently widowed mother

Response by SGT Cindi McIlvenna made Aug 10 at 2021 4:53 PM

2021-08-10T16:53:09-04:00

My aunt who was an Army LTC. She administered my oath of enlistment & subsequent re-enlistment. Enlisting was one of the best things I ever did

Response by COL Bill Gross made Aug 10 at 2021 4:54 PM

2021-08-10T16:54:15-04:00

It was in Sept of 1964, the Bear was sitting fat, dumb and happy in Eastern Europe, the VC/NVA were trying to take over South Vietnam. I was influenced by those who had served in WWII and Korea. There as a job to do.

Response by Maj Richard ("Dick") Cole made Aug 10 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-10T17:07:27-04:00

I had a couple of uncles who were active duty Air Force when I was a kid. (One retired as a CMSgt and the other left active duty and retired from the Reserves as a MSgt.) Both of them had a tremendous influence on me when I was a young man.

During WWII, my dad had served in the Army Air Corps as a flight instrument repairman and aircraft electrician working on B-24 Liberators. After the war, my dad took flying lessons and became a private pilot. So, I spent a lot of time around airplanes and knew that someday I wanted to fly as a profession.

When I was 10 years old, my father took me to the theater to see the film "A Gathering of Eagles." The film starred Rock Hudson and Rod Taylor. It was about a newly assigned SAC wing commander who was trying to get his Aerospace Wing with Titan I missiles, B-52Gs, and KC-135s off its back and ready to pass a no-notice operational readiness inspection (ORI). As soon as I saw that film and, especially the B-52Gs, I knew I was meant to serve in the Air Force!

When I became 13, I joined my local Civil Air Patrol squadron. I went through four years of the Cadet program, attended two summer encampments at Wright-Patterson AFB, and several other CAP special activities. Once I passed the requirements for my Gen. Billy Mitchell Award and became a Cadet Officer, I was eligible to enter Air Force basic training with a stripe (E-2). After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Air Force and entered Basic Training in September 1970. Because I was the only Airman with a stripe in my flight, I soon became the Dorm Chief.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Aug 10 at 2021 5:15 PM

2021-08-10T17:15:14-04:00

My brother was in or should I say drafted
I sort of followed a little in his foot steps
I also saw a opportunity
37 1/2 years later I retired
1976 to 2013 Still Miss It

Response by A1C Debbie Villeneuve made Aug 10 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-10T17:18:05-04:00

I come from a long line military within my family since anyone can remember. We’ve been in every branch of service. Seemed very natural to serve and follow my ancestors footsteps. They paved the way and it was a true pleasure to follow them. I love my country as they did.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Aug 10 at 2021 5:25 PM

2021-08-10T17:25:59-04:00

My Grandfather served in France during WWI as a supply truck/ambulance driver. My Father served in the Army Air Corps during WWII rebuilding engines and superchargers. My main influence though was my Uncle who served in Korea from 1951 to 1953 as a combat engineer. I joined the Army in 1969 to follow his footsteps in the engineers, but "because my test scores were so high" I was somewhat persuaded to go into the Army Security Agency (ASA) - a top secret radio intelligence component of the Army. Although my job was in radio direction finding, in Vietnam detachments needed to be set up and supplied all around the country for increased success in radio transmission triangulation efforts. Whereas I had some kind of automotive background and interest, I was assigned to run convoys to those sites (hence my logo shown above). I'd like to think my automotive and military influence came directly from my Grandfather, Dad, and Uncle all combined!

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Aug 10 at 2021 5:29 PM

2021-08-10T17:29:21-04:00

My Navy and Coast Guard Uncles

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 5:30 PM

2021-08-10T17:30:06-04:00

Draft Board #33 Catonsville, MD. Made infamous by protestors Daniel and Phillip Berrigan who broke in the Spring of 1968 and poured blood on the records. I was in OCS by then, so moot.

Response by SFC Vanessa Thomas made Aug 10 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-08-10T17:31:01-04:00

My ROTC instructor

Response by SPC Bill Howell made Aug 10 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-08-10T17:39:31-04:00

The draft was on it's way.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-08-10T17:39:57-04:00

My Dad and all of my uncles were all WWII veterans.

Response by SFC Richard Hart made Aug 10 at 2021 5:40 PM

2021-08-10T17:40:22-04:00

If I had to say it was anyone it would be my father. It’s not that he was pro military he was a deserter and hated anything military. He among others told me that I would never make it in the military. He was right I only lasted 24 years when I was medically retired. Other than a few bad officers and one E-7. I liked everyone met. My dad blamed me until the day he died for influencing my 5 nephews to join the military. 1 retired AF, 2 are close to retiring from the Navy and 2 enlisted in the Army.

Response by Capt Claudia Valentine made Aug 10 at 2021 5:43 PM

2021-08-10T17:43:11-04:00

My WW11 vet father and uncles along with JFK.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-08-10T17:44:45-04:00

John Wayne.

Response by SGT Lance LeBerte made Aug 10 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-08-10T17:45:11-04:00

partially my Father, but mostly my Grandmother, she told me the importance of standing for your beliefs, defending your flag and way of life, she was talking about her Grandfather, Wiley Jackson Bean of the 30th Alabama Infantry

Response by SPC George Edwards made Aug 10 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-08-10T17:53:51-04:00

Just a chance to get a good school and travel.

Response by CPO Rob Carleen made Aug 10 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-08-10T18:02:07-04:00

The draft board

Response by 1SG Arthur Detmers made Aug 10 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-08-10T18:07:43-04:00

1 g grandfather, 2 grandfathers, my father, 4 uncles, and god only knows how many of their friends served during time of war. It was my turn, just as my 2 sons and 1 daughter felt it was their turn.

Response by Lt Col Doug Chapman made Aug 10 at 2021 6:13 PM

2021-08-10T18:13:07-04:00

My Grandfather’s service in WWl, my dad’s service in WWll and Korea, my uncle a career officer flying B-47s and C-130s in Vietnam, as well as my own desire to fly large aircraft. I ended up in B-52s.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Aug 10 at 2021 6:23 PM

2021-08-10T18:23:45-04:00

I knew for a fact that I would serve when I took the Oath of Citizenship when I was twelve. So I suppose Uncke Sam did.

Response by SFC Jeffery Chenevert made Aug 10 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-08-10T18:24:25-04:00

Two of my uncles that served in the military (Gillis & Norman)

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Aug 10 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-10T18:32:03-04:00

Nobody. I had a family I needed to provide for.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 6:38 PM

2021-08-10T18:38:46-04:00

My dad and my great grandfather.

Response by SGT Trish Woodbury made Aug 10 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-10T18:40:30-04:00

My Dad

Response by SSG Bruce Booker made Aug 10 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-10T18:40:44-04:00

The Selective Service System (aka: the draft board). I was about halfway through my sophomore year in college when they erroneously reclassified me 1A. I decided to finish the semester and then enlist.

Response by LTC Rickey Morlen made Aug 10 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-08-10T18:44:20-04:00

The Military Academy itself. After the Sports recruiter called and sent information, I was surprised and honored that someone had that confidence in me to submit my name as a possible candidate. I determined to give it my best effort. Four years (+) later I was so excited to take the next Oath of Office and serve.

Response by LT Mordechai Schwab made Aug 10 at 2021 6:49 PM

2021-08-10T18:49:53-04:00

My father

Response by CSM Steve Slocum made Aug 10 at 2021 6:58 PM

2021-08-10T18:58:13-04:00

I had two uncles that served in the Air Force and both were very patriotic and based on their service and their patriotism for our country along with my father who served in the Army, I felt a strong desire to serve as well and ended up serving in Airborne units at Ft Campbell, Vietnam, Ft Bragg, Germany and Italy during my 30 year Army career. All have passed away but it was their desire to see me follow in their footsteps that initiated my career.

Response by SSgt Cynthia Hamilton made Aug 10 at 2021 7:00 PM

2021-08-10T19:00:24-04:00

My friend who reminded me that arrests for protesting the Vietnam War were going to start to count when I turned 18. So I joined to protest from inside the belly of the beast.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Aug 10 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-10T19:14:03-04:00

The influence was watching Chuck Norris in all Missing in Action movies, Delta Force, The Green Berets, and The Dirty Dozen. In all actuality, I have wanted to go into the military for the longest. I wanted to do something with my life and get out of a small town. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated and I knew that way before I even entered high school. I knew I didn't want to go to college (yet here I am now pursuing a Bachelors's, ugh). I said to myself, "if I like it, I'll stay in for a few more years, and if I didn't I'll get out." Well, after 20 years, I think I liked it. Did cool stuff and crappy stuff. Learned how to make the best out of a horrible situation and traveled. Also, it might have also been that majority of my family has been in the military since WWI and participated in all major conflicts. Heck, still have my great-grandfather's draft letter as well as my grandfather's WWII uniform.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Aug 10 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-08-10T19:18:35-04:00

My father, retired Air Force after 21 years.

Response by SPC Tom Burch made Aug 10 at 2021 7:31 PM

2021-08-10T19:31:38-04:00

The Clayton, MO draft board...

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Aug 10 at 2021 7:34 PM

2021-08-10T19:34:51-04:00

I was about to turn 17 , My Brother went in when he was 17 , I figured it would be a good place to start my life so 3 days after i turned 17 I reported for duty at MCRD , Where i learned the best lesson of my life . " work as a team but stand on your own two feet and don't expect others to do it for you "

Response by CPT Rick Cooper made Aug 10 at 2021 7:37 PM

2021-08-10T19:37:19-04:00

.y Draft Board. Graduated college on Sunday, received a reclassification to 1-A on the following Friday and a physical exam notice two weeks later. Saw a recruiter the day after I received the physical notice to make sure I would get into an OCS program.

Response by SGM Willie Sanderson made Aug 10 at 2021 7:41 PM

2021-08-10T19:41:31-04:00

I was drafted in June 0f 69 and I had many influencers in my life. I would say that my high-school principal Mr. B.E. Turner. He and Senator G. V. Sonny Montgomery my Senator from Mississippi encouraged me through out my early years in the service. I loved my Country and my feeling of being essential to the military grew each and everyday for 26 years 5 months and 14 days. I loved my duty as an Infantryman and the excitement the duty provided. I spent my last 9 years as a Sergeants Major working for many General Officers that allowed me the latitude to train and mentor many of our great leaders that are now retired one actually completed his career as the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Response by SPC Kathy Crouch made Aug 10 at 2021 8:09 PM

2021-08-10T20:09:43-04:00

My husband pushed me.

Response by MSG James Reynolds made Aug 10 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-08-10T20:18:32-04:00

My Mustang Marine Corps father. I love the man dearly and he did pretty much everything to set me up for success

Response by SGT James Sherman made Aug 10 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-08-10T20:18:47-04:00

Very simple, I was in the first draft and posted a 39. I thought that was pretty good. I didn't know squat. That first year you had to post a 240 or better. I was in college with a 2S deferment and was bored to death. After two years of college I enlisted just like my Father, a Battle of the Bulge survivor, and my brother, a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Never regretted that decision.

Response by SPC Debra Hill made Aug 10 at 2021 8:25 PM

2021-08-10T20:25:33-04:00

My Dad (Korean Conflict)

Response by SFC Gregory Frazier made Aug 10 at 2021 8:41 PM

2021-08-10T20:41:25-04:00

My Father..

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Aug 10 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-08-10T20:48:19-04:00

I decided on my own that I wanted to join the military. The fact that my father and my uncles had all served certainly had some influence on the decision, but none of them ever actually brought up the subject. I wanted to get away from home, my parents couldn't afford college, and I was lazy enough in high school that my grades weren't going to get me any scholarships, so the military seemed the best option.

Response by MSG Glenn Martin made Aug 10 at 2021 8:55 PM

2021-08-10T20:55:26-04:00

Grew up as a military brat.

Response by SN Jerry Schlotter made Aug 10 at 2021 8:58 PM

2021-08-10T20:58:11-04:00

No one; I was escaping poverty

Response by MSG James South made Aug 10 at 2021 9:07 PM

2021-08-10T21:07:05-04:00

I was in High school. A Army recruiter visited our school wearing the Army uniform. This recruiter was on point. The year was 1969. I just had to join and the rest is HISTORY.

Response by SSG Ted Seal made Aug 10 at 2021 9:29 PM

2021-08-10T21:29:24-04:00

The historical lineage of my family, on both sides had always served our nation in the armed forces. My dad, served 36 years in the Army, 82nd airborne, and was in Korea at the beginning of that conflict. I grew up, on bases, wearing a full uniform, doing the manual of arms with an M1, beginning at age 5, so it was a natural progression for me to volunteer.

Response by Sgt Robert Hellyer made Aug 10 at 2021 9:34 PM

2021-08-10T21:34:30-04:00

I had been interested in joining the Air Force early on and had talked to a recruiter after high school. Took the tests and then decided to go on to school instead. After I got out of school i worked for a while until I got my draft notice. At that point I decided to go talk to the AF recruiter again. So, basically, it was Uncle Sam that influenced me.

Response by SMSgt James Rorie made Aug 10 at 2021 9:38 PM

2021-08-10T21:38:41-04:00

My Dad was a career minded member of the USAF. Unfortunately, he was killed in an auto accident while on active duty. I had just turned 6 years old and really didn't know him that well as he was stationed overseas a couple of times after my birth. I had two nominations to attend the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs when I graduated from high school. Unfortunately, I was not selected but I did receive a fully paid ROTC scholarship to attend East Carolina University in NC but but they wanted me to attend the summer semester and take English and one elective course maintaining a grade of at least a "C". Being that I really didn't have anyone to kick me in the rear-end and give me guidance I elected to join the USAF instead. This was during the Vietnam War and I did spend a year in Vietnam during my four-year enlistment. After I was discharged, it was a little difficult to adjust to civilian life so I decided to join the Air National Guard in Charlotte, NC where I eventually became a C-130 Loadmaster and was hired full-time under the Civil Service Retirement System but I did wear a uniform every day. I spent the remainder of my 37-year career with the NCANG. With that said, I suppose my Dad was the reason I enlisted.

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Aug 10 at 2021 9:49 PM

2021-08-10T21:49:41-04:00

My Dad, who served 20 years in the Navy, was my inspiration. His Brothers were also in the Navy during WWII so whenever they were around, I would hear some pretty good stories

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Aug 10 at 2021 10:20 PM

2021-08-10T22:20:14-04:00

It was simply expected in my family. Father, one grandfather, multiple uncles and both brothers

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Aug 10 at 2021 10:26 PM

2021-08-10T22:26:52-04:00

My Uncle's and Dad!

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Aug 10 at 2021 11:55 PM

2021-08-10T23:55:23-04:00

My Great Grandpa Major W.S. LeFrancois U.S.M.C. and my Grandpa Captain C.B. Wright USN.
Their service and the example they set of God, Loyalty, Duty, Honor, Country and Commitment were the example and foundation that they set and laid which were the blue print and map given to me to follow I learned a lot from them and because of that I have been very successful when nobody else thought I could or would be successful.

Response by PO2 Bill Stuntz made Aug 11 at 2021 12:19 AM

2021-08-11T00:19:05-04:00

My brothers, Richard (Career Navy E1->O6) and Robert

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Aug 11 at 2021 1:16 AM

2021-08-11T01:16:52-04:00

Many family members actually. I had an uncle in the battle of Remagen during WWII, my dad was in the Army and in Korea during the Korean War, another uncle was a careerist in the Air Force, one cousin was a career soldier, another got killed in Viet Nam. On my mom's side, One Uncle served in the Navy, and two served in the Army, one in Viet Nam, and the other in Germany as they did not allow brothers in the war zone at the same time. Finally, growing up in Chicago in the late 60's, and my oldest sister was a hippy, I saw first hand, her friends all doped up on acid and everything else, saw the kind of crap they did to the police, and to soldiers returning from Viet Nam, I was influenced by spite for them. So I had many influencers in my life. I did not go in to serve as a career, especially because my Dad HATED the Army, and my uncle in Viet Nam wasn't too fond of stuff that went on, so I went in to serve as a patriotic duty and carry on the family tradition of service.

Response by SGT David Perez made Aug 11 at 2021 3:15 AM

2021-08-11T03:15:52-04:00

My best friend - we came in on the buddy system back 1979.

Response by Sgt Frank Hupp, DTM made Aug 11 at 2021 3:36 AM

2021-08-11T03:36:33-04:00

During my junior year of High School I met and talked with recruiters from all of the branches of the military. Then during my senior year I met with an Air Force and an Army recruiter. I listened to both of them. After my dad died soon after I graduated I made the dedision to join the Air Force. I planned on making it a career. In my second year of service I was in an accident and lost part of my leg. Several years later I took the oath again when I took a civilian position in the Army Corps of Engineers and spent 20 years there. Sgt. Frank E. Hupp, Retired, DTM

Response by SGT Kevin Taber made Aug 11 at 2021 6:38 AM

2021-08-11T06:38:00-04:00

My stepdad was in the military. He was my influence

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Aug 11 at 2021 6:46 AM

2021-08-11T06:46:03-04:00

I was most inspired by CSM James A. Coffman, who was the SAI in my JROTC detachment in high school. CSM Coffman was a soldier's soldier who jumped on Corregidor with the 503d PIR in WWII, fought in Korea with the 187th PIR, and saw action in Vietnam before he retired.

Response by SPC Tony Bass made Aug 11 at 2021 6:55 AM

2021-08-11T06:55:27-04:00

My uncle who was a Vietnam Vet and retired Army.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Aug 11 at 2021 8:39 AM

2021-08-11T08:39:10-04:00

My brother signed up to serve before me and our father, uncles, and grandfather before him. I was attracted to the concept of their service demonstrating that they appreciate and were willing to defend the country we are all lucky to inherit from those who sacrificed much to build. LTC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CPO Ross Cowell made Aug 11 at 2021 8:46 AM

2021-08-11T08:46:41-04:00

My father, who was an Air Force Veteran

Response by CPO Ross Cowell made Aug 11 at 2021 8:47 AM

2021-08-11T08:47:15-04:00

My father, Who was an Air Force veteran.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Aug 11 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-08-11T08:55:33-04:00

Vic Morrow of "Combat" and Christopher George of "Rat Patrol".

Response by SP5 John Passanisi made Aug 11 at 2021 9:05 AM

2021-08-11T09:05:25-04:00

I was originally drafted in March of 1966. After all the testing I was offered 6 months of Hawk Missile, Launcher, Loader School, at Fort Bliss, Tx, if I dropped my 2 year draft and enlisted for 3 years. I took the deal and was discharged from the US Army and enlisted in the Regular Army. Back then we had service a # with a prefix, US ment you were drafted, RA ment you enlisted.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Aug 11 at 2021 9:20 AM

2021-08-11T09:20:12-04:00

Where I grew up, you either became a farmer or went to a city to work in a factory. I didn’t want either so I joined the Army!

Response by SFC Gregory Frazier made Aug 11 at 2021 10:05 AM

2021-08-11T10:05:18-04:00

My Father was an independent duty Corpsman.. Korean Veteran, Vietnam Veteran… serve with the 1st Mar Div, in vietnam.. he was exposed to agent orange, like alot men/women. He developed cancer from the exposure.
died from the cancer...he had 23 years in the Navy. He now resides at the Miramar National Cemetery.. I miss my Father!!

Response by SP5 Martin Wierimaa made Aug 11 at 2021 10:07 AM

2021-08-11T10:07:55-04:00

1) The draft board - my number was up
2) Choice - I wanted "some" choice of MOS so I fooled them and enlisted instead
3) Patriotism (really) AND hate for the protesters of those times
4) Example set by father (Army) and uncles (Army, Navy, Marines)
Pick your own order from above - mine varies from time to time

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-08-11T11:01:26-04:00

No one, made the choice on my own, wanted to try something new

Response by SSG Craig Newton made Aug 11 at 2021 11:12 AM

2021-08-11T11:12:19-04:00

I come from a long line of soldiers. My maternal grandfather, aunt, uncle, mother, father, and sister were all army. I just went into the family business.

Response by 1LT George Newell made Aug 11 at 2021 11:31 AM

2021-08-11T11:31:56-04:00

I wanted to be an officer and beat the draft. I did it.

Response by 1LT George Newell made Aug 11 at 2021 11:33 AM

2021-08-11T11:33:05-04:00

I wanted to be an officer and beat the draft. I did it.

Response by 1SG James Long made Aug 11 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-08-11T12:01:23-04:00

I was drafted in April 1970, there after I continued for 24 years. My father was in the Navy during WWII and I wanted him to be proud of me, also opportunities and a personal call to duty keep me in the military.

Response by PFC Jacquelyn (Jackie) Hall Burrell made Aug 11 at 2021 1:29 PM

2021-08-11T13:29:22-04:00

I was graduating High School, I wanted to improve myself and the world. I was not a sit-down at a desk type of woman. I was a "go out and get it" type of person. That's exactly what I did

Response by SGT Ronald Blansett made Aug 11 at 2021 2:23 PM

2021-08-11T14:23:33-04:00

The draft board

Response by SGT Al Dec made Aug 11 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-08-11T15:04:19-04:00

My veteran father

Response by PO1 Kate Stevens made Aug 11 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-08-11T15:04:43-04:00

My Grandfather, a WWII Veteran.

Response by SPC Merle Jantz made Aug 11 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-08-11T15:07:42-04:00

I had uncles who served in the Army, Navy and Air Force. They had great stories. I wanted some of my own.

Response by TSgt Ray Lewis made Aug 11 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-08-11T15:08:13-04:00

I joined when I was 18 during the Korean War. I knew I would be drafted. Nothing influenced me. Just doing my duty to my Country.

Response by SN William Money made Aug 11 at 2021 3:13 PM

2021-08-11T15:13:41-04:00

My father and brother in law were both in the US Navy so both of them.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Aug 11 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-08-11T15:15:16-04:00

The most honest Marine Corps Recruiter ever, Ssgt Parker. He told me I could sleep in on the weekends. And, he said I might get beer and pu$$y while at Parris Island. I never got beer, pu$$y or the opportunity to sleep in

Response by 1LT Becky Chase made Aug 11 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-08-11T15:15:28-04:00

My Dad. He joined the Army, worked as a dental tech over in Germany. So I thought it would be a lot of fun to join right out of high school, but I always wanted to be an RN so my Grandmother said I needed to go to college first, then if I still wanted to join, then go in. So I for my BSN and entered as a 2Lt. Great move, thanks Nana!

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Aug 11 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-08-11T15:15:33-04:00

Family and friends but mostly myself

Response by PV2 Keith Young made Aug 11 at 2021 3:16 PM

2021-08-11T15:16:34-04:00

My Dad. Careerist, United States Army. Full bird colonel. Greatest influence. Grew up in a military family

Response by SGT Harry Rowe made Aug 11 at 2021 3:19 PM

2021-08-11T15:19:44-04:00

High school teacher who retired from USAF.

Response by SPC Orville Wallace made Aug 11 at 2021 3:22 PM

2021-08-11T15:22:54-04:00

Nobody. I wanted to serve my country

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Aug 11 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-08-11T15:28:47-04:00

My Uncle was killed in Vietnam in 1967 when I was Seven. I decided then to grow up and replace him in the Army. I enlisted in 1980 and served nearly 35 years, retired in 2015.

Response by SFC Orville Harless made Aug 11 at 2021 3:30 PM

2021-08-11T15:30:50-04:00

A bunch of uncles (WWII & Korean War), four brother-in-law (Viet Nan War), and my first mother-in-law to be (Cincinnati DRC Commander's Assistant. :-)

Response by Cpl Cary Cartter made Aug 11 at 2021 3:34 PM

2021-08-11T15:34:05-04:00

Dad - WWII and Korea era Marine.

Response by PO3 Robert `Fall made Aug 11 at 2021 3:39 PM

2021-08-11T15:39:39-04:00

Nobody in particular.

Response by MCPO Mark Durland made Aug 11 at 2021 3:41 PM

2021-08-11T15:41:40-04:00

My dad.

Response by SGT William Cannon made Aug 11 at 2021 3:49 PM

2021-08-11T15:49:32-04:00

I WAS DRAFTED...IF YOU COULD MAINTAIN AN A AVERAGE IN COLLEGE, YOU COULD BEAT THE DRAFT...

Response by SFC John La Voie made Aug 11 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-08-11T16:07:04-04:00

My dad, he was a Cold War Era Ranger, 6th Ranger Co, 1st ID, and my favorite teacher in HS, he was Nam Marine and helped me get my shit back together when my dad passed away.

Response by SP5 Walter Mearkle made Aug 11 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-11T16:24:37-04:00

Way back in the stone age, 1962, I was a senior in college, unmarried, and not an education major, and the peace corp had not been invented, so I was # in the draft list in Peoria, IL. I went to the Army recruiter to see what I could do. Since my majors in college were, Sociology, Psychology, and Math he suggested that I enlist in the Army Security Agency for three years instead of taking pot luck in the draft for two years. I did and was glad I did. I became a Korean Linguist - 16 months in Seoul, South Korea. Good duty.

Response by CPO James Walker made Aug 11 at 2021 4:41 PM

2021-08-11T16:41:40-04:00

My father and a neighbor.

Response by SFC Christopher Reising made Aug 11 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-08-11T16:44:24-04:00

My Dad and 3 Uncles- WWII
3 Cousins Vietnam

Response by SPC Michael Wright made Aug 11 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-11T16:45:00-04:00

High School Teacher

Response by Sgt Joy Bedford made Aug 11 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-08-11T16:50:38-04:00

My two older sisters and I joined the military to get away from the abusive man my Mom married. We got way more than we positive that made us stronger women who didn't put up with crap from men, and still don't!

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Aug 11 at 2021 4:55 PM

2021-08-11T16:55:41-04:00

My good buddies Dad was a very big influence on me going into the Navy. He was a retired RMCM. Best advice I ever had.

Response by SP5 Robert Kennedy made Aug 11 at 2021 5:02 PM

2021-08-11T17:02:06-04:00

The pressing influence that tripped my trigger was my dear old Uncle Sam... I was drafted July 5, 1967

Response by SrA Les Dunaway made Aug 11 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-08-11T17:03:22-04:00

10 generations who served

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-11T17:07:35-04:00

Watching my best friend graduate in the Marines

Response by CWO3 John Lewandowski made Aug 11 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-08-11T17:09:03-04:00

My Uncle, Joe was my influence. He was an Army Officer at one point. When he passed, I visited his home and his wife had the boot camp photo that I sent my Uncle after graduation. I had wrote a letter to my Uncle on back of the boot camp photo and looking back on it 20 years later, I could see the pride that I was sharing with him.

Response by CPT Derry Gallagher made Aug 11 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-08-11T17:26:11-04:00

Bored with college.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 11 at 2021 5:30 PM

2021-08-11T17:30:25-04:00

Probably my dad. We didn't discuss it, but i have always been patriotic. I live in a town close to Offut air force base but I did not want to be a flyboy and although several guys from my class went Navy, I hate the water and can barely swim. I would rather be shot at than be on a ship. I had no desire to be a Marine so the Army was a natural choice. A buddy of mine and me talked to the draft board in my hometown (one old lady) and she showed us a roster on which we were to be drafted next month so we both volunteered for the draft. He ended up in Germany and I ended up as an 11 bravo grunt in Viet Nam. I guess it didn't matter much difference if it was the Marines or the Army, we both had the same shitty job. I have no regrets. The VA is helping me now

Response by SSgt Kevin Dunlap made Aug 11 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-08-11T17:31:25-04:00

My Dad and Uncle

Response by A1C Sandie Weidner made Aug 11 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-08-11T17:31:35-04:00

I am oldest of 7, wanted to go to nursing school but parents couldn't afford it, back then to go to nursing school, you didn't have time to hold an outside job. School was hospital based, you lived there. So when the Air Force recruiter came to my high school last half of my senior year and talked to us, a light went on over head When he mentioned the GI Bill. Week after graduation I was sitting in recruiters office, I was ready to sign. BUT back then the double standard was alive. Women had to be 18, until they turned 21, had to have signature of both parents to go in. Took some talking with my Dad to agree to sign. I even volunteered to go to Nam, but the General told me that since I wasn't 21 no they couldn't do that. I am so proud of my Dad who faught in WWII and Called back to duty for Korea. He had 2 purple hearts one with a cluster. But I went to nursing school and worked up until I was 53 and developed back problems that made it almost impossible to be up on my feet 8-12 hours or to even assist with transfers of patient. But I did live my dream.
Sandra Weidner

Response by SGT Syraya Walker made Aug 11 at 2021 5:32 PM

2021-08-11T17:32:31-04:00

My mother who said I wouldn’t last two weeks in the military!

Response by PVT Pamela Pippin made Aug 11 at 2021 5:38 PM

2021-08-11T17:38:32-04:00

My brother and I joined together. We come from a military family.

Response by SMSgt James Detwiler made Aug 11 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-08-11T17:47:09-04:00

I was inspired by the action going on in Vietnam and wanted to serve my country

Response by Sgt Virgil Jackson made Aug 11 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-08-11T17:47:32-04:00

Nobody influenced me. I felt it was something I needed to do. I didn’t want my parents to have the burden of putting me through college. Plus, I wanted to be part of the workforce immediately and see what life had to offer.

Response by HN Zachary Martinez made Aug 11 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-08-11T17:48:41-04:00

I was in a situation I didn't see a way up. So I figured the military was an option to move forward with my life.

Response by Pvt Michael Farrello made Aug 11 at 2021 5:52 PM

2021-08-11T17:52:45-04:00

My father was a word war ll veteran in the pacific. That was good enough for me

Response by SGT Laura Clabeaux made Aug 11 at 2021 6:03 PM

2021-08-11T18:03:13-04:00

My ex husband and the fact I wanted away from home

Response by SP5 Linda Fischer made Aug 11 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-08-11T18:04:41-04:00

I decided myself. I was not doing anything and thought maybe the military could help me make up my mind what I wanted to do.

Response by SP5 Michael Iten made Aug 11 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-08-11T18:08:37-04:00

My friend that wanted to join as a group and volunteer for the toghest (at that time) unit.

Response by SFC Lance Wilson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:11 PM

2021-08-11T18:11:19-04:00

Myself! I needed a change of lifestyle,and the Army provided it for me. I did 20.

Response by LCpl Kevin Bryson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:15 PM

2021-08-11T18:15:33-04:00

My brother (a USMA graduate) suggested the Coast Guard for me. When I found out that there was a waiting list, I contacted the USMC.

Response by SSgt Shawn Levis made Aug 11 at 2021 6:19 PM

2021-08-11T18:19:21-04:00

Wanting to get out of small state and see the world!

Response by SPC James Cooke made Aug 11 at 2021 6:21 PM

2021-08-11T18:21:30-04:00

My grandfather, a WW2 vet.

Response by PVT Chanin Kirby made Aug 11 at 2021 6:21 PM

2021-08-11T18:21:37-04:00

The rule of 3. GI Jane was on the tv, I got a flier in the mail, and there was a commercial on for the Army Guard.

Response by CPT Greg Alford, PhD made Aug 11 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-08-11T18:24:35-04:00

My high school JROTC instructors, especially LTC McKinney and CSM Loner B Westmoreland (both SF).

Response by SPC Peter Ruck made Aug 11 at 2021 6:25 PM

2021-08-11T18:25:08-04:00

I did it for a pair of tube socks offered in a magazine that I never got.

Response by SFC James Nelson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:27 PM

2021-08-11T18:27:41-04:00

My Father

Response by SPC Orin Sarabia made Aug 11 at 2021 6:30 PM

2021-08-11T18:30:12-04:00

My dad. He was a Marine in Vietnam and military service in my family goes back to WW1.

Response by Cpl Christopher Thompson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-11T18:32:54-04:00

My Grandfather what a courageous man

Response by SGT Rude Escamilla made Aug 11 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-11T18:33:19-04:00

Life long friend Joel Guerrero who enlisted after JROTC.

Response by MSgt Neal Schultz made Aug 11 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-11T18:33:45-04:00

I had myself take me into it Jan 1954 and retired Feb 1974.,

Response by MCPO Barry Burge made Aug 11 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-08-11T18:34:44-04:00

Father and 2 uncles were Navy..Family Tradition.

Response by PO3 Robert Erhardt made Aug 11 at 2021 6:37 PM

2021-08-11T18:37:34-04:00

My grandfather ❤️

Response by SPC Chris Kates made Aug 11 at 2021 6:38 PM

2021-08-11T18:38:08-04:00

We talked each other into joining the military when we were Juniors in High School...Career day and we choose to visit the 153rd HHC Huron SD.....I got deployed to Afghanistan, he did not...he was killed in auto accident while my deployment...

Response by SA Will Havel made Aug 11 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-11T18:40:52-04:00

Came from a family of Veterans and wanted a better future for myself. It was the chance to serve with great people from all-over.

Response by PO2 Gary Roper made Aug 11 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-08-11T18:45:15-04:00

I was going to collage when I got my draft notice.

Response by CH (LTC) Jon Tidball made Aug 11 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-08-11T18:45:29-04:00

My best friend and I decided together to join on the "Buddy System", as we were in line to get our draft notices.

Response by PO1 Joe James made Aug 11 at 2021 6:47 PM

2021-08-11T18:47:47-04:00

Decided when I was 16 the Navy was were I wanted to serve. I enlisted at 17 and never looked back. Loved the career path I choose. Started as an aviation ordnance and 10 years later converted to Navy Counselor/ Recruiter.

Response by CPO Arthur Mann made Aug 11 at 2021 6:50 PM

2021-08-11T18:50:09-04:00

Thought Of It To Get Training And Travel

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Aug 11 at 2021 6:51 PM

2021-08-11T18:51:43-04:00

I received my new draft card and expected to be called up. So I just went to the recuiters office and swore in on the spot!

Response by SCPO Robert Gjertson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:52 PM

2021-08-11T18:52:46-04:00

A girlfriend; we broke up (she dumped me) so I enlisted. Best thing I ever did

Response by PO2 Lynn Oleson made Aug 11 at 2021 6:53 PM

2021-08-11T18:53:21-04:00

I was drafted when I lost my college deferment when I dropped a class during my sophmore year in college. Chose to enlist in the Navy vice Army because my two older brothers were already in the Navy and they wanted me to join the Navy because they said it was the right thing to do.

Response by 1stSgt Martin Giblin made Aug 11 at 2021 6:55 PM

2021-08-11T18:55:06-04:00

My draft board, joined the Air Force before my draft board got me.

Response by SP5 Thomas Blinco made Aug 11 at 2021 6:56 PM

2021-08-11T18:56:27-04:00

I joined myself in 1969. A young 17 year old high school dropout with no future in sight. My father, uncles, brothers, cousins & friends that served or were serving influenced me. In 1968 a friend, Dave McPherson, came home on leave from the USMC, got to lead our gym class in exercises Marine style, later on that year he was killed in Vietnam. My oldest half brother SP4 William M. Dripcheck who served honorably for 3 years in the Army got discharged in 1968, then in 1970 got killed when his dream car (a 1957 Chevy) fell on him, while changing the transmission. He was only 21 years old. In December 1970, my adopted out half brother SP4 Timothy J. Thompson, a medic got killed in Vietnam, he was only 20 years old. I spent a year in Germany, got to travel to several countries that I probably would never had the opportunity to do so, if not for joining the Army. I just recently visited with a Army brother (SP4 Scott Foster) that I haven't seen in 49 years. I cherish those friends and times spent in the Army.

Response by CPO Michael Bazis made Aug 11 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-08-11T18:59:01-04:00

At 17 1/2 I was hell bent on going into the Marines, to be a hard charger a real jar head. Then,
my older brother came home on leave from Kodiak Alaska, he was an AD2 at the time. I told
him of my plans going into the Marines. When I finished he looked at me, smacked me in the back of the head and began to explain to me what exactly the Coast Guard does what I could do and become.
Suffice to say 32 years later I retired from the Coast Guard with awesome memories, friends and did things and went places that people still cant believe.

Response by Cpl Robert Crawford made Aug 11 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-08-11T18:59:41-04:00

My Uncles, Father, Grandfather, on dad's side all served from WWI, WWII, and Korea. I guess you could call it a family tradition.

Response by PO3 Dalemarie Burke made Aug 11 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-08-11T19:02:51-04:00

My mother was in the Reserves. I wanted away from home so I went full time.

Response by SGT Cal Thelen made Aug 11 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-08-11T19:02:58-04:00

drafted

Response by PO1 Doug Riley made Aug 11 at 2021 7:07 PM

2021-08-11T19:07:44-04:00

Recruiter at local recruitment center.

Response by SGT Cal Thelen made Aug 11 at 2021 7:07 PM

2021-08-11T19:07:51-04:00

drafted

Response by SGT Norman Lackey made Aug 11 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-08-11T19:08:11-04:00

John F. Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather as what you can do for your country." Well, I thought about it and decided to become a U.S. Papatrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Response by PO1 Doug Riley made Aug 11 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-08-11T19:08:32-04:00

Recruiter at recruiting center

Response by CPL Timothy Hughes made Aug 11 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-08-11T19:08:55-04:00

My 2 uncles .

Response by PO2 Charley Be made Aug 11 at 2021 7:09 PM

2021-08-11T19:09:09-04:00

My grandfather is the reason I joined.

Response by LCpl Jack Maloney made Aug 11 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-08-11T19:11:19-04:00

My Marine Corps Veteran gather and his friends.

Response by SP5 Ronald Gerhart made Aug 11 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-08-11T19:11:28-04:00

Ho Chi Minh

Response by SP5 Charles Schreiber made Aug 11 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-08-11T19:13:51-04:00

I was drafted

Response by SP5 Wayne Waters made Aug 11 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-11T19:14:35-04:00

Poverty.

Response by LTC Michael Travaglione made Aug 11 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-08-11T19:17:31-04:00

I want to win. As a VET I am in need of a truck.

Response by GySgt Edward Reagle made Aug 11 at 2021 7:19 PM

2021-08-11T19:19:54-04:00

Col John H. Glenn when I saw him circle the earth back in the 60s and then when I found out he was a Marine I said I can be him not an astronaut a Marine.

Response by Lt Col David Capito made Aug 11 at 2021 7:21 PM

2021-08-11T19:21:10-04:00

My best buddy Jackie said "Lets join the Army."
We joined and both of us were sent to Germany

Response by Capt David Garcia made Aug 11 at 2021 7:26 PM

2021-08-11T19:26:07-04:00

It was like the family business and the right thing to do.

Response by SGT John Overby made Aug 11 at 2021 7:28 PM

2021-08-11T19:28:26-04:00

Viet Cong and the Selective Service. I was going and wanted choices so I enlisted to go to OCS, but got my back injured in basic. Got sent to Signal Corp instead.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 7:28 PM

2021-08-11T19:28:51-04:00

I joined because my father and both my brothers joined

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Aug 11 at 2021 7:29 PM

2021-08-11T19:29:01-04:00

To be honest I joined the Army because I couldn't pass the entrance exam for the Coast Guard (Algebra, yuck). I quickly grew to love the Army and have never regretted spending 11 years of my life serving. Those years made me the person I am today!!

Response by Sgt Ollie Nichols III made Aug 11 at 2021 7:29 PM

2021-08-11T19:29:31-04:00

My cousin Samuel Nichols served in the KOREAN CONFLICT. Samuel came home on leave and he was wearing the dress blues uniform, looking all spit-shined and I was only 9 years old at the time, but I knew then someday I would become a United States Marine. Ten years later, I joined the Marines and re-enlisted and served two tours in Viet Nam.

Response by 1LT Jessica Felton made Aug 11 at 2021 7:32 PM

2021-08-11T19:32:34-04:00

Most of my family was in the Army. When I was in college they randomly started the ROTC program. So my friend and I decided, "We can do that. Plus they'll take care of our tuition and fees." So we did it. I was the first officer in my family though. My family was so proud of my decision!

Response by SPC David Batterson made Aug 11 at 2021 7:33 PM

2021-08-11T19:33:40-04:00

The draft board got me to enter the Army. I didn't choose to go, but I did so, and served my country 1966-68. I didn't have to go to Nam; remained at Ft. Hood until discharged. Looking back it was an amazing experience, and I am glad I had it.

Response by MSgt Robert Roder made Aug 11 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-08-11T19:40:35-04:00

The Draft

Response by Capt Jeff Stalnaker made Aug 11 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-08-11T19:43:10-04:00

My Dad was Vietnam Vet and my Brother also Marine. Family business.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-08-11T19:46:22-04:00

I always wanted to, but I never took the steps to do it, eventually got kicked out and then my uncle being a prior Marine took me in, and said You’re not leaving my house until you join the Marine Corps, there was my push !

Response by SSgt Randal Spence made Aug 11 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-08-11T19:47:04-04:00

My great-grandfather, Sidney Bradley. He was Omar Bradley’s uncle and was very proud of his nephew.

Response by SPC Beth Dubble made Aug 11 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-08-11T19:49:27-04:00

I wanted to serve my country. Me.

Response by PO1 John Best made Aug 11 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-08-11T19:51:49-04:00

I had just graduated from high school and my older brother had joined the Navy. I thought of getting a Navy job to give me a possible future career. Left home on July 5, 1961, attended boot camp, EM School and ended up with just over seven years service. Continued in the electrical field after service and spent over forty years in Electrical Maintenance and Engineering. Last work day was 1/8/2018 and I was seventy four years old.

Response by SFC James Kennedy made Aug 11 at 2021 7:53 PM

2021-08-11T19:53:18-04:00

My Dad, Mom, Brother and Older Sister. Dad Joined the AF the last year of the Korean War-Met Mom who was a Chaplains Assistant in the AF. Brother joined the Army and my Older Sister the AF (ROTC)...What really inspired me was when we were stationed at Clark AFB and we (the entire family) had the honor of cheering the Vietnam POW as they were flown in after being released.
James A. Kennedy
SFC, USA
Retired

Response by GySgt Lizette Hernandez made Aug 11 at 2021 7:56 PM

2021-08-11T19:56:55-04:00

My recruiter GySgt Gonzalez!

Response by SSgt Shelly Shepherd made Aug 11 at 2021 7:58 PM

2021-08-11T19:58:08-04:00

My dad

Response by SPC Cathleena Fonville made Aug 11 at 2021 8:00 PM

2021-08-11T20:00:17-04:00

My JROTC instructors influenced me to join the military. It was the best job and experience that I ever had.

Response by MSgt Jimmie Brown made Aug 11 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-08-11T20:01:44-04:00

My Dad was Army, two uncles were Army and Navy. My choice though, wanted education benefits and get out of town.

Response by SSG Barry Gert made Aug 11 at 2021 8:03 PM

2021-08-11T20:03:29-04:00

As an American, I believed you have to give back to the country that gave you the freedom that was given to me.

Response by SSG John Richards made Aug 11 at 2021 8:06 PM

2021-08-11T20:06:28-04:00

Grandfather was an artillery during World War II father was a Captain in the Army Air corps during World War II, one uncle was a major in Army artillery, and another uncle was a major in the Army Corps of Engineers. I was Intelligence liaison with The Phoenix Program in Vietnam, three months as a Divisions RTO graveyard shift, and six months as an aerial observer in a bird dog 01.

Response by PO2 Colleen O'Hara made Aug 11 at 2021 8:08 PM

2021-08-11T20:08:20-04:00

My hero, my dad. He joined during WWII after lying about his age, and then went to Korea. He was incredibly humble and incredibly patriotic. He instilled in me patriotism, honor and commitment. I paid my way through college then joined the Navy. I hope I made him proud.

Response by SGM A R made Aug 11 at 2021 8:10 PM

2021-08-11T20:10:43-04:00

No One influence me. I had no choice to serve. I got drafted but I don't regret it and served 27yrs

Response by SP5 Isabel Samaniego made Aug 11 at 2021 8:12 PM

2021-08-11T20:12:09-04:00

For me it was to get myself straightened out. I was too wild

Response by SGT Jon Fernandez made Aug 11 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-11T20:15:31-04:00

What a great idea

Response by LTC Patti Palmer made Aug 11 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-11T20:15:49-04:00

I filled out a ROTC post card when I went to Wheaton College. Plus my dad and grandpa were in the military.

Response by SPC Mindy Phillips made Aug 11 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-11T20:15:55-04:00

Myself. I knew the Army was my only pathway to an education. I'm currently in the final half of my Master's degree.

Response by PO3 Mike Keane made Aug 11 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-11T20:16:46-04:00

My Retired Vietnam Veteran father and his Retired WWII Veteran Father! Family business I guess!

Response by SrA Dorothea Mckenzie made Aug 11 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-08-11T20:18:29-04:00

I always wanted to go into the Military since I was a little girl. Walking with my dad, by the military iron swinging advertising boards outside our local post office, I would stand & salute and my dad would chuckle, I always kept that love of country and excitment of joinging inside me. My dad served in WWII and I looked up to him very much and he was supported of my decision to enter the Air Force after I graduated from high school. My mom, not so much, she didn't want her daughter going into the service. I loved it and glad I went.

Response by MAJ Doug Mattox made Aug 11 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-08-11T20:19:37-04:00

My Dad. I wanted to be like him and he taught me some of the principles I needed. He taught me about duty, honor, and commitment. My Dad taught me that God comes first and 2nd was family and then Country. My oldest son tattooed God Family Country under a cross on the back of his shoulder. There were other influences but by far my Dad was the strongest.

Response by SrA Dorothea Mckenzie made Aug 11 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-08-11T20:19:43-04:00

I always wanted to go into the Military since I was a little girl. Walking with my dad, by the military iron swinging advertising boards outside our local post office, I would stand & salute and my dad would chuckle, I always kept that love of country and excitment of joinging inside me. My dad served in WWII and I looked up to him very much and he was supportive of my decision to enter the Air Force after I graduated from high school. My mom, not so much, she didn't want her daughter going into the service. I loved it and glad I went and mom and dad were both proud of me.

Response by 1LT Lewis Nelson made Aug 11 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-08-11T20:27:07-04:00

I was a war baby from Georgia and took time in the military for granted, took advanced ROTC for the money, and at the time, I didn't consider the oath or war to be sin.

Response by SP5 Wayne Williams made Aug 11 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-08-11T20:27:13-04:00

The Selective Service System, aka the draft (before the lottery, when being drafted meant serving, not getting a number for a drawing). Most of the guys I served with in Vietnam were drafted. Coming out of my two years of active combat duty with no injuries has left me thankful and glad to have served.

Response by SGT David Jackson made Aug 11 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-08-11T20:27:59-04:00

My mother's brother was killed in Belgium. My mother was the first Black WAC from Chicago in WWII . My brother did two tours in Nam, and died a year ago from AO effects. My younger sister got AO'd in the Philippines, and her husband got AO'd a year later in Nam. All three of them have physical, mental and emotional issues. Me? I'm just generally screwed up in the head, but I was born that way.
Bottom line, we don't need influence to take the oath and join the military. We just do it because it's right and necessary.

Response by SPC Kim Matthews made Aug 11 at 2021 8:30 PM

2021-08-11T20:30:04-04:00

Superman, Captain America and myself. I was abused for 4 years when I was very young. I grew up reading comics. Protecting people and my country was very important to me.

Response by MSgt John Jamison made Aug 11 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-11T20:31:39-04:00

My Recruiter Gunnery Sgt. Jennsen. He told me exactly what to expect. With no bs.

Response by PO3 Lauren King made Aug 11 at 2021 8:35 PM

2021-08-11T20:35:37-04:00

My dad. Since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the military and I made the promise then too. I wanted to keep my promise.

Response by SSgt Kathleen Fleitz made Aug 11 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-08-11T20:39:17-04:00

No one individual influenced me. I came from a long line of servicemen. I did break from family tradition by joining the AF. (Four generations of Leahys had served in the Fighting Irish). I never regretted my decision to join the AF. I did a lot of traveling, got married to another airman, and earned my B.S. during the eight years I served.

Response by MSgt William Thomas made Aug 11 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-08-11T20:39:58-04:00

I myself decided to join the Military after high school. because I wanted to serve my country.

Response by SP5 Ray Simpson made Aug 11 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-08-11T20:40:33-04:00

Me. I was a radical teenager. Needed direction.

Response by Sgt Justin Dale made Aug 11 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-08-11T20:40:41-04:00

My brother was in the Navy, so naturally I had to join the Marine Corps.

Response by MAJ Karl Swenson made Aug 11 at 2021 8:53 PM

2021-08-11T20:53:01-04:00

For me, it wasn't a who, as much as it was a what. I grew up in Wyoming and there were no real possibilities for jobs for me. The Army offered me an opportunity to learn skills.

Response by SP5 Walter Anderson made Aug 11 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-08-11T20:54:21-04:00

My family was a Gold Star family. My father was killed while serving. My ancestors served in every war back to the French Indian Wars. it was tradition.

Response by SFC Leslie Parker made Aug 11 at 2021 8:58 PM

2021-08-11T20:58:31-04:00

i did not want to end up like everybody else in my town

Response by PO1 Ric Miller made Aug 11 at 2021 9:08 PM

2021-08-11T21:08:41-04:00

I looked at my bills and looked at my paycheck working at a restaurant and said "F this, I'm going straight to the recruiter. The Navy was the closest one and I drove the 40 miles right after I gave my notice. Best decision I ever made.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 9:11 PM

2021-08-11T21:11:43-04:00

Getting out of where I was

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Aug 11 at 2021 9:17 PM

2021-08-11T21:17:19-04:00

My husband had been in the Military, and when he got out I sure missed military life. Lived in a small town and started college. About 4 years later I told my sister in law I was going to talk to a recruiter. I did. I even took the test. Then I told my husband I wanted to go in the military, health field. He supported me , and I went in later in life at age 31. I loved it. Knew what to expect. Spent 5 years in and had to get out on medical. I never regretted any of it. I now volunteer for the VA with the Guitars for Vets Program. I give back. I am thankful for all my medic a l and Dental care. Thank you.

Response by PO2 Robert Griffin made Aug 11 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-08-11T21:20:31-04:00

The selective service. I lost my student deferment and did not want to be drafted and be sent to VN as infantry.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 9:21 PM

2021-08-11T21:21:50-04:00

A sweet talking recruiter in Florissant, Mo

Response by PO1 Shelly Hudson made Aug 11 at 2021 9:25 PM

2021-08-11T21:25:22-04:00

My husband. He served and thought the Navy would be a good fit for me also. Her wasn't wrong.

Response by PO3 Sam Rhoded made Aug 11 at 2021 9:26 PM

2021-08-11T21:26:34-04:00

My brother-n-law unknowingly convinced me to join.

Response by MSG Scott Berndt made Aug 11 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-08-11T21:30:00-04:00

My dad

Response by CPL Al Allen made Aug 11 at 2021 9:41 PM

2021-08-11T21:41:19-04:00

i was drafted in 1968

Response by HN Gerald Brown made Aug 11 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-08-11T21:47:36-04:00

I joined the Navy after I went to an ROTC event for Army ROTC. I did not enjoy it came back to school informed the LtCol that I was joining the Navy.
I always wanted to be an oceanographer so going from the army to the navy was easy! Much better bases on n the navy!

Response by SPC Anthony Barnes made Aug 11 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-08-11T21:47:47-04:00

Way to go

Response by MCPO William Richards made Aug 11 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-08-11T21:51:13-04:00

YNC Thomas Adams, USNR-R and also my civilian barber, influenced me to join the Navy Reserves

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Aug 11 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-08-11T21:56:44-04:00

My family, I come from a military family and it was all I ever wanted to do.

Response by SGT Linda Al-Omair made Aug 11 at 2021 9:57 PM

2021-08-11T21:57:57-04:00

An Army recruiter came to my high school government class. He explained benefits of signing up. The GI Bill really appealed me as did free medical, dental and 30 days paid vacation a year. I couldn't[ pass up such a great deal.

Response by SSG Kevin Rogers made Aug 11 at 2021 9:58 PM

2021-08-11T21:58:12-04:00

My two older brothers influenced me who was already active duty at the time

Response by SGT Geoffrey Godfrey made Aug 11 at 2021 9:58 PM

2021-08-11T21:58:51-04:00

I knew I was headed down a poor path. I convinced my widowed mother to sign the age waiver so I could get in early.

Response by PFC Bruce Brugel made Aug 11 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-08-11T21:59:28-04:00

My father

Response by SPC Bill Bailey made Aug 11 at 2021 10:02 PM

2021-08-11T22:02:40-04:00

No one, I enlisted to avoid the draft and get the specialty I wanted.

Response by SP5 Lawrence Bush made Aug 11 at 2021 10:04 PM

2021-08-11T22:04:34-04:00

drafted

Response by SSG Kevin Rogers made Aug 11 at 2021 10:04 PM

2021-08-11T22:04:47-04:00

My two older brothers who was already active duty at the time.

Response by SPC Rhonda Godlewski-Reese made Aug 11 at 2021 10:08 PM

2021-08-11T22:08:47-04:00

A man my mother dated who was kind to me. He made me feel like I wanted to be a hero too

Response by PO3 David Wise made Aug 11 at 2021 10:09 PM

2021-08-11T22:09:44-04:00

Friend from high school

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 11 at 2021 10:09 PM

2021-08-11T22:09:52-04:00

My draft notice reads: Your friends and neighbors have selected you to represent them in the armed forces. I checked with my friends and they denied it...

Response by MSgt Brian Luther made Aug 11 at 2021 10:10 PM

2021-08-11T22:10:38-04:00

My Dad was an Air Force Security Service SIGINTer back in the late 50s on the isle of Crete. He served 4 years. I blindly followed in his steps by joining the Air Force. He never talked about his job or any thing "Air Force." Little did I know the job I had was also a SIGINT position. I would later serve 21 years and whenever I saw Dad, there were winks and nods. I'm sure in his mind he knew what I was up to. He knew I was a part of something only those who took the oath can understand. For that, I am forever grateful!

Response by TSgt Noel Hubler made Aug 11 at 2021 10:15 PM

2021-08-11T22:15:48-04:00

My uncle Bud. So I spent 20 years in the Air Force.

Response by PO1 David M Burns made Aug 11 at 2021 10:16 PM

2021-08-11T22:16:36-04:00

Two Kansas City Police Officers in August, 1951 when I was fifteen!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 10:17 PM

2021-08-11T22:17:45-04:00

My Father. He was professional Air Force and the military life was all I knew. I had an amazing career.

Response by SPC Rudy Walton made Aug 11 at 2021 10:21 PM

2021-08-11T22:21:06-04:00

The day the twin towers went down was the day I knew I wanted to join and did!

Response by SN Katheryn Bermann made Aug 11 at 2021 10:21 PM

2021-08-11T22:21:51-04:00

My grandfather, a major in the red arrows in WWII

Response by LCpl Pastor Dan Brown made Aug 11 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-08-11T22:22:42-04:00

My Mother said why don't you join the Military.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Porcaro made Aug 11 at 2021 10:30 PM

2021-08-11T22:30:05-04:00

Didn't have any other way to pay for college.

Response by SPC Shira Avery made Aug 11 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-11T22:35:38-04:00

My dad wanted a son to follow in his footsteps and serve. They wouldn’t so I did - his only daughter.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2021 10:36 PM

2021-08-11T22:36:06-04:00

My ex-brother-in-law, Tom Strand. He was always a "big" brother to me and I looked up to him and since he was in the Air Force, I decided to join the Air Force too. We remained friends even after he and my sister divorced. He's been a "great" brother!

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Aug 11 at 2021 10:37 PM

2021-08-11T22:37:57-04:00

Although my Dad and my Uncles did influence me to join the military, I also joined so I wouldn't get drafted and sent to Viet Nam. But after a tour on a ship off the coast of Nam where I used to see all these River patrol boats and Swift Boats that I thought looked pretty cool so I ended up volunteering for River Boats. Real smart but sometimes Fun.

Response by Cpl Valentine Rangel made Aug 11 at 2021 10:48 PM

2021-08-11T22:48:43-04:00

Vietnam Combat Action Marine 1969-1970

Response by LCpl Raul Gonzalez made Aug 11 at 2021 11:02 PM

2021-08-11T23:02:07-04:00

I had a recruiter that would chase me around all over. he would go to my job, my school, and one day I told him if he wanted that interview to pick me up before I changed my mind...5 mins later he was outside my house and then I was in the office, next day I was taking a test in MEPS and signing a contract....I was supposed to just take the asvab....I was like eff it....and that is how I joined. lol all the way. ssgt rangel was laughing about my reaction to it.

Response by A1C Tonia Hopson made Aug 11 at 2021 11:02 PM

2021-08-11T23:02:23-04:00

My uncle who served in the military encouraged me to join

Response by SGT Donald Sweeney made Aug 11 at 2021 11:04 PM

2021-08-11T23:04:08-04:00

Worked up the courage myself

Response by LCpl Vincent Villegas made Aug 11 at 2021 11:09 PM

2021-08-11T23:09:16-04:00

The photo and film of the Marines raising the Flag on Iwo Jima . , and their unselfish sacrifice against the forces of evil ...

Response by SFC Dhana Belding made Aug 11 at 2021 11:27 PM

2021-08-11T23:27:03-04:00

Ronald Reagan
(Private Benjamin convinced me, it was for me

Response by SGT Linsey Anderson made Aug 11 at 2021 11:28 PM

2021-08-11T23:28:20-04:00

I took my boyfriend to the recruiter because he needed to do something with his life after dropping out of high school. I helped study for his GED, he passed the first time! We want to the recruiter and I liked the idea of joining the Army too. Long story short we broke up when he went to Korea and I went to Germany. Best accomplishment, and experience I ever had!

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made Aug 11 at 2021 11:31 PM

2021-08-11T23:31:56-04:00

They had a buddy system recruiting drive. My friend James told me about all the neat things we could do together in the Navy. They told us we'd go to boot camp together, A-school, and there was a good chance we could get on the same sub. None of that happened, and neither of us understood the only thing guaranteed in our contracts was the A-school we'd attend. We didn't even get the same boot camp. James finished his A-school and then they sent him to another A-school. They told him the MOS he wanted had no needs but this second A-school was for a critical MOS. I learned from that experience it's always a good idea to have a lawyer look over contracts and explain to you if what you thought it says, is actually how it should work. James was able to do his 20 years and retire. I fell on duty and broke a disc in my back and was discharged early. So we never got to serve a single day together.

Response by SGT Michael Brand made Aug 11 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-08-11T23:34:58-04:00

My dad (a WWII U.S. Army veteran) influenced me to join the military.

Response by Sgt Arthur LeTellier made Aug 11 at 2021 11:40 PM

2021-08-11T23:40:16-04:00

My family was Navy an all American one, and my heart was the biggest influence in joining. Air Force was my dreams and destination. Today as many of my brothers seem to be aging before me, we all still celebrate our American Flag, and defend It's well being. I love my Country and my Flag. God Bless the USA.

Response by SN Linda Costello made Aug 11 at 2021 11:47 PM

2021-08-11T23:47:36-04:00

My older brother joined the Navy and I followed him in, after I finished High School.
I looked up to him and lives him so much

Response by MSgt David Neal made Aug 12 at 2021 12:28 AM

2021-08-12T00:28:53-04:00

I consider my family a military family. When I enlisted we had 15 family members serving, so I would say my cousins was the greatest influence.

Response by Sgt Courtney Mockler made Aug 12 at 2021 12:30 AM

2021-08-12T00:30:11-04:00

My brothet

Response by Capt Susan Tripodi made Aug 12 at 2021 12:32 AM

2021-08-12T00:32:33-04:00

My great uncle wad Army Air Corp and my dad was Air Force.

Response by SGT Stephen Percell made Aug 12 at 2021 12:57 AM

2021-08-12T00:57:43-04:00

My brother.

Response by Cpl Gary Betts made Aug 12 at 2021 1:09 AM

2021-08-12T01:09:13-04:00

Uncle Sam - I got drafted

Response by SPC Dickie Waggoner made Aug 12 at 2021 1:20 AM

2021-08-12T01:20:00-04:00

For me it was more a what influenced me, but that was the movie Topgun. That is what influenced me

Response by 1st Lt Richard Gauthier made Aug 12 at 2021 1:27 AM

2021-08-12T01:27:36-04:00

My father E4 USAF and my first civilian Flight instructor O6 USAF retired.

Response by MAJ Darwin Feakes made Aug 12 at 2021 1:38 AM

2021-08-12T01:38:21-04:00

I was following my family all my uncles were in the service and 2 of my brothers.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Aug 12 at 2021 1:39 AM

2021-08-12T01:39:25-04:00

every man in my family has served at least as far back as WWI. I just thank God I was lucky enough to serve in one of the rare times of no wars.

Response by SP5 Ed McCoy made Aug 12 at 2021 1:54 AM

2021-08-12T01:54:21-04:00

the judge! go to jail or join army.

Response by Capt Norman Hammar made Aug 12 at 2021 1:57 AM

2021-08-12T01:57:05-04:00

Uncle Sam draft

Response by SPC David Hill made Aug 12 at 2021 2:18 AM

2021-08-12T02:18:32-04:00

My father. He taught me how the military changed him and how it secure his future. Best decision I ever made.

Response by SPC Joseph Weiss made Aug 12 at 2021 2:23 AM

2021-08-12T02:23:25-04:00

A Recruiter

Response by PO3 Donna Vaughan made Aug 12 at 2021 2:25 AM

2021-08-12T02:25:23-04:00

The week I graduated college in 1978, I convinced my oldest sister to take me to the West Berlin, NJ, USN recruiter. My father was WWII Army Infantry (carbine) and earned a bronze star. All his siblings were USMC Officers. My one brother, as we found out when he died, was Green Beret. My other brother was a RM on the U.S.S. AMERICA(CVA66), last tour 1967, Tonkin Gulf, had a Russian trawler tossing apples on their deck. I met and married my husband at boot camp in Orlando, Fl, in the little chapel on base. I started black shoe, he was a MM, Nuke power sub(SSN-704), plank owner. I transitioned to admin aviation at a rag unit VA-42, then MdANG 135th TAG out of Baltimore, MD, just south of Aberdeen. My daughter then went onto marry an S.A.S. sniper out of York, U.K. Second generation S.A.S., his father wore black and repelled down the London Embassy in May, 1980.

Response by Sgt Eric Butler made Aug 12 at 2021 2:55 AM

2021-08-12T02:55:47-04:00

I didn't know why I joined at the time. But in retrospect, the Marine Corps was the natural progression from how I was raised. Uncompromising hierarchy, no talking back, no love, wear the same clothes every day, life is a bitch then you die. But the food was better than home, that I didn't expect.

Response by CPL Michael Peck made Aug 12 at 2021 3:26 AM

2021-08-12T03:26:56-04:00

Both Grandfathers who served in WWII and Korea. My Father who served in Vietnam. I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make them proud.

Response by LCpl Thomas Mahoney made Aug 12 at 2021 4:05 AM

2021-08-12T04:05:56-04:00

Had to get away from my girlfriend,so I joined the Marines,spent two tours in Vietnam and was fortunate enough to make it homw.

Response by SPC John Thomas made Aug 12 at 2021 5:10 AM

2021-08-12T05:10:16-04:00

I was restless at seventeen Enlisted in Mar of 1969.

Response by SPC John Thomas made Aug 12 at 2021 5:18 AM

2021-08-12T05:18:29-04:00

Young and adventurous.

Response by MSgt Dwayne Dunham Sr made Aug 12 at 2021 5:29 AM

2021-08-12T05:29:05-04:00

Know my father served gave me the desire to serve

Response by Pvt SanJuana Méndez made Aug 12 at 2021 5:32 AM

2021-08-12T05:32:22-04:00

In a sense, Andrew Montaño (Montanio on Virtual Wall) can be credited for my having enlisted.

I was visiting his buddy Robert Martínez' sister when the 2 proudly announced they had dropped out (high school juniors) & enlisted in USMC. I'd noticed that Hispanic dropouts enlisting in the Corps were more apt to be sent to Vietnam, & tried to discourage these young men from making fatal decision. Andrew dismissed my warning, saying he & Robert had already been sworn in.

As I entered mom & pop store I was working at 8 months later, his picture caught my attention. I stopped just long enough to learn he'd become a Vietnam War statistic 6 Aug 1969.

Several months later, as classmates compared plans for what they'd be doing when we graduated in the spring, it occurred to me that all I'd focused on was things to do DURING my senior yr: continue role as care provider for siblings so our mom could support us, try to maintain passing grades, work after school to reduce my mom's burden by supporting myself. Having no other preparation than child care, housekeeping & food service, PLUS wanting to earn higher education while remaining independent of my mom's support, I decided to let "Uncle Sam" provide the means to attain my goals. As I arrived at that determination, simultaneously thought, what better way to honor Andrew's memory!

Response by TSgt Stanley Morris made Aug 12 at 2021 5:51 AM

2021-08-12T05:51:40-04:00

The draft and the war in Vietnam was what prompted me to enlist in the United State Air Force in August of 1966, I went on to make it a career.

Response by SPC Matt Crawford made Aug 12 at 2021 6:02 AM

2021-08-12T06:02:46-04:00

Family Tradition, have serving family back to the Civil War,Uncle was at Midway, and most of my large family of brothers and sisters have served.

Response by SFC Suzanne Toole made Aug 12 at 2021 6:08 AM

2021-08-12T06:08:40-04:00

My neighbor who is father of children I babysat.

Response by SSG Wayne Watts made Aug 12 at 2021 6:20 AM

2021-08-12T06:20:52-04:00

I had many members of my family had joined over the years so I wanted to be with them. I also wanted to fight for my country.

Response by PO1 Alex Newcomer made Aug 12 at 2021 6:33 AM

2021-08-12T06:33:18-04:00

JAPAN

Response by PO3 Richard Kreiner made Aug 12 at 2021 6:39 AM

2021-08-12T06:39:54-04:00

I come from a long line of people that have served. I knew I wanted to join because of my Grandfather and my 6 other uncles who served in Army/Navy/Airforce.

Response by CWO3 Kris Balcom made Aug 12 at 2021 7:04 AM

2021-08-12T07:04:34-04:00

My family as a whole inspired me to join the military. My mom, dad, uncle, and grandfather all served. I wanted to be able to follow in their footsteps and at the same time forge my own path.

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made Aug 12 at 2021 7:13 AM

2021-08-12T07:13:11-04:00

My Dad, he was a career NCO in the Army, he served in both WWII & Korea and retired in 1959 after 23 years of service. He gave me a good understanding of military life, both pros & cons.

Response by Amanda Schroeder made Aug 12 at 2021 7:22 AM

2021-08-12T07:22:36-04:00

Parents

Response by LTC Diane Csrnko made Aug 12 at 2021 7:41 AM

2021-08-12T07:41:09-04:00

My Dad was a Marine and my Mom was a Navy nurse and I greatly respected them both!

Response by Sgt Steven Boone made Aug 12 at 2021 7:45 AM

2021-08-12T07:45:02-04:00

I myself made my decision to enlist. I knew I was headed down the wrong road, and if I didn't change my ways, I would of died or spent my life behind bars, I knew the military would change me! And it did!

Response by SGT Debra Craig made Aug 12 at 2021 8:05 AM

2021-08-12T08:05:29-04:00

My nephew.

Response by SPC Patrick Davis made Aug 12 at 2021 8:06 AM

2021-08-12T08:06:18-04:00

My recruiter stopped me and asked if I wanted a job. I needed money so I said sure. Didn't know what I was getting myself into...

Response by CPT Victor Poland made Aug 12 at 2021 8:06 AM

2021-08-12T08:06:20-04:00

My dad who was a Vietnam Veteran and Army Reservist for many years.

Response by SCPO Robert Bishop made Aug 12 at 2021 8:10 AM

2021-08-12T08:10:43-04:00

My mother. She saw me heading down a path that was not good for my future. Not drugs or crime just bouncing from job to job state to state looking for something I enjoyed. She knew me better than I knew myself. A Navy recruiter I spoke to before i graduated HS called our house in Ohio looking for me. I was in Arizona laying brick at night (too hot during the day) she said she would have me stop by the office next week. The next thing I know a friend had packed my stuff and handed me a bus ticket she had sent. With a short one way conversation he was dropping me off at the bus station. I arrived in Hamilton, Oh a couple days later and joined the Navy. 24 yrs later I am now retired and working as an engineer. Thanks Mom.

Response by LCDR Ralph Comp made Aug 12 at 2021 8:14 AM

2021-08-12T08:14:27-04:00

No one

Response by SGT Greg Sanders made Aug 12 at 2021 8:16 AM

2021-08-12T08:16:19-04:00

The wrong reason, but ended up being the best decision I made.

Response by 1LT Eddie Smith made Aug 12 at 2021 8:19 AM

2021-08-12T08:19:35-04:00

I was drafted

Response by PO2 Roy Smock made Aug 12 at 2021 8:23 AM

2021-08-12T08:23:06-04:00

Carmi, Il. Police Cheif Bill Sharp. I was rather at loose ends and headed for trouble after hgih school. He was a retired Navy veteran. I think he ended up in Oklahoma City. Owe him a lot but doubt he remembers. We never had contact after I left. As is often the case, my regrets are not what I've done but what I didn't do. That's one of them

Response by SrA William Hull made Aug 12 at 2021 8:28 AM

2021-08-12T08:28:15-04:00

My Father, WWII Navy Vet.

Response by SrA Kale Poor made Aug 12 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-08-12T08:29:08-04:00

My mom got terminal cancer so she couldn't cosign my college loans anymore. That led to me joining the military to complete college. I now have a bachelor's in anthropology and a bachelor's in biochemistry all thanks to the military.

Response by SPC Paul Smith made Aug 12 at 2021 8:30 AM

2021-08-12T08:30:15-04:00

My grandad. He was in the royal British army as a Tanker in Africa in ww2

Response by CDR John Cicio made Aug 12 at 2021 8:38 AM

2021-08-12T08:38:56-04:00

Uncle Sam convinced me when I got a "1A" draft classification!

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Aug 12 at 2021 8:42 AM

2021-08-12T08:42:15-04:00

Veit Nam. My draft number was 44, so I thought I would have a better chance to get the training I wanted and maybe not go. I ended up in Panama Central America for 2 1/2 years.

Response by PO3 Matt Holt made Aug 12 at 2021 8:44 AM

2021-08-12T08:44:04-04:00

needed to get out of hometown

Response by PFC Bryan Calvert made Aug 12 at 2021 8:44 AM

2021-08-12T08:44:32-04:00

My Dads father is retired Navy. My mothers father is retired Army and Airforce. My father served about 7 years Army and retired working for Navy working on nuclear powered ships and submarines. I felt it was my duty to do my part and serve our country and fight for the ones who could not fight for themselves; freedom is definitely not free. I love my country!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 8:50 AM

2021-08-12T08:50:47-04:00

Watching the movie Gettysburg and Chamberlain's Charge! Later on my decision was validated at WLC when in the manual under leadership there was the story of Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Gettysburg.

Response by CPO Mark Gillikin Sr made Aug 12 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-08-12T08:55:50-04:00

It was really an easy choice for me to make. The military draft was coming the next day. I wanted to choose what branch of the military I was going to be in.

Response by PO1 Ernie Payne made Aug 12 at 2021 8:57 AM

2021-08-12T08:57:06-04:00

Someone stole my textbooks and I had just turned 17 and a HS senior. I did not tell my parents, they could not afford new books. The next morning, instead of going to school, I went to the Army recruiter. Army had a long line, but next door was the Navy and the recruiter sat alone at his desk; no line. I explained my situation and he signed me up. I was two weeks into my seventeenth year, and my parents quickly signed my excuse. Three days later I was on a train bound for The Great Lakes. I did ten years. This choice was almost the best decision of my life. My wife was the first.

Response by SSgt Mignon Johnson made Aug 12 at 2021 9:10 AM

2021-08-12T09:10:14-04:00

I pushed myself! Didn't see anything good coming from staying in my same environment! Wanted something more!

Response by SGT Michael Buckley made Aug 12 at 2021 9:10 AM

2021-08-12T09:10:31-04:00

The community I grew up in. I knew there had to be a better life and it wasn't where I was. I knew my only path to that better life was the military.

Response by SPC Raymond Allen made Aug 12 at 2021 9:18 AM

2021-08-12T09:18:33-04:00

My inspo came from my Dad. He was in the Army for 12 years before getting medically discharged. I knew college really wasn't an option, so I wanted to get out of dodge after HS.

Response by PO3 Gerald Lacy made Aug 12 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-08-12T09:24:10-04:00

Primarily my need for training, but what weighed on my mind for 3yrs was a gentleman J. Mankiller once told me "One regret I have in this life, was I never joined the military just to experience what it was actually like". I believe he meant more of the combat experience, I chose Navy Electronics.

Response by Capt Ray Brosterhous made Aug 12 at 2021 9:26 AM

2021-08-12T09:26:23-04:00

My WWII Seabee father.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Aug 12 at 2021 9:26 AM

2021-08-12T09:26:26-04:00

There are many reasons that influenced my decision to enlist in the Army. I applied to all the utility companies in my area, and all of them told me to get my military service behind me and then reapply. My father served in the Navy in WWII along with several uncles, and they encouraged me to enlist and serve my country. I was a wild and crazy guy, with an uncertain future, so, looking back over the many years since I enlisted, I know that I made the right choice.

Response by Amn Shellee Fyock - Delio made Aug 12 at 2021 9:37 AM

2021-08-12T09:37:15-04:00

My brother who was active duty Air Force.

Response by SFC James Newlands made Aug 12 at 2021 9:38 AM

2021-08-12T09:38:55-04:00

The nice lady who ran the local draft board in Swampscott, MA. who sent me a letter I got Christmas Eve 1965. I went and talked with the recruiters the following Monday. Choice not Chance as we said back then.

Response by Sgt Linda Brady made Aug 12 at 2021 9:45 AM

2021-08-12T09:45:18-04:00

My Marine Corps Mom and Dad! My heroes!!!

Response by Sgt Paula Bright made Aug 12 at 2021 9:46 AM

2021-08-12T09:46:23-04:00

Guys in my class were running from joining due to Iran embassy hostage situation, and I didn’t want to go to college or work at a shirt factory so I enlisted.

Response by PO2 Gerald Oliver made Aug 12 at 2021 9:50 AM

2021-08-12T09:50:17-04:00

My High School classmate enlisted in the Navy after graduation. I visited him while he was in boot camp and decided to enlist. He had enlisted with electronics as his goal and I did the same. He went to ET school and I went to FT school and continued to submarine school. My time in the Navy was more than I hoped for and influenced my life after as a civilian.

Response by Sgt James Kaluhiokalani made Aug 12 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-08-12T09:57:02-04:00

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington.

Response by SSG Kerry Birch (Little) made Aug 12 at 2021 9:59 AM

2021-08-12T09:59:35-04:00

My Dad! He was in the service. He told me I was physically and mentally strong enough to handle it, so I did. My Grandfather also was a WWII veteran, I looked up to him. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Response by FN Arthur Lepri made Aug 12 at 2021 10:02 AM

2021-08-12T10:02:36-04:00

I was drafted!

Response by SSG L Taylor made Aug 12 at 2021 10:04 AM

2021-08-12T10:04:29-04:00

I was looking for a life that had more to offer than the Trailer Park. I tried to join after dropping out of high school in the 10th grade but Uncle Sam wouldn't take me because I didn't have a GED. I worked on getting my GED and tried again, this time I wasn't accepted because the entry requirements changed and I needed an actual High School Diploma. With my attempts crushed I continued with entry level construction type jobs. One day my friend told me his brother joined the Army and I thought (wow, they wanted him but not me?) He told me I should go talk to his recruiter because he claimed to be able to get anyone in the Army. Turns out he was right. This was the beginning era of the Gulf War and Uncle Sam was increasing his numbers (I didn't realize this until the end of AIT when I had an award to wear on my uniform already) Now here I am with a Masters degree in Education, how ironic.

Response by LCpl Anthony Kuhn Sr made Aug 12 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-08-12T10:11:36-04:00

My older brother, who was on recruiter duty at the time.

Response by 1SG Brian Emmert made Aug 12 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-08-12T10:11:40-04:00

That is a simple question but the answer is way more complicated. I was influenced by all my ancestors who fought in some capacity since the American Revolution. Some are documented in history books, some in family history. I even got to know and talk to a number of them. Duty. Honor. Country.

Response by 1LT David Wood made Aug 12 at 2021 10:14 AM

2021-08-12T10:14:29-04:00

My ROTC staff and "mini-camp" at UCSB. Was totally disinterested in the military before that.

Response by SGT Roman Zelez made Aug 12 at 2021 10:21 AM

2021-08-12T10:21:38-04:00

As a child I always wanted to be a soldier, it was my life's ambition

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Aug 12 at 2021 10:26 AM

2021-08-12T10:26:27-04:00

Circumstances, I needed a way to pay for college

Response by SR Raymond Davis made Aug 12 at 2021 10:34 AM

2021-08-12T10:34:40-04:00

WWII, I was 17 had to get my mom to sign papers for me to serve. It was my duty to defend the country I loved so much. I served in the US Coast Guard. 1944-1946

Response by SPC Shannon Wagner made Aug 12 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-08-12T10:40:31-04:00

Every generation of my family has served. However, my stepdad, Army Officer, probably influenced me the most. I needed college money and to get my life on track

Response by LCpl Dale Marcum made Aug 12 at 2021 10:46 AM

2021-08-12T10:46:53-04:00

The Draft....I was eligible for the draft and knew if I joined I at least could choose the occupation I would be in...Vietnam made choosing very important....

Response by MGySgt Bob Willis made Aug 12 at 2021 10:55 AM

2021-08-12T10:55:06-04:00

I read an article about the Marine Corps in high school and was influenced by two Marines I knew who graduated ahead of me and joined the Marine Corps. They returned to the school and impressed me with their change.

Response by SPC David Bradshaw made Aug 12 at 2021 11:07 AM

2021-08-12T11:07:23-04:00

Did it myself

Response by SSgt Mike Jester made Aug 12 at 2021 11:08 AM

2021-08-12T11:08:20-04:00

My father was a major influence in my decision to serve. He loved his country and served for 20 years in the Navy. I took the oath because of his great example.

Response by SSG Hayward Carter made Aug 12 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-12T11:14:03-04:00

My Uncle was WWII Army Veteran that talked me into joining the Army during Vietnam War.

Response by PO2 Kenneth Farmer made Aug 12 at 2021 11:19 AM

2021-08-12T11:19:26-04:00

My high school football buddy Mike Crocker talked me into joining with him under the buddy plan.

Response by SP5 Jack Kniate made Aug 12 at 2021 11:22 AM

2021-08-12T11:22:47-04:00

President John F Kennedy who was injured when PT 109 was hit. His saying stuck with me to this day. " Ask not what your country can do for but what you can do for your country."

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 11:23 AM

2021-08-12T11:23:57-04:00

My college girlfriend, who's now my wife and daily supports my military career.

Response by SP5 Isabel Samaniego made Aug 12 at 2021 11:30 AM

2021-08-12T11:30:48-04:00

I loved the Military and should of stayed and retired, but I guess it wasn’t in the cards, I did do 12 years in Reserve and went to Desert Storm, from Sept. to end of July.

Response by SFC Alvie Davis made Aug 12 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-08-12T11:36:04-04:00

My dad and his brothers, and my uncles on my mom's side, were all in the military.

Response by SGT Jeffrey Wells made Aug 12 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-08-12T11:37:44-04:00

My paternal Grandfather was a career Navy man who was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked, and was on 5 ships that were sunk during WWII. My Father served in the Air Force, and his brother served in the Navy. These men heavily influenced my decision to serve my country.

Response by Capt Ron Jr Frakes made Aug 12 at 2021 11:40 AM

2021-08-12T11:40:25-04:00

My Uncle Colonel Roche Zefo. He is gone now.

Response by PO1 Ronald Slay made Aug 12 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-08-12T11:42:53-04:00

Uncle Sugar

Response by Lt Col Robert Seligmann made Aug 12 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-08-12T11:46:48-04:00

Vietnam Era draft

Response by SPC Anthony Barrera made Aug 12 at 2021 11:54 AM

2021-08-12T11:54:13-04:00

my Uncle Joe, he was a field wireman in the Marines during the Vietnam era so when i enlisted in the Army in 72 I requested and was a field wireman

Response by PFC George Robertson made Aug 12 at 2021 11:54 AM

2021-08-12T11:54:40-04:00

Response by SPC Trina Davis made Aug 12 at 2021 12:00 PM

2021-08-12T12:00:32-04:00

Me - I wanted adventure and travel.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Aug 12 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-08-12T12:06:59-04:00

My dad, from his WWII experience guided me to the AF instead of water duty with the Navy or sleeping in the mud with Army/Marines.

Response by SPC Gary Gibson made Aug 12 at 2021 12:12 PM

2021-08-12T12:12:01-04:00

Joining was never a question. My always just assumed I would join the Army. Just like all my family for generations.

Response by SPC Daniel Minjarez made Aug 12 at 2021 12:13 PM

2021-08-12T12:13:18-04:00

The recruiter. Very persistent. Very impressive E-7 with Ranger tab and jump wings. He laid out all the benefits. No BS. I felt his nobility and honor. This was 1984.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Aug 12 at 2021 12:15 PM

2021-08-12T12:15:07-04:00

my grandfather served in WWI in France on the front lines and my dad WWII, Korea and Veitnam vet. They instilled a strong sense of patriotism, service to country and family in me.

Response by SGT Larry Holland made Aug 12 at 2021 12:37 PM

2021-08-12T12:37:00-04:00

High school ROTC

Response by SPC Claude Millhouse made Aug 12 at 2021 12:51 PM

2021-08-12T12:51:00-04:00

motivated myself

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Aug 12 at 2021 12:55 PM

2021-08-12T12:55:11-04:00

My brother. It was the summer before my senior year and he was home on leave. I didn't know what I wanted to do after high school. He told me to go in HR so I wouldn't get deployed, he was Infantry. My first assignment I ended up in Armored Cav and was deployed to Desert Storm.

Response by PO3 John McCartney made Aug 12 at 2021 12:58 PM

2021-08-12T12:58:59-04:00

It was my father. He joined at 17, at first with the Army, serving as an MP in post-war Berlin.
After discharge, he eventually joined the Navy, serving as an ET on the USS Missouri during the Korean War.

Response by GySgt Katy Bowen-Brazell made Aug 12 at 2021 1:00 PM

2021-08-12T13:00:28-04:00

I decided I wanted to support my country in a meaningful way. I joined the Marines to do so.

Response by SSG Renee Deramus made Aug 12 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-08-12T13:03:01-04:00

I needed employment. I kept influencing myself until I retired. It was great!

Response by PO3 Ken Wright made Aug 12 at 2021 1:20 PM

2021-08-12T13:20:44-04:00

It was my future wife who encouraged me, but the real individual was my unborn first daughter. She inadvertently influenced me by making me make a harsh decision to ensure that I could provide and care for her.

Response by Capt Sylvia DeBorger made Aug 12 at 2021 1:38 PM

2021-08-12T13:38:49-04:00

It was the recruiter who convinced me to join the Air Force. He was amazing!

Response by Capt Sylvia DeBorger made Aug 12 at 2021 1:40 PM

2021-08-12T13:40:08-04:00

It was the recruiter. He was amazing!

Response by LCpl Richard Lally made Aug 12 at 2021 1:47 PM

2021-08-12T13:47:57-04:00

Sgt. George Taylor who played on our softball was my recruiter stationed on Fordham Road in the Bronx

Response by MSgt Joseph Haynes made Aug 12 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-08-12T13:57:04-04:00

I always knew I'd join the military. My father was in the Army Reserves but never talked with me about joining. His only requirement when I joined was NOT joining the Army, so I joined the USAF. My recruiter did more for me to join than my did; he took me to get my driver's license. I used his own truck for my driving test while my dad was at work.

Response by Cpl Arielle Corbett made Aug 12 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-08-12T13:57:16-04:00

My parents influenced me to join the military

Response by TSgt Wehart Hosea made Aug 12 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-08-12T14:14:07-04:00

I wanted to from the 9th grade and signed up during my Senior Year with my parents signature. Less than a year later I was in Basic Training. Have never regretted it!

Response by PO3 Darla Salmons made Aug 12 at 2021 2:37 PM

2021-08-12T14:37:46-04:00

At the age of 22 I decided it was time to "get out of town" my home town had nothing to offer and I had no real inspiration or motivation. I didn't want to go to school (college) I had no one mentoring me for any other options, so I went to visit my local recruiter. My brother went along saying he might want to join as well. Unfortunately he had some legal troubles and could not but I passed the exams and was accepted. The rest is history and some of the best times of my life

Response by FA Jackie Schlageter made Aug 12 at 2021 2:38 PM

2021-08-12T14:38:13-04:00

I would say that my Father was the reason that I joined the Navy. It was in 1969 and I made it known that I wanted to Join. My father was really upset and said NO (I was only 18). Then later in that year a co-worker of my fathers said he was sending his son to Canada to keep him from being drafted. MY father was furious. He told him that his Daughter was joining the Navy so his sorry A*** son could run and hide from his duty to the service. I was allowed to join in January just before my 19th birthday

Response by SGT Sergio Zepeda made Aug 12 at 2021 2:42 PM

2021-08-12T14:42:33-04:00

No one I was drafted in the army, but I like it and I ending re- enlisted again and again.

Response by LCpl Bonnie Sauve made Aug 12 at 2021 3:22 PM

2021-08-12T15:22:43-04:00

Since Kindergarten, I’ve always wanted to be a US Marine. My uncle Noah Sauvé, was in the Carlson Raider team. He was my family’s hero, he was a Marine. When he saw me in my dress blues for the first time, he cried.

Response by PO2 John Gorzik made Aug 12 at 2021 3:27 PM

2021-08-12T15:27:43-04:00

Vietnam. I joined the Coast Guard for 4years (instead of 2 if drafted). Still went to Vietnam!!

Response by PFC Terry Newell made Aug 12 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-08-12T15:58:25-04:00

My Grandfather was a World War One (1) Veteran and Uncles that were in World War Two (2) and one that was in Vietnam. Also my Brother was in the Navy and a Cousin that was Army. It kinda runs in the Family.

Response by TSgt Susan Overton made Aug 12 at 2021 4:25 PM

2021-08-12T16:25:01-04:00

My Father served in the USAF during Vietnam, my husband and I are retired USAF after 20 years that included Desert Storm. Ok here's the hat trick; our 3 kids all proudly served the USAF during 3 deployments each to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. LOL. When our family comes together we proudly share stories of military life and awesome travels. Oh did I mention that we have seven 7 grandkids? Our clan gathers to listen intently to everyone's military lives. Oh I wonder if there will be a forth
gen ...

Response by TSgt Carter Goth made Aug 12 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-08-12T16:33:40-04:00

My father convinced me to join the Air Force. He served in the Amy Air Corps during WWII and said that was the best service to go to.

Response by A1C Kenneth Mizelle made Aug 12 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-12T16:45:17-04:00

My brother

Response by SPC Les Darbison made Aug 12 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-08-12T16:47:33-04:00

All of my WWII uncles and my father. I decided to join to earn and learn a trade. And that worked out for me. I made a career out of the training and confidence I received from being in the US Army.

Response by PO2 John Robishaw made Aug 12 at 2021 5:24 PM

2021-08-12T17:24:06-04:00

my uncle advised me to join the National Guard as he was a young Artillery Lieutenant and the Viet Nam war was still killing American youth. My dad had just died and being drafted would have killed my mother as I was the only son and oldest child. When war was over I joined Coast guard reserve and did a total of 21 years.

Response by LCDR Diane Neff made Aug 12 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-08-12T17:53:47-04:00

Everyone in my hometown who didn't have a dream to see the world.

Response by SGT Ronald Peter made Aug 12 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-08-12T17:53:58-04:00

I got drafted in 11-66. I liked the. structure and organization of the Army and re-enlisted.

Response by SFC Edward Ermey made Aug 12 at 2021 5:55 PM

2021-08-12T17:55:55-04:00

It was what I knew, I wanted to do since high school.
And made a career out of the Army. I am glad I made that choice, and after retiring more so.

Response by SP5 Donald Thornton made Aug 12 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-08-12T18:04:45-04:00

The county sheriff. 1969, good thing too.

Response by SPC Martin Mahan made Aug 12 at 2021 6:06 PM

2021-08-12T18:06:52-04:00

Didn't have much choice. After a disagreement with the step mother, I came home to an Army recruiter waiting on the couch after school. It was 2 weeks after my 17th birthday as a Junior in High School. Dad told me it was that, or $50 and he would drop me off at the LA bus terminal and I was "on my own".

Response by SPC Ramon Flores made Aug 12 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-08-12T18:08:39-04:00

I always want to join the military as a kid seeing my dad working on the flight line. He just encourage me not to join the Air Force but to join the Army.

Response by LCDR Gordon Lane made Aug 12 at 2021 6:16 PM

2021-08-12T18:16:23-04:00

The local draft board. I didn’t want to get drafted so I joined. Best thing I have ever done.

Response by CPO Arthur Mann made Aug 12 at 2021 6:19 PM

2021-08-12T18:19:25-04:00

Myself I Wanted Training ,Travel And out Of The Poor Area I Was In

Response by SGT James Johnson made Aug 12 at 2021 6:30 PM

2021-08-12T18:30:26-04:00

My father a Bataan death march surviver

Response by PFC Johna Kushner made Aug 12 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-12T18:32:07-04:00

I just decided to enlist. There was nothing that was going to give me the experience without spending a lot of money for college or trade school.

Response by PV2 Chris Ketchum made Aug 12 at 2021 6:39 PM

2021-08-12T18:39:10-04:00

I had wanted to enlist since I was a young boy but, it was the smooth words of my recruiter that swayed me from the Army to the National Guard.

Response by MAJ Karen Wall made Aug 12 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-12T18:40:25-04:00

COL Richard Sparks, Rev War; Garrett Wall, War of 1812; COL Brisben Wall (Union), Gettysburg; MAJ William Wall, USMA and War Against the Seminoles and War with Mexico; MAJ Jesse James Brisben Wall, Spanish-American War, WWI; GEN Edward Martin, WWI; TSGT Edward S. Wall, WWII-Korea-Viet Nam; CPL Scott Wall Coleman, Viet Nam; CPT John Wall, Rev War; PVT James Sparks, Rev War; Benjamin Sparks, Rev War; Isaac Wall, Rev War........I think you get the idea :-)! Born with my boots on and destined to join the family business. HUAH!

Response by SFC Zena Taylor-Reid made Aug 12 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-08-12T18:44:25-04:00

Yes, I had two uncles who joined the military during Vietnam Era. They joined the Marines and I joined the Army.
Plus, I was from a small town in Texas and I knew that joining would change my life for the better.

Response by SFC James Kennedy made Aug 12 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-08-12T18:44:47-04:00

I think the main person would be my Dad-26 years in the Air Force. But I decided to follow my Brother's choice of the Army...24 years....Loved every minute of it.

Response by PO2 Stephen Bonelli made Aug 12 at 2021 6:47 PM

2021-08-12T18:47:53-04:00

I wanted to do my military obligation.
I was inspired by my father and my high school guidance counselor.

Response by SSG Robert Best made Aug 12 at 2021 6:50 PM

2021-08-12T18:50:42-04:00

My father who volunteered during the draft.

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Aug 12 at 2021 6:55 PM

2021-08-12T18:55:17-04:00

I INFLUENCED MY SELF FRESH OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL TOOK ME OFF THE STREET.
GOING TO BE DRAFTED SIX MONTH LATER MY DRAFT CAME UP.

Response by SPC Rudy Gunardi made Aug 12 at 2021 6:58 PM

2021-08-12T18:58:39-04:00

Me, myself, and I.

Response by MSgt Michael Cronin made Aug 12 at 2021 7:31 PM

2021-08-12T19:31:16-04:00

Poor economy and future.

Response by CMDCM David Johnsen made Aug 12 at 2021 7:31 PM

2021-08-12T19:31:54-04:00

My older brother, Bud, who was a Navy vet escorted me to the recruiting office.

Response by MSG Jacqueline Case made Aug 12 at 2021 7:56 PM

2021-08-12T19:56:58-04:00

My cousin who enlisted and went to BCT the summer she graduated from high school (1981). Thirty plus years later I have no regrets. Its one of the best decisions I’ve made so far.

Response by Sgt Bob Barr made Aug 12 at 2021 7:58 PM

2021-08-12T19:58:56-04:00

No one. It was either join the Air Force or get drafted during the Vietnam Conflict.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Aug 12 at 2021 8:03 PM

2021-08-12T20:03:50-04:00

my Dad, a WWI vet

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Aug 12 at 2021 8:14 PM

2021-08-12T20:14:09-04:00

Myself

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Aug 12 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-12T20:16:45-04:00

I enlisted in the New Mexico Air National Guard on 28 January 1960, halfway through my freshman year at the University of New Mexico. I had joined the AFROTC program at the university at the beginning of my first semester and was motivated to explore the national guard option as a means of acquiring experience and also establishing longevity if I became commissioned later on. The Guard unit at Kirtland AFB was then flying the F-100A Super Saber fighter and I was attracted by the flying mission as well as the chance to serve part time. Prior to starting at University of New Mexico I had explored Naval ROTC but could not qualify for the scholarship program due to my eyesight. Air Force was a strong second choice, and my enlistment led to a long career as a Guardsman, as an Air Force active officer and as a Reserve officer in the Air Force Reserve component. For pay purposes I served 31 "good" years, ten of which were on extended active duty. I am a veteran of Air Defense Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Training Command and Strategic Air Command from those years. As service in the AF Reserve included five years in a unit gained by Military Airlift Command. I have never regretted my decision to become associated with the Air Force. I served in Japan, Vietnam and on Guam with travel as a Reservist to Belgium and the Persian Gulf, so service considerably broadened my horizons. And I would not trade the many friendships I had as an Airman and as an Air Force officer. My retirement in 1993 came just short of my mandatory retirement date.

Response by Sgt Norm Bailey made Aug 12 at 2021 8:38 PM

2021-08-12T20:38:09-04:00

my grandfather

Response by SPC Kenneth James made Aug 12 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-08-12T20:40:48-04:00

To be totally honest I was getting ready to have a son right out of high school and had no real skills and all of a sudden I wanted to be a adult to take care of that son so I guess you can say a child coming into the world my world

Response by LCpl Michael Marinkovich made Aug 12 at 2021 8:56 PM

2021-08-12T20:56:23-04:00

I decided rather than being drafted to become a Marine.I had some older friend who joined and i followed there footsteps.

Response by SSG Deborah Young made Aug 12 at 2021 9:27 PM

2021-08-12T21:27:46-04:00

my little sister and because I could not afford college

Response by SPC Will Thorson made Aug 12 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-08-12T21:30:31-04:00

No one did. I joined because i wanted to. Kinda a lineage thing. My dad served 27 years in the air force. I made the mistake of going infantry. Lol. Not necessarily the job, but as a 49 year old, my body sucks. But i did fir the most part enjoy serving. I'd do it again in a heart beat but go air force myself. Haha

Response by PO2 Robert Archambault made Aug 12 at 2021 9:49 PM

2021-08-12T21:49:05-04:00

Who influenced me ? ... Uncle Sam !!! Back when there was a draft (VIetnam Era). I was invited to the induction center where they found that I was wearing dental braces. They diefered me, BUT contacted my dentist. Four days after the braces were taken off, I got a letter inviting me back to the induction center for a new evaluation. Four days after THAT physical, I got a letter requesting my presence back at the induction center - not for a physical, but to take an all expenses paid vacation at some US Army base, beginning in one week. My dad had been a sailor. Two days later ... so was I.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Aug 12 at 2021 9:53 PM

2021-08-12T21:53:47-04:00

In all actuality, I influenced myself to take the oath. Thought it was the right thing to do and I wanted to be apart of something as well as defend the country whether it be 2 or 20 years.

Response by CPO Al West made Aug 12 at 2021 10:07 PM

2021-08-12T22:07:10-04:00

i LOVED THE SAILOR UNIFORM

Response by CPO John Moore made Aug 12 at 2021 10:14 PM

2021-08-12T22:14:24-04:00

No one influenced me. I had just graduated from high school, was working on the farm. One day at noon these two marine recruiters pulled up in the yard got out of thei8r vehicle and we started talking. These were the first military recruiters that I had seen in my life, they talked to me for an hour, so when they told me I could join the marines for two years I said fine with me. went to boot camp at Parris Island SC and AIt Training at camp NC from there I was sent to NAS Iwakuni Japan. I was in the marine for one year and ten months, got a two-month cut. the marine will always be my favorite service as I was in three total

Response by SPC Mattie White made Aug 12 at 2021 10:29 PM

2021-08-12T22:29:52-04:00

I decided to join the WACS to take advantage of the vocational trainings; educational benefits and meet new people.

Response by SSG Donald Campbell made Aug 12 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-08-12T22:34:51-04:00

LB Johnson, a letter from the president.

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Aug 12 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-12T22:35:34-04:00

I was a sailor, on submarines. I was inexhorably influenced to join the military, not by one person, but several.

My father was an army master sergeant in WWII. That was just yesterday from the perspective of a kid my age. He told tales of various experiences, as a coast artilleryman, and interactioins with Germans. One phrase he recalled was how to treat them: "Don't be cruel to the Krauts." One coast artillery stint was in Oregon, where I was born during his tour there. At my birth, they declared me an honorary corporal. My father said when I was newborn he dunked me in the Columbia River, like Achilles. Much later, my natal hospital was relocated, and the original building became a senior care facility. I always like to think that since I was born there, I could also go and die there. My father had some uniform parts and Germany mementos which fired my imagination. This all gave me an admiration for the miliktary.

I resonated more with the Navy. I had a sailor cousin stationed nearby who would often visit us with a buddy. They were pleasant, looked cool, acted cool, were friendly with me, and told interesting stories. TV was a big influence. The shows "Vicrtory at Sea", "The Valiant Years", "Navy Log", "Silent Service" (submarines), "Hennessey", fascinated me, much more than infantry or aviation stories. One episode of "The Valiant Years" featured the German battleship Bismarck. This was when Johnny Hoirton's song "Sink the Bismarck" was popular. One line went "Hit the decks a-runnin' boys, and swing those guns around." This coincided perfectly, including timing, with a sequence in the program. Another sequence matched "Shells as big as steers, and guns as big as trees." Do you think the songwriter saw that episode?

Movies with military themes were popular in postwar years. Serials of Navy and Coast Guard hero Don Winslow, were loved by us kids. There were many others; I don't recall all of them, or their titles. One phrase of a Korean War movie stuck. When Sarge wanted you to hit the dirt, he cried "Eat rice!" Illogical, but catchy. Of course, there was always John Wayne. And Dwight Eisenhauer.

So, I was well indoctrinated and inclined to be a grand military hero.

People on The Waters filled my head: Ulysses, Jason, Vikings, Columbus, Magellan, da Gama, Drake, Long John Silver, Hudson's Bay Company voyageurs, Jean Lafitte, Lewis and Clark, even Noah, Jonah, Jesus on the Sea of Gallilee, Tom Sawyer, and A.B. Stormalong.

Water fascinated me. I would pore over maps of San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento/San Juaquin delta, the Pacific coast, and various lakes and streams. I loved the names. They fired my imagination. Boats interested me, including construction plans, even though I could not afford the materials. When possible, my play included water. I used to walk home from school in a streambed as much as I could. Or walk through running rain gutteers and puddles.

Ther was a small Navy Reserve facility on my high achool campus. In my seniior year a friend easily convinced me to join the Reserves with him. I was 17 and needed parents' permission, but that was no problem. We got uniforms, a tiny monthly pay, and attended weekly drills, mostly instruction, mixed with colorful tales by the older members, including one salty old chief It was glamorous, and made me feel like part of something big. We went to boot camp during Christmas vacation in 1960. Yes, I was a "two-week wonder". Although in later years I felt vaguely incomplete, it was still an amazing experience, including the round-trip overnight train ride to San Diego. Our company commander was a Master Chief Commissaryman (cook), who was all the stereotypiclal things, although kind at heart. I met him years later as a shipmate, and I was in a poisition to sometimes have a little authority in his world, feeling a little wierd about that. At the end of summer after graduation, I joined the Regular Navy, and started my wondrous six-year enlistment.

So, it was just plainly fate that I was to become a sailor and see the world, partly. I wasted many, but not all, opportunities for education and exploration, mostly due to alcohol. But I did get a good education and professional experience, and, more importantly, learned that in spite of my poor high school performance, I really did have a brain, and could excel in many things. That was perhaps the best take-away, preparing me for the rest of my life. Of course, many a youngster would find himself through the military, and sadly, some would get lost. I left the Navy with gratitude, many friendships, wonderful memories, some regrets, and finally, a goal in life.

But I was always disappointed that, with all the stirring military branch songs, the Navy's "Anchors
Aweigh", starts out with a football game. But at least the "Star-Spangled Banner" has a nautical setting.

Thank You for the opportunity to revisit the memories.

As an aside, some may wonder how someone named Joan would have participated in the exclusively male milieu of those times. That's another story...

Response by PO2 Leonard Krupski made Aug 12 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-08-12T22:51:51-04:00

Family members that are Veterans.

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 13 at 2021 12:32 AM

2021-08-13T00:32:36-04:00

my older brother he went to vietnam so i wanted to go for my country also

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 13 at 2021 12:54 AM

2021-08-13T00:54:29-04:00

my brother and i also wanted to serve my country

Response by MAJ Matthew Thomas made Aug 13 at 2021 12:57 AM

2021-08-13T00:57:07-04:00

The ROTC NCOIC at my college influenced me to join. He saw me at registration when I was registering for my freshman classes and asked me to join the ROTC program. It turned out to be a great decision. He was a great NCO and example for me.

Response by SP6 Charlene Weaver made Aug 13 at 2021 1:27 AM

2021-08-13T01:27:17-04:00

I was influenced by both my parents who had been in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

Response by Sgt April Smith made Aug 13 at 2021 2:13 AM

2021-08-13T02:13:39-04:00

I told my mother I didn't know what to do with my life. She said, "join the Air Force." So I did. I have never regretted it.

Response by SSgt Veronica Sanchez made Aug 13 at 2021 4:16 AM

2021-08-13T04:16:50-04:00

The trailblazing Navy Seaman (SN) in this 1953 photo influenced not only me, her daughter to join the military, but several other family members as well. My mother was raised in a poor section of South Los Angeles during a time when women were not encouraged to join the service. No matter. She enlisted, loved the Navy, the adventures, and of course the spiffy uniforms.
Oh, did I mention she told me that joining the Air Force would be like attending a pajama party? Though she's left us for a better place, I thank her everyday for letting me go to the party.

Response by SP5 Sam Powell made Aug 13 at 2021 5:04 AM

2021-08-13T05:04:29-04:00

Drafted!

Response by PO3 Michael Chamness made Aug 13 at 2021 7:29 AM

2021-08-13T07:29:57-04:00

the year was 1972 , was getting ready to be done with high school, and the draft was going strong so I thought it was in my best intrest to go ahead and sign up with the Navy , I didn't want to go Army and end up in Nam . so it was off to boot camp and then I wanted something more , I talked to a man who was a submariner and I was hooked, rode a missle boat for 4 years then got to go to a fast attack sub for 6 more years. would not change anything about my time in the service for anything.

Response by Sgt Felix Price made Aug 13 at 2021 8:42 AM

2021-08-13T08:42:39-04:00

The letter “Greetings from the President “

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 13 at 2021 8:58 AM

2021-08-13T08:58:19-04:00

My uncles Mike (Navy) and Ron (Mobile Artillery) Vietnam, my uncles Don, Larry (Germany), My dad John Armor/(Nat.Guard), my Uncles Greg (Field Artillery Nat. Guard), My cousins Tim, Wayne, Keith (Marines), Uncle Blackie In (Army Air Corp) as a Crash Boat Mechanic (North Afrika), Uncle Kelly (Navy,) Cousin Jett (Marine Sniper ret.), all were my motivation to serving my country. Selfless service to their country inspired myself and my son too. Maj Shane Ruether. (Check Pilot) on KC-10 Extender Refueling aircraft Active duty Currently serving @ McGuire AFB New Jersey. I am sure as I type this I am forgetting someone. Please forgive me.

Response by CPL Eudora Powell made Aug 13 at 2021 9:10 AM

2021-08-13T09:10:00-04:00

Some older man gave me pamphlets when I was at the unemployment office. He was kind and his timing was perfect because I was extremely frustrated. I took the pamphlets home and my sister and father discussed it with me. We couldn't afford college, and being from a small town, there were few jobs open at that time. They pointed out many good points, and I went to see a recruiter. I have never regretted it. My uncles, father, brother, and aunt had all been in the military. Since then, my son and daughter, nephew and niece have also been in. My son and nephew have been to Iraq many times. All are retired now.

Response by PO3 Randy Clark made Aug 13 at 2021 9:50 AM

2021-08-13T09:50:24-04:00

The war influenced me, i wanted to fo my part.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 13 at 2021 10:55 AM

2021-08-13T10:55:05-04:00

No one person in particular. I think all the men and women before me who served had the greatest influence on me.

Response by MAJ John Nieland made Aug 13 at 2021 11:10 AM

2021-08-13T11:10:41-04:00

My two brothers who served in WW11.

Response by MAJ John Nieland made Aug 13 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-13T11:14:21-04:00

My two brothers, who served in WW11. Who were still on active duty at the time.

Response by SSG Russell Busicchia made Aug 13 at 2021 11:38 AM

2021-08-13T11:38:09-04:00

I've said this before. At 19 I did not know exactly what I wanted to do. Nothing seemed to fit for me, but I knew I wanted to get out on my own. My father was a NY Army National Guard MSG who, as far back as I could remember, said he regretted not going Regular Army. So I saw the local Army recruiter and decided to enlist. I did not tell either of my parents what I was doing until after I decided to enlist. It turned out that my recruiter knew my father and told him I was enlisting before I told dad. Dad suggested that I enlist for 3 years to see if I liked it, which I did. My uncle was a COL in the NJ National Guard and by now dad was a 1SG in NJ. I knew that they would be looking over my shoulder so I enlisted for the Army Security Agency. Long story short I loved what I did and retired after 20 years of active service. My oldest son also enlisted, but he only served 4 years.

Response by SrA Charly Mathews made Aug 13 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-08-13T12:26:13-04:00

I joined because I needed a job to support my family and I wanted to get an education

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 13 at 2021 12:31 PM

2021-08-13T12:31:06-04:00

my brother jerry and i served in vietnam together in pleiku

Response by Sgt Robert Jones made Aug 13 at 2021 12:35 PM

2021-08-13T12:35:36-04:00

Major Frank P Walter's, 1st to have 2000 flying hrs in the F106 Delta Dart, Tyndall AFB, FL

MY Aunt, Col Lilia Buspar, Army/Air Corp, Korea

Response by PO3 Callison Jeffrey made Aug 13 at 2021 12:41 PM

2021-08-13T12:41:53-04:00

Dad and 2 uncles navy, low draft #

Response by PO3 Callison Jeffrey made Aug 13 at 2021 12:42 PM

2021-08-13T12:42:28-04:00

Dad and 2 uncles navy, low draft #

Response by PO1 Wayne Sasser made Aug 13 at 2021 12:46 PM

2021-08-13T12:46:09-04:00

It was 1966 the country was still reeling from social upheaval, The Great Society, and the maturation of the Baby Boomers. It was still mandatory to either enlist, be drafted or obtaining in deferral. I was 18, wanting to see the world, or at a minimum, get out of the house (G). I joined the Navy, used my G.I. Bill to attend college, enjoyed a successful career, now retired and reflecting.

Response by SGT James Wright made Aug 13 at 2021 1:37 PM

2021-08-13T13:37:16-04:00

My step uncle of all people..... his name was Kieth, he had spent calendar years in Folsom prison for things he did and wanted me to go in to make something of myself. I did just that and it’s history.

Response by PO3 Tamara LeMay made Aug 13 at 2021 3:24 PM

2021-08-13T15:24:18-04:00

My cheerleader coach Mrs. Shannon at Calumet High School was my influencer to join the USN and I'm so glad I listened to her and joined the military.

Response by PFC Edward Mayer made Aug 13 at 2021 3:25 PM

2021-08-13T15:25:59-04:00

NO BODY!

Response by SA Ronald LeMay made Aug 13 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-13T17:07:06-04:00

No one in particular. At the time, I no longer wanted to be a further burden to my grandparents.

Response by A1C Michael Netz made Aug 13 at 2021 6:22 PM

2021-08-13T18:22:02-04:00

My Mother

Response by CPT Franklin Schall made Aug 13 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-08-13T18:34:46-04:00

My HS English teacher an Army Reserve Major convinced me to consider ROTC in college and a possible military career

Response by Cpl Anthony Starcevic made Aug 13 at 2021 8:41 PM

2021-08-13T20:41:55-04:00

My Father: Sgt.Al Starcevic USMC..."Guadalcanal Al"...Boxing coach to the troops as well as myself.

Response by PO2 Arnold Kaminski made Aug 14 at 2021 6:03 AM

2021-08-14T06:03:04-04:00

My older brother, Rick, had me spend the summer with him when I was 12 yrs old. He was stationed aboard the USS Tacoma (PG-92) in Little Creek, VA. During what's called a "Dependents' Cruise", I was able to spend the entire day aboard the ship, at sea. From that day on, there was never any doubt in my mind that I WOULD have a career in the Navy.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Aug 14 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-08-14T11:37:48-04:00

My UNCLE SAM !

Response by SPC Margaret Lome made Aug 14 at 2021 2:02 PM

2021-08-14T14:02:05-04:00

My mother! No $ for college and all jobs required experience. We were watching "The Girl He Left Behind," about a man who dropped out of college and joined the Army. She said, "That's what you should do!" The next day I did just that. Best decision of my life at the time!

Response by LTC James Williams made Aug 14 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-08-14T19:40:51-04:00

A friend who actually did not join in the end. Since I got interested, I decided go go for it. At the beginning, I wanted to enlist but an Air Force recruiter convinced me to go instead go to college and become an officer. The rest is history.

Response by CPT Don Palmer made Aug 14 at 2021 8:26 PM

2021-08-14T20:26:14-04:00

The Vietnam War

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2021 10:53 AM

2021-08-15T10:53:57-04:00

My step-brother went into the Marine Corps. We always had an understated competition. He never said go, I just jumped.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 15 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-08-15T11:01:52-04:00

Frankly there was no who, it was a what......the Draft! Sure I was in college but if you didn't maintain decent grades you could still get drafted, I saw that happen with many high school classmates. I was a football player and didn't have to take PE so I took ROTC to make up that credit. I enjoyed that class and when I discovered I was qualified for flight training the prospect of going into the military began to become more of a goal. So I guess there were two what's since the ROTC class itself is what made me continue to get commissioned. I've posted this before but after getting commissioned in May I actually received a letter from my Draft Board in August advising me that I'd been selected.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 15 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-08-15T12:44:39-04:00

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 16 at 2021 2:58 AM

2021-08-16T02:58:02-04:00

My interest in military history spurred me to enlist in November 1974. The Vietnam War and my support for the US Military.
1. Indirectly my paternal grandfather William John Field Ford who served as a British Army Lance Corporal during the Great War [renamed to WWI after WWII] in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey and later on the western front in France.

Image: 1915 Grandfather - British Army Lance Corporal William John Field [1884-1963] Ford during the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey in 1915 died on December 7, 1963
Thank you my friend Maj Marty Hogan for mentioning me.
My paternal grandfather was a Great War [WWI] veteran of the British Expeditionary Force from Gallipoli, Turkey through the western front in France and Belgium
Image: 1915 Grandfather - British Army Lance Corporal William John Field [1884-1963] Ford during the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey in 1915. He died on December 7, 1963 which was six months after he met me and my younger sister for the firs time as we traveled with our parents to visit family in England.
My parents were pacifist having survived in London during the Battle Of Britain.

I enlisted on November 11, 1974 for 12B Combat Engineer.
As a child my goal was to become a US Army officer. I turned down an offer to apply to USNA, Annapolis and enlisted as a soldier. I did well on some tests and after graduating from 12B AIT and being assigned to Fort Campbell, KY I received orders to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth. I completed that program and received an appointment to the United States Military Academy, West Point from the local congressman where my parents lived in Upper Darby
FYI SSG Donald H "Don" Bates Cpl Vic Burk SSgt Clare May SSG Donald H "Don" Bates CWO3 Dennis M. SPC Douglas Bolton Cpl Vic Burk PO3 Charles Streich PO3 Edward Riddle LTC Private RallyPoint Member SSG Bill McCoy SSG Samuel Kermon PVT Mark Zehner SFC Jim Ruether SGT Tiffanie G.CPL Patrick RasmussonMAJ Byron Oyler SPC Maurice Evans LTC Stephen Conway]

Response by RallyPoint News made Aug 16 at 2021 10:20 AM

2021-08-16T10:20:13-04:00

Congratulations to SSgt Wright Joe, CPO Rob Carleen, SPC Mario Apodaca, SFC Private RallyPoint Member, and SSG Private RallyPoint Member! You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated by logging in and sharing!

Response by SP5 Marianne Toohey made Aug 16 at 2021 11:57 AM

2021-08-16T11:57:17-04:00

My dad was in the Army and served in Korea as a medic. He inspired me to join. Best thing I ever did and made so many great life-long friends!

Response by SP5 Bernard Cook made Aug 16 at 2021 2:48 PM

2021-08-16T14:48:09-04:00

Letter from my draft board.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-08-16T20:48:59-04:00

No one, I took it upon myself to enlist in the Army.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Aug 16 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-08-16T22:47:45-04:00

My father and uncles

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 11:18 PM

2021-08-16T23:18:47-04:00

My cousin Gene volunteered for the Army Air Corp on December 8th 1941. Before WWII was over he was a B17 bomber pilot who completed 26 missions over Germany. He stayed for 32 years. I did 24 years between the active Army and the National Guard.

Response by SGM Hubert Ijames Jr made Aug 17 at 2021 8:10 AM

2021-08-17T08:10:49-04:00

Bruce Smith

Response by SN Michael Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 10:42 AM

2021-08-17T10:42:22-04:00

My families history of serving in the military for this country since the Revolutionary War. I wanted to honor that proud tradition.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:55 AM

2021-08-17T10:55:50-04:00

My father retired as a SGM, fought as Infantryman in WWII, pacific, and Korea. Also the desire to fly. I was a helicopter pilot at 19 years old.

Response by PO2 R Greg Schmidt made Aug 17 at 2021 11:03 AM

2021-08-17T11:03:52-04:00

My Dad!

Response by SFC William Blake Rewis made Aug 17 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-08-17T13:18:48-04:00

My WWI Vet Grandfather

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Aug 17 at 2021 1:42 PM

2021-08-17T13:42:28-04:00

Who Influenced You To Take The Oath And Join The Military? That would be my Print Shop Teacher, Mr. Dean Dell. We liked each other the first day we met. We had similar backgrounds. We were both the sons of a Printer and grew up around Printing. My High School Major was Graphic Arts, a fancy name for printing. I had two classes of Print Shop each day. The first class was regular Print Shop and I helped Dean teach the class. My second class was Production Print where we did Football Game Programs, imprinted Report Cards, printed various forms for the Office and anything else that came up. I ran that class because Dean had other classes whose Home Work had to be graded, tests written, teaching schedules made, etc. He alerted me to the fact that the Navy teaches job skills in just about any category there is. My first thought was, do they have Print Shops on ships? I love sailing and wanted to be assigned to a ship and not just another Print Shop on a base somewhere. I got what I wanted. A Print Shop aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge, an Anti Submarine Aircraft Carrier. After they learned my experience in printing, I was running a 7 to 9 man print Shop as an E-3 Seaman instead of the two LI3's and the LI1 who was supposed to be running it. It was fabulous duty. Of the 7 to 9 men in the shop, I trained every one of them and watched 7 of the 9 get advanced.

Response by LT David Swithers made Aug 17 at 2021 2:44 PM

2021-08-17T14:44:15-04:00

Both my grandfathers were Army in WWI, my father Army Korea, 4 older cousins Air Force and Army in Viet Nam, only logical! I thank god for the senior enlisted and junior officers who had the patience to mentor an immature 19 year old to a slightly less immature 23 year old SSGT and a 27 year old O-3E. My life would have turned out a lot different without them. Thank you to all those who see the potential in others and put in the effort to assist.

Response by CWO4 Jim Cole made Aug 17 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-08-17T15:07:10-04:00

My Grandfather was a CG Cdr during WWll, a Merchant Marine Master, and the last Unlimited Sailing Master out of the Port of NY. He was my hero.

Response by AB Debora Mizner made Aug 17 at 2021 3:13 PM

2021-08-17T15:13:29-04:00

I didn't know the gift card was Amazon. I prefer to donate my win (should ever I were to win one) to someone who can use it. Sorry.

Response by SFC Jan Goodman made Aug 17 at 2021 3:21 PM

2021-08-17T15:21:49-04:00

My Father was my influance and a 30 year warrior.

Response by SFC Jan Goodman made Aug 17 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-08-17T15:23:21-04:00

My 30 year warrior father and my Air Force brother!

Response by PO1 Don Rowan made Aug 17 at 2021 3:38 PM

2021-08-17T15:38:41-04:00

3 older brothers who did the same.

Response by SSG Arthur Williams made Aug 17 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-08-17T15:46:05-04:00

I INFLUENCED MYSELF TO JOIN THE MILITARY

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Aug 17 at 2021 3:53 PM

2021-08-17T15:53:58-04:00

Vietnam vets I hung out with

Response by SFC Richard Dougherty made Aug 17 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-08-17T16:58:48-04:00

I was not influenced by a individual, however I was influenced by the pride that have always had for the American flag and the U.S. Military. I wanted to be part of that at a very young age.

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Aug 17 at 2021 5:01 PM

2021-08-17T17:01:42-04:00

I would have to say it was a favorite high school history teacher. He was a Marine combat veteran who served in Korea. Knowing I wanted to go to college it was an easy decision to join the ROTC program.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Aug 17 at 2021 5:08 PM

2021-08-17T17:08:36-04:00

All of my uncles were in WWII. Two went on to retire from the Army. One had enlisted in the Navy in '38, then went into the Army after WWII. The other was too late for WWII, but in the German Occupation troops. He was WIA on Pork Chop Hill in Korea and earned a CIB. He did it all over again in Vietnam (he was in country when I got there in June '67). He was with 1st Cav Air Mobile. My Dad was Navy, Chief Aviation Machinist Mate and was in the Coral Sea during the war. Both brothers were Navy and the same rate / MOS as my dad, only they were AD(J) working on jet engines. I was going to follow my dad into the Navy. I was a senior in High school and headed off to the Federal Building to the Recruiting Office during Easter Break. This was '65 and Vietnam was heating up. First Office I got to was the Coast Guard recruiter. I remembered the stations I saw on the Outer Banks of N.C. That was appealing. I went in to look at the brochures and the guy was talking then said that it would count as my military obligation. The Coast Guard had NO assets in Vietnam at that time. That was enough. When I got back to school all I had left was to Graduate, come back raise my right hand and then get gone. When I was down raising my right hand, the Coast Guard was working on the newly Formed Coast Guard Squadron 1 in Vietnam. I ended up on one of the first 5 ships of the newly formed Coast Guard Squadron 3, two years later in '67.

Response by PO3 Michael Williams made Aug 17 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-17T17:19:09-04:00

College friend

Response by SGM Robert Davis made Aug 17 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-08-17T17:27:41-04:00

Harry Truman

Response by HN Kathleen M Peck made Aug 17 at 2021 5:34 PM

2021-08-17T17:34:50-04:00

Navy Recruiter influenced my decision to sign up for the Military.

Response by SSgt Brian Burch made Aug 17 at 2021 5:52 PM

2021-08-17T17:52:42-04:00

The fear of prison and assignment to a infantry unit in Vietnam. I had no money for college and didn't want to get drafted so I joined. Ended up in the big puddle anyway but had a couple years to grow up. Nothing patriotic about the military in the late 60s/early 70s. I still could have crossed over into Canada instead of boarding at McCord. Hated every minute of it but I went. G.I.s had it hard back in the day.

Far removed from what Iraq/Afgan vets get. You guys get flag waving, we got dog (and human) crap and urine thrown at us. You guys have sub on me.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Aug 17 at 2021 6:14 PM

2021-08-17T18:14:56-04:00

My Dad, who was a WWII Marine.

Response by AN Ron Wright made Aug 17 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-17T18:43:31-04:00

My Father WWII USN followed in the old mans footsteps though he was an ET and i was an airdale

Response by Cpl William Tanguay made Aug 17 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-08-17T18:59:25-04:00

A friend quit school so his father stated get a job or go in the service. I was laid off from work which occurred yearly so I decided to join with my friend.

Response by SFC Robert Ortiz made Aug 17 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-08-17T19:12:00-04:00

My uncle (RIP) was the driving force in my decision to join the military. He was 32 year Naval vet. Originally I was going to join the Navy, but back in 1974 there was a very long waiting period. Being that history was my favorite subject in school, I decided to join the Army as I would be sent to Germany for my first assignment. Like that, I can actually see all that I read in books and like me tell you, it was wonderful to see all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 7:56 PM

2021-08-17T19:56:40-04:00

First time. A lot of influence from my dad and watching vietnam unfold on tv. ( I was 10 in 1975)
Second time love of country, feeling the need to make a difference and hoping to redeem myself for not being a stellar soldier the first time.
I feel I did.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Aug 17 at 2021 8:13 PM

2021-08-17T20:13:12-04:00

My three Uncles fought in WWII and I felt obligated to carry on the tradition my son followed in my footsteps and retired as a Colonel.

Response by MSgt Daniel Bella made Aug 17 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-17T20:15:09-04:00

An NIH friend

Response by SGT Donald Brodbeck made Aug 17 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-08-17T20:39:46-04:00

Actually, I was bored and looking for adventure.

Response by SPC Errol Webb made Aug 17 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-08-17T20:57:24-04:00

An old girlfriend.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Aug 17 at 2021 9:25 PM

2021-08-17T21:25:42-04:00

The judge at the traffic court after I had my driver's license suspended for the third time. I wanted to go to college, but could not afford to do it on my own, especially if I kept getting speeding tickets and traffic violations. Once I got in and picked up the VA benefits, my life squared away very, very quickly.

Response by PFC Guy Gantner made Aug 17 at 2021 9:33 PM

2021-08-17T21:33:14-04:00

The Draft.

Response by CPT Earl George made Aug 17 at 2021 10:21 PM

2021-08-17T22:21:33-04:00

My brother. He went through Army ROTC 8 years before me.

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Aug 17 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-08-17T23:14:49-04:00

I had 3 choices.
1. Go to college. No $$
2. Work construction or the meatpacking plant.
3. Join the Navy get educated free and see the world. Sounded like a plan and it worked!

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 17 at 2021 11:33 PM

2021-08-17T23:33:54-04:00

I was drafted

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 18 at 2021 2:10 AM

2021-08-18T02:10:10-04:00

my father, who served both in the Merchant Marines and the US ARMY, Before and during WW2. He advised both myself and my older brother, that we owed our service to our country for all we were given as US vitizens.

Response by SrA Susan Leonard made Aug 18 at 2021 3:21 AM

2021-08-18T03:21:38-04:00

College wouldn’t let me back in without taking out tonz of loans, so I joined to help get money for college.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Aug 18 at 2021 6:30 AM

2021-08-18T06:30:03-04:00

President Nixon. He wouldn't take no for an answer.

Response by PVT Michele Bowman made Aug 18 at 2021 7:24 AM

2021-08-18T07:24:47-04:00

Who influenced me was the recruiter that came to my high school and my reason was to get out of my mom's home.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-08-18T08:00:02-04:00

I had a friend who took me to his drill to Fort Irwin. I decided to enlist right then and there. I spent 36 years in uniform.

Response by PVT Steve R made Aug 18 at 2021 9:28 AM

2021-08-18T09:28:44-04:00

special forces MSG from The Ohio State ROTC department!

Response by Sgt Paul Houghtaling made Aug 18 at 2021 11:40 AM

2021-08-18T11:40:03-04:00

I decided on my own to enlist

Response by TSgt Joe McDaniel made Aug 18 at 2021 11:41 AM

2021-08-18T11:41:17-04:00

The draft - didn't want to be a ground pounder.

Response by SPC Allen Werth made Aug 18 at 2021 11:50 AM

2021-08-18T11:50:17-04:00

Judge Dupre Cumberland County (Fort Bragg) NC.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Aug 18 at 2021 12:45 PM

2021-08-18T12:45:44-04:00

My JROTC Instructor - Retired SFC Troy Dixon.

Response by Sgt William Tust made Aug 18 at 2021 1:27 PM

2021-08-18T13:27:28-04:00

Who Influenced me to Join?? "The Draft" Dad & Uncle Ed, USAF !!!! 1966-1970

Response by MSG David Densmore made Aug 18 at 2021 2:29 PM

2021-08-18T14:29:52-04:00

1SGT Blair Brenninger of the local Aramy National Guard Unit.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Aug 18 at 2021 3:05 PM

2021-08-18T15:05:48-04:00

My Father, my Grandfather and many who served to protect Freedom. Our Family has proudly served in all branches for many generations.

Response by SSgt Donald Stuart made Aug 18 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-18T16:27:33-04:00

I went over to a friends house and there was a recruiter in dress blues

Response by 1LT Tim Commins made Aug 18 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-08-18T16:32:22-04:00

No one else but me influenced that decision.

Response by CPT Ronald Davis made Aug 18 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-08-18T16:33:52-04:00

Lyndon Johnson

Response by SPC Steve dePinet made Aug 18 at 2021 4:40 PM

2021-08-18T16:40:23-04:00

My dad. Since I did not want to continue in school, ie: go to college (not that there was money for that), he suggested that it was a way yo get a career without college. He was right, it has mostly paid the bills since then, even though I ETS'd after my 4 year enlistment, I've worked the career path for over 40 years now.

Response by SrA Alvin Cook made Aug 18 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-18T16:45:20-04:00

Family tradition. My parents had 7 sons 4 of my older brothers are Air Force Vets. I joined the AF as well as my oldest daughter. Numerous cousins are navy and Marine Corp vets and several nephews and great nephews are Army Vets

Response by SPC Lynda England made Aug 18 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-08-18T16:47:41-04:00

My father, my older brother, my sister inlaw. All proud veterans.

Response by Cpl William Sneed made Aug 18 at 2021 4:52 PM

2021-08-18T16:52:17-04:00

In third grade aMarine visited our class. I made up my mind that as soon as I graduated I would join the Marine Corps. And I did.

Response by Sgt Dennis Kehres made Aug 18 at 2021 4:52 PM

2021-08-18T16:52:38-04:00

I did.

Response by CW3 Joseph Lawrence made Aug 18 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-08-18T16:58:44-04:00

Best thing I ever did with a hangover. Vietnam was going full tilt and we decided to drink a few. The next day my friend Charley and I were trying to get rid of the grogs and we saw the Army Recruiter walking down the street in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He was quite knowledgeable in everything we asked but Charley and I sort of convinced each other to join. He separated after Vietnam and I went on for 29 1/2 years in the Regular Army and the National Guard as an AST and then AGR.

Response by MSG Rob Canarios made Aug 18 at 2021 5:10 PM

2021-08-18T17:10:48-04:00

I was born into military family where both grandparents/parents served in the military. They've set the example of serving God and country. They've given me an opportunity to attend UW, but after a year I chose to enlist. My grandparents/parents honorable service influenced me.

Response by SFC Jan Goodman made Aug 18 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-18T17:18:05-04:00

I enjoyed my service in the ranks. But if I had it to do over again I would go Officer Corps. I should not have listened to all the propaganda. I would have made a damn good Officer!

Response by SFC Jeff Orlowski made Aug 18 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-18T17:19:02-04:00

Kevin Hermening

Response by Capt Al Parker made Aug 18 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-18T17:21:35-04:00

Since my family was military I decided to join and I could learn electronics. GrandFather had 43 years in the Navy, my Father had 30 years in the Navy and my brother was in the Navy, I decided to join but I went in the Air Force for 20 years. I learned about electronics, got a BS degree in EE . The Military was the family business.

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Aug 18 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-08-18T17:56:22-04:00

There was a draft at that time, and I didn't have anything else to look forward to doing. I slightly knew a sailor that was home on leave back then, and he said the Navy let's you get a girl in any port in the world. Wow! That did it for me.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-18T18:43:21-04:00

My influence was my environment...i knew i had to escape that mess...

Response by SSG Jim Campbell made Aug 18 at 2021 7:01 PM

2021-08-18T19:01:00-04:00

My father, a WWII vet who served in the Pacific and European theaters.

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Aug 18 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-08-18T19:11:51-04:00

I had taken my first initial oath at Albany , N.Y then after I graduated from high school , I had entered boot camp two weeks later, what encouraged me to take the oath , I read somewhere in the Lords word that you could volunteer for the military , plus I wanted to get away from the drug and alcoholic infested neighborhood where I grew up , plus the college was not the one I was seeking .

Response by A1C Russell Wilfong made Aug 18 at 2021 7:33 PM

2021-08-18T19:33:14-04:00

My father and three of my brothers served, but it was due to the fact that I was homeless and living in my car in Maine in November in the early seventies that was my biggest catalyst.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-08-18T20:19:05-04:00

A friend of mine joined a week before I did. He asked me to go “Buddy program” with him so I figured it was a great way to go to college, and I joined the Air Force Security Police. My “buddy” washed out the last week of basic so it was me and new friends. I then joined the Army where I went Green to Gold. Never dreamed I would start AF then retire 40 years to the date I started. E-1 to SFC then 0-1 through Colonel. It was a good ride even though I was wounded twice in Iraq (04 and 06).

Response by PO3 Joe Anchondo made Aug 18 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-08-18T20:19:19-04:00

My father who served in WW2 did. Ironically after he died I was reading letters to his family and learned he was against the war.

Response by SPC Don Stevens made Aug 18 at 2021 8:58 PM

2021-08-18T20:58:13-04:00

My uncle Sam invited me through the president

Response by SPC Mary Wicklander made Aug 18 at 2021 9:14 PM

2021-08-18T21:14:22-04:00

My softball team mate who was playing 3rd base and I was at short stop and she hollered over to me, 'Hey, let's join the Army' and hollered back, 'OK,' and we did the next day! I never knew what an amazing experience awaited me. It tested me beyond the limits that I thought I could be tested. Some of the best memories and experiences of my life! Sadly, my Buddy (we were on the Buddy Program) washed out during AIT.

Response by SSG Michael Grant made Aug 18 at 2021 9:29 PM

2021-08-18T21:29:01-04:00

My father and the inspiration from my great great Grand father. and the love for our country and the freedom we have

Response by SGT Art Fournier made Aug 18 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-08-18T21:43:15-04:00

Myself

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-08-18T21:51:24-04:00

My Grandfather who was a Army veteran and then worked for the VA until retirement.

Response by Lt Col Mark Johnson made Aug 18 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-08-18T21:51:57-04:00

My brother and father...neither of whom had ever been in the military but they liked airplanes.

Response by PO1 Gary Hammac made Aug 18 at 2021 9:53 PM

2021-08-18T21:53:30-04:00

My father told me he would pay for college if I went straight out of high school. I told him I wanted a break. A year later I asked if he would still pay for college. He said that was not the deal, so I joined. I still respect him today for that.

Response by SP5 George Smith made Aug 18 at 2021 10:32 PM

2021-08-18T22:32:03-04:00

It was more of a combination of influences that pushed me toward enlisting in the US Army in 1968. Vietnam was going on, the draft was in place, some of my high school ROTC cadre were Nam vets, prospect of going to college and getting a deferment was nil, no other siblings in the military. The best standout would be SSG Kenneth Lima, one of my ROTC sergeants. He was on staff my sophomore and junior year before he got deployed to I Corps in Vietnam. In my senior year, his unit took fire and he became the first casualty I knew that died in Vietnam. Not too long after that, a close classmate’s older brother died as a Marine near the DMZ, I Corps. Shortly after that, another ROTC sergeant died in Vietnam. The aftermath of the ‘68 Tet raised our numbers and by Sep ‘68, I was in basic. The rest is repeated history as I remember it.

Response by SGT Matt Saunders made Aug 18 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-18T22:35:06-04:00

My great uncle who was a machinist mate on the USS Yorktown during WWII. I didn't go Navy but instead joined the Army as a medic (25th ID) then an LVN at the Army Burn unit.

Response by SGT James Lansberry made Aug 18 at 2021 10:37 PM

2021-08-18T22:37:41-04:00

Dad

Response by CPL James S. made Aug 18 at 2021 11:15 PM

2021-08-18T23:15:34-04:00

I grew up an Army brat mostly overseas (90% of the time) during the cold war when everyone and their f-ing brother wanted us dead. Influences of my father, the locals where he served and the terrorism from organisations like the Red Brigade (etc, ad nauseam) influenced me to take the oath when I was very young, though I didn't join the military till I was older. There was no doubt what I was going to do when I got out of high school (to me, anyway).

Response by SP5 Ann Ingram made Aug 18 at 2021 11:36 PM

2021-08-18T23:36:14-04:00

Let's just call him Harry, okay? Harry was from another country, and that fact is where my story begins. What I most remember about Harry was his most favorite was: Well, in my country we ____ [just fill in the blank]. You may trust me that whatever phrase he used to finish that sentence,, it always ended in how his country was superior to the United States. Oh Lord, how I began to resent all his empty and ridiculous bragging Finally one day I pointed out to Harry that if his country was so damn traffic he maybe should go back there to live. I even offered to purchase for Harry a way-way ticket back home. So listen, here's the thing - Harry could not possibly have realized how much he influenced my wanting to join the Army and serve America. I love America, I loved serving my Country, and I was - and still am - proud of our values and integrity. God bless America.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-08-19T00:04:33-04:00

Really no one person influenced my joining,there were a number of reasons first, marital problems, was living with sister and brother in law, working an average of 90 hours a week and numerous relatives that were either vets or on active duty.

Response by Sgt Jerry Genesio made Aug 19 at 2021 12:18 AM

2021-08-19T00:18:36-04:00

Probably no one more than John Wayne, John Agar, Forest Tucker, Wally Cassell, Richard Jaeckel, Arthur Franz, Martin Milner, and the others who played Marines in "The Sands of Iwo Jima"..Van Heflin, Also Ray, James Whitmore, Tab Hunter, Raymond Massey and others who played Marines in "Battle Cry". I was one of a trio of ushers at the State Theater in Milford, Massachusetts, who watched those movies dozens of times. All three of us joined the Marine Corps in 1956.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 1:14 AM

2021-08-19T01:14:15-04:00

I am a Military Brat. Spent my teen years "64 to "68 at Bad Tolz, Germany. Enlisted in "69.
Military is all I have ever known.

Response by SP5 Melina Rodezno made Aug 19 at 2021 2:22 AM

2021-08-19T02:22:24-04:00

who helped me join. well helped me realize I needed to get my s#%+ together, Dad and mom. they where losing their house and I was a college student bumming off them. when my told me the truth and that we going back to grandma to live in the back I had to grow up and make a grown up decision and be apart of the family do my part. Military had it up and downs. a lot of downs mostly. but I thank God for my ups and use them to take care of my family God has blessed me with now that I am out. married to a vet as well. we look up thank God for every breath everyday. We might still struggle but we thank the brothers and sisters we have meet and civilians that have helped us though encouraging us to never give up. No one gets left behind, Hooah! Love pray and keep the faith. God bless.

Response by PV2 Terry Agee made Aug 19 at 2021 4:06 AM

2021-08-19T04:06:45-04:00

When I was around 11 y/o, I got the calling to put service before self. I had watched a Sailor strutting down the street with a twin sister on each arm. Don't know who he was. Nevertheless, thank you for your service!

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Aug 19 at 2021 4:49 AM

2021-08-19T04:49:14-04:00

My Influences was My World War 2 , Uncle , And Dessert Storm Navy Older Brother, And Our Country needed and drafted me in the 11 th Grade

Response by SFC John Donovan made Aug 19 at 2021 7:01 AM

2021-08-19T07:01:38-04:00

As my father, as well as all of my uncles, served, I was/am very patriotic, and felt/feel like we should give back to the country that offers us so much.

Response by SGT Charlie Watkins made Aug 19 at 2021 10:43 AM

2021-08-19T10:43:58-04:00

A desire to service my country during the Viet Nam conflict

Response by PO2 Daniel Giles made Aug 19 at 2021 10:44 AM

2021-08-19T10:44:48-04:00

Me, Myself and I. I was headed down a bad road and need a change in my life. I did it for myself. It was the best choice I have ever made in my life.

Response by SSG Joseph Ferguson made Aug 19 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-08-19T10:57:17-04:00

I knew and spoke with several neighbors in Chicago who returned from Vietnam.

Response by Sgt John Moore made Aug 19 at 2021 10:58 AM

2021-08-19T10:58:37-04:00

My number was one in the draft. So I enlisted.

Response by SPC Edward Slagle made Aug 19 at 2021 11:07 AM

2021-08-19T11:07:21-04:00

My Grandmother started the ball rolling ...

Response by PO1 Michael Pombier made Aug 19 at 2021 11:22 AM

2021-08-19T11:22:33-04:00

My father, a 23 year veteran.

Response by PO1 Martin Findley made Aug 19 at 2021 11:25 AM

2021-08-19T11:25:51-04:00

My mother, she wished that she had been able to travel, so she did through me.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Aug 19 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-19T11:26:20-04:00

Trying to be a resposible citizen, no money for college, and wanted to be the best I could be.

Response by SGM Tim Kinsella made Aug 19 at 2021 11:44 AM

2021-08-19T11:44:36-04:00

My older SGM Airborne SF brother.

Response by SPC Roger Opfer made Aug 19 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-08-19T11:46:38-04:00

My brother, He & I are the only ones in our whole family that ever joined the Military and we are proud to have served our Country for a (3) year term.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Aug 19 at 2021 11:50 AM

2021-08-19T11:50:04-04:00

My higher power, because I wanted to travel to various countries to embrace others and cultures.

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Aug 19 at 2021 12:03 PM

2021-08-19T12:03:34-04:00

My older step-brother influenced my decision to join when I did. I wanted to join the Army from the age of about 7. When Chuck joined the WVNG at 18, I was peeved. I could out-do him at almost everything from the time I was 13, so being 16 when he joined just chapped me that I couldn't. Until a year later, when I was 17 (and aced the ASVAB) and joined the USAR. I went active duty in 1989 and loved/hated it until my retirement in 2011.

Response by Pvt Michael Klama made Aug 19 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-08-19T12:07:43-04:00

My father had a recruiter sitting in the living room waiting for me when I got home from school.

Response by SPC Bill Howell made Aug 19 at 2021 12:16 PM

2021-08-19T12:16:32-04:00

Who were the winners?

Response by LT Klondike Tav made Aug 19 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-08-19T12:48:55-04:00

The Peace Corps convinced me to join the military. I was in the Peace Corps in a country that went through two revolutions and we were evacuated to the nearby Army base both times.

Response by PO2 Loretta Guidroz made Aug 19 at 2021 12:58 PM

2021-08-19T12:58:19-04:00

I graduated college and couldn't get a job with my degree. I saw a Navy recruiting pamphlet and took a that opportunity

Response by SGT David Byerly made Aug 19 at 2021 1:23 PM

2021-08-19T13:23:44-04:00

Family tradition, Dad, both grandads, numerous uncles and one aunt all served.

Response by AB Lisa Chambers made Aug 19 at 2021 1:59 PM

2021-08-19T13:59:21-04:00

Both side of my family Dad, Navy, Uncle in Army, Brother in Navy, Cousin in Navy all contributed as well as the Appalachian area I grew up in people always left in search of better employment.
Then, Nephew in Coast Guard, Lisa Chambers

Response by PO2 Mike McKinley made Aug 19 at 2021 2:05 PM

2021-08-19T14:05:37-04:00

My Dad, ETCS (SS/AC)

Response by Maj William Kelso made Aug 19 at 2021 2:55 PM

2021-08-19T14:55:49-04:00

Dad, (and Grandpa who lost his leg in service at Ft Logan, Denver so ended that career. ) I was born at Edwards AFB where Dad was assigned. BLUE work clothes were always everywhere. His last base, I finished high school. Dad was the best man I knew and lived it. I was thrilled and he also when I could be aircrew..........as well.

Response by SSG Willie Means made Aug 19 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-08-19T15:46:18-04:00

Dad! WWII Navy Veteran and saw the town of Reform, Ala. was just small enough for me to constantly run to Tuscaloosa to bowl. Came home from work and Dad made the statement: "Boy, if I was as Young as You, I'd be in the Military some where!" That was enough for me. He probably was hoping for the Navy but I returned to Chicago an joined The Army. During College Track and Field Days at Wright College, a guy from another School told me I should go to Europe if I wanted to get some good competition in. They tried to give me Fort Sheridan up the road from Chicago but I convinced the Recruiter I wanted Germany. GOD BLESS!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-19T16:27:05-04:00

I was influenced by my father of eight children (six boys) with an income of $500 per week. I didn’t want student loans and decided to knock out two birds (career and education) with one stone (Army). After serving three years, I wanted to keep serving. Retired with 29 years two months for pay.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Aug 19 at 2021 4:52 PM

2021-08-19T16:52:16-04:00

That would be my dad. He and six other aviators returning from the Pacific Theater after WWII and all had family in Hawai'i, decided to organize and found the Territorial Air national Guard in 1946. He told me stories of flying B-24Ds out of Iron Range, Australia and Port Morsby, New Guinea, and then in the Guard, flying C-54s, C-47s and A-26s. I was hooked on military aviation from that point on! Thanks Dad!

Response by SSG Wayne Battles made Aug 19 at 2021 5:02 PM

2021-08-19T17:02:24-04:00

Several uncles were in the military and several men at the church I grew up in were as well.

Response by SSG Steve Zeimantz, DNP made Aug 19 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-08-19T18:08:43-04:00

I did not really talk to anyone about the joining prior to enlisting. I looked over all my options and that was that.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 19 at 2021 8:09 PM

2021-08-19T20:09:20-04:00

No one. Did all on my own.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Aug 19 at 2021 9:39 PM

2021-08-19T21:39:12-04:00

Failing Grades prompted my father to put a boot up my backside - the best thing that could have ever been done.

Response by SSG Tim Lutz made Aug 20 at 2021 8:37 AM

2021-08-20T08:37:28-04:00

John Wayne.

Response by PO3 Steven Asman made Aug 20 at 2021 11:27 AM

2021-08-20T11:27:33-04:00

my dad and grand father are the one who influenced me to join the military

Response by SPC Crystal Sain made Aug 20 at 2021 12:02 PM

2021-08-20T12:02:29-04:00

My stepdad, Walt Wylie. He was a Vietnam veteran and a gentleman. Cool as a cucumber, great outdoorsman and a true patriot. I love him and miss him beyond words. He helped shape my life.

Response by SPC Halle Henderson made Aug 20 at 2021 2:45 PM

2021-08-20T14:45:13-04:00

I come from a military family, from world war 2 to current. My dad was a Korean war veteran, he inspired me to join the army a year before I graduated from high school. I loved serving this country. After all it taught me to be a good man and father and grandfather, also a great husband. I have no regrets.

Response by MSgt Wesley Christiansen made Aug 20 at 2021 2:50 PM

2021-08-20T14:50:43-04:00

My great grandfather was in the Danish Navy. My father was in the U.S. NAVY 1932-1936 AND AGAIN 1942-1945. The military was a family thing.

Response by PO2 Don Scott made Aug 20 at 2021 2:54 PM

2021-08-20T14:54:07-04:00

My older brother who had served in the Navy as a Submariner influenced my decision to join the Navy.
I have never regretted his influence.

Response by SSG Rene Uhler made Aug 20 at 2021 2:56 PM

2021-08-20T14:56:12-04:00

my dad

Response by SSG Kevin Elliott made Aug 20 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-08-20T15:00:09-04:00

My dad

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Aug 20 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-08-20T15:07:22-04:00

When I joined it seemed like everyone was against it for one reason or another. On second thought, that's probably why I went ahead and joined. Anyway I always considered myself honor bound to serve.

Response by CW3 Steve Butts made Aug 20 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-08-20T15:10:56-04:00

My brother Robert who was injured in Viet Nam was enough to convince me to join the Army. Next was my hope to obtain an education and what an education I received throughout my 22 years of service (with 17 years overseas). I owe my life to those who served in the 10th Special Forces Group and taught me what sacrifice really means and how to survive no matter how dismal the situation may be. Respect, duty, and honor all of which remain utmost in the forefront of my mind.

Response by Cpl David Bailey made Aug 20 at 2021 3:38 PM

2021-08-20T15:38:26-04:00

My older brother. At the time he was a Sht of Marines on Recruiting duty…….told him to pound sand only to call him 3 months later. He set the example for me.

Response by SPC George Keller made Aug 20 at 2021 3:39 PM

2021-08-20T15:39:13-04:00

Mom and dad both retired from the Army. Dad was getting teased by his boss when mom made Lt. Col, but he didn't. So he told his boss that he was going to go home and F#@& a Colonel face to face. Dad's lack of tact is one of the reasons he didn't made Colonel.

Response by CPO Daniel Randazzo made Aug 20 at 2021 3:42 PM

2021-08-20T15:42:33-04:00

Ronald Reagan

Response by SFC Charles Jenkins made Aug 20 at 2021 4:12 PM

2021-08-20T16:12:55-04:00

I grew up In The Bronx I see military as an escape and change of changing the circumstances of my life , best thing I e dry did

Response by MGySgt Charles Restifo made Aug 20 at 2021 4:23 PM

2021-08-20T16:23:18-04:00

A friend from school who had joined a year earlier. I learned alot from him prior to joining the MC and continued to take his advice over the course of the next few years.

Response by SSG Adrian Walker made Aug 20 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-08-20T16:31:01-04:00

Who influenced me??
I came to America in 1997 and I had a green card, from Australia, I decided that if I was good enough to get the green card, I would defend this country, so I joined the U.S.Army because I love this country.

Response by PV2 David Matthews made Aug 20 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-08-20T16:32:31-04:00

Richard M. Nixon, the man was lacking in social etiquette; how come the draft notice I received didn't have an RSVP request?

Response by MAJ Cory Layne made Aug 20 at 2021 5:08 PM

2021-08-20T17:08:16-04:00

My high school English teacher convinced me in my senior year that I was too reclusive and needed to socialize more and learn to work in a team. He thought the Army would broaden my perspective and would be a good experience for me.

Response by MAJ Cory Layne made Aug 20 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-08-20T17:09:28-04:00

My high school English teacher convinced me in my senior year that I was too reclusive and needed to socialize more and learn to work as part of a team. He thought the Army would broaden my perspective and would be a good experience for me.

Response by PFC William Mower made Aug 20 at 2021 5:11 PM

2021-08-20T17:11:37-04:00

My father and uncles. My dad served 32 years in the navy, and Retired at the rank of E9 was a veteran of three wars world war two Korea and Vietnam. My uncles also served in world war 2 one fought in the Pacific and two fought in Europe.
My dad taught me everything I know about how to be a good man.

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 20 at 2021 6:21 PM

2021-08-20T18:21:59-04:00

I did what needed toot do

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 20 at 2021 6:23 PM

2021-08-20T18:23:08-04:00

I was drafted and I did what i needed to do

Response by CPT Allen Saum made Aug 20 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-20T18:33:16-04:00

I came from a military family. I am an Army Brat, with my father, mother, and oldest brother all having served in the Army. It was meant for me to follow in their footsteps.

Response by PO1 William Vaupel made Aug 20 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-20T18:40:42-04:00

A neighbor was navy Chief and suggested it . He told me about the Navy life and I enlisted.

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Aug 20 at 2021 8:26 PM

2021-08-20T20:26:52-04:00

A judge who upon my release from supervised juvenile probation in 1986 politely suggested that getting out of Northern Frederick County MD for a few years would probably do me some good.

Response by SGT Craig Hoffman made Aug 20 at 2021 8:52 PM

2021-08-20T20:52:28-04:00

Who influenced me to join the Military? Nobody unless you count my Uncle Sam,, It was him who
sent me my draft notice .

Response by James Rush made Aug 20 at 2021 9:16 PM

2021-08-20T21:16:35-04:00

Draft board

Response by SGT Bob Rodenblstt made Aug 21 at 2021 12:46 AM

2021-08-21T00:46:47-04:00

draft board

Response by TSgt Joseph Martines made Aug 21 at 2021 10:09 AM

2021-08-21T10:09:13-04:00

My dad WWII and brother Vietnam both US Navy. Dad plank owner of CL-92 Cruiser and brother Aircraft Carrier. I'm not a loveboat kind of guy; so I joined the USAF. It was a great way of life.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Aug 21 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-08-21T11:16:59-04:00

A high school friend...

Response by Sgt David Branham made Aug 21 at 2021 12:12 PM

2021-08-21T12:12:48-04:00

A 1.567 GPR from my first term in college convinced me that I needed sone self discipline

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Fatheree made Aug 21 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-08-21T12:48:08-04:00

The Vietnam veterans

Response by CW2 Richard Athey made Aug 21 at 2021 12:54 PM

2021-08-21T12:54:56-04:00

My step dad.

Response by SSgt Lawrence Gordon made Aug 21 at 2021 1:05 PM

2021-08-21T13:05:01-04:00

My Brother, retired army

Response by PFC William Mower made Aug 21 at 2021 1:13 PM

2021-08-21T13:13:56-04:00

My dad he was a 32 year three war veteran of the navy, he served in world war 2 korea and Vietnam. and my uncles on both sides of the family 1 from dad's side served in the army in the pacific theater and another brother was a merchant marine as well as two of my mom's brothers, who also served in europe in the Army. Dad served on Kaiser Coffins or jeep carriers in both the Pacific and Atlantic During world war two. Made two round the world cruises on The Shangri La in the fifties and a bunch of med cruises on the Forrestal in the 1960's.

Response by SSgt Jeanne Wallace made Aug 21 at 2021 1:26 PM

2021-08-21T13:26:00-04:00

My parents....Dont run away from home unless you have a job...I was 19

Response by CH (LTC) Clark Carr made Aug 21 at 2021 1:38 PM

2021-08-21T13:38:37-04:00

A professional colleague convinced me to join the National Guard and the. Active duty

Response by SPC Mitch Saret made Aug 21 at 2021 1:59 PM

2021-08-21T13:59:39-04:00

The Iran hostage crisis.

Response by PFC David Gettman made Aug 21 at 2021 3:01 PM

2021-08-21T15:01:34-04:00

My ex-girlfriend influenced me to join the Army. I did it to piss her off. Boy did she get the last laugh!

Response by SPC Priscilla Elmore made Aug 21 at 2021 3:09 PM

2021-08-21T15:09:09-04:00

No one influenced me. I wanted to go to college. And the Army afforded me the opportunity.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 21 at 2021 4:08 PM

2021-08-21T16:08:37-04:00

Ronald Reagan IRAN hostage speech he gave when running for PRESIDENT 1980 election he won the day he took his OATH the hostages got freed 1/20/1981 later that year I took my OATH 12/10/1981 @ the Quincy MA ARMORY I joined the MA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 26th (YANKEE) INFANTRY DIVISION CO.C 1st 101st INFANTRY

Response by 1SG Gary Dillard made Aug 21 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-08-21T16:50:41-04:00

My father, a Korean & Vietnam War Vet.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 5:11 PM

2021-08-21T17:11:09-04:00

My Dad!

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Aug 21 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-21T17:18:57-04:00

My Dad. He served in the Navy, going in at 17 years of age, from 1954 to 1957. He wanted me to join the Navy but in high school, no Navy recruiters came around. The Army recruiters came to our school and we took the ASVAB. I did pretty well and a month later, the Army recruiter came back and asked who would like to see their scores. Of course, I did and he said I could join a lot of technical jobs. I said I want Infantry. Couldn't go to Germany at the time so I went with Lance Missiles. My Dad was real proud that I joined anyway!!!!!

Response by CPL Billy Dennison made Aug 21 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-08-21T18:24:55-04:00

Draft board

Response by PV2 Steven Stockwell made Aug 21 at 2021 7:55 PM

2021-08-21T19:55:23-04:00

I New Since i Was 2 That I Wanted To Join The Army Most Of My Family Served And I Wanted To be Like Them When I Grew Up At 17 I Quite High School To Get My G.E.D. So I Could Enlist And With my Parents Consent I Was So Happy To Finally Take My Oath To Be A Member Of the greatest Army In The World The U.S. Army

Response by Cpl TMike Barnes made Aug 21 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-08-21T21:48:32-04:00

I wanted to be like my Dad ,a Marine. He told me to join the Army.Everytime we went to Ft.Meade or Ft.Holabird all I saw of the Army was Working Parties with green bags and pointy sticks...So I told my Mom that I'm going to be a Marine like Dad.

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Aug 22 at 2021 6:40 AM

2021-08-22T06:40:59-04:00

A poster in front of the post office in Cambridge MA. It was a sailor in salty dress blues. He held a young boy's hand as the stood in front of USS Constitution.

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Aug 22 at 2021 1:28 PM

2021-08-22T13:28:25-04:00

I did, my junior year we had recruiters come out to the high school, and the thoughts were already crossing my mind. I wanted to be a part of something much bigger, none of the four jobs I had which were all different had appeased me as much as becoming a mechanic or technician. I took the ASFAB test and scored better than average, so I signed up for the delayed entry program and guaranteed a job in an area I really enjoyed. I did the research, the recruiter took me out to Ft. Hood, which now that I remember and have been deployed, when I saw Ft. Hood it looked a lot like Camp Taji did in 08-09 back in 94-95. The trip didn't make up my mind, my mind was already made.

Response by SSG Lj Corley made Aug 22 at 2021 1:47 PM

2021-08-22T13:47:46-04:00

The threat of being drafted :-) Old guy.

Response by Cpl Valentine Rangel made Aug 22 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-22T17:19:08-04:00

Myself

Response by 1LT Neal Schwartz made Aug 22 at 2021 7:32 PM

2021-08-22T19:32:38-04:00

That's an easy question, Uncle Sam influenced me. He must have really wanted me, or perhaps needed me. In fact he sent me a personal letter telling me to come on down and take a physical. This was when I was between wives. I went down, and after coughing I was told to go out the back door and get on the bus. This was 3 or 4 years after the Air Force said they didn't want me because I was probably born with a rupture, and the Navy told me I had flat feet. Funny thing, the Army found neither to be true. Went on to Basic Tng, AIT, applied and graduated Artillery OCS, additional year at Fort Sill, then one year off to Vietnam. Almost stayed in, except for one Major.

Response by MSgt David Guenther made Aug 22 at 2021 7:37 PM

2021-08-22T19:37:28-04:00

It was Christmas time, I was still back in my home town just graduated HS, I went out drinking with a carload of my buddies, Army, Navy, USMC, all home on leave. They all said the same thing, "Join the USAF!" They were damn good recruiters.

Response by SSgt Warren Henthorn made Aug 22 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-08-22T19:51:49-04:00

The draft, lol.

Response by AA Charles Ragan made Aug 22 at 2021 7:58 PM

2021-08-22T19:58:14-04:00

My oldest brother, Navy- Korean War, next oldest Marine Vietnam Veteran 13 month tour, next brother Marine VN era Grenada and me VN era then nothing but BS. I was very disappointed and it boiled over and interrupted my service and I got an Honorable Discharge on technical laws. I should mention my Father was Army not sure of era.

Response by Sgt Tom Gainer made Aug 22 at 2021 8:33 PM

2021-08-22T20:33:36-04:00

Family history. All males in family as far back as WW1 that I know of served. The family was in every conflict since WW1.

Response by CMC Aaron Relford made Aug 22 at 2021 8:33 PM

2021-08-22T20:33:44-04:00

No one, family couldn’t afford college, no academic or athletic scholarships, and no jobs available to me in 1975 so I checked into the military liked what they were offering so I took the oath.

Response by SPC Priscilla Elmore made Aug 22 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-08-22T20:54:12-04:00

No one influenced me. I wanted a college education. I couldn’t afford one, so I joined the Army.

Response by Cpl Doug Wuenschel made Aug 22 at 2021 9:03 PM

2021-08-22T21:03:29-04:00

Father

Response by PO2 Ed Fielding made Aug 22 at 2021 9:05 PM

2021-08-22T21:05:14-04:00

My father who was a WWII vet

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 9:25 PM

2021-08-22T21:25:38-04:00

John Wayne movies, also my father and uncle set good examples..

Response by LTC Gary Bracht made Aug 23 at 2021 12:06 AM

2021-08-23T00:06:09-04:00

Colonel Joe Boyle, Professor of Military Science at Gonzaga University during 1972.

Response by SSG Cam Prince made Aug 23 at 2021 12:15 AM

2021-08-23T00:15:26-04:00

A fast talking recruiter.

Response by Cpl Raymond Wiltshire made Aug 23 at 2021 12:19 AM

2021-08-23T00:19:18-04:00

Best Friend. Joined the Marines while I was in college. Decided I wasn't really cut out for college, so I dropped out and joined the Marines also.

Response by MSgt George Murray made Aug 23 at 2021 4:47 AM

2021-08-23T04:47:46-04:00

No one, my dad had passed away in 69 and in 71 I was still working in the textile mill and found out that our looms were sold and decided I better do something. It was the best choice I have ever made.

Response by SSgt Wilbur Snyder made Aug 23 at 2021 6:24 AM

2021-08-23T06:24:46-04:00

A high school friend ! he saved me from poverty. My life changed for ever.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2021 7:47 AM

2021-08-23T07:47:41-04:00

I was a young, very young RN, literally 6 months out of community College. While working at the VAMC in Iowa city, this patient of mine asked if I wanted to serve my country, he was 85 years old. I told him I have flat feet, he said that he could make a call if I could see a recruiter...long story short, I did 2 5 year tours... best decision I have ever made.

Response by SSgt James Purvis made Aug 23 at 2021 11:05 AM

2021-08-23T11:05:09-04:00

My local draft board!

Response by A1C Frank L. Smith made Aug 23 at 2021 12:46 PM

2021-08-23T12:46:12-04:00

My cousin made U.S.A.F. E-5, in 4 years, advised me to sign up and just follow the rules, do your best.
It was good advice ! .

Response by LCpl Lynn Reese made Aug 23 at 2021 2:25 PM

2021-08-23T14:25:58-04:00

The unknown Marine waiting for me to take their place so they can live to go home.

Response by PO2 Robert Cadle made Aug 23 at 2021 3:47 PM

2021-08-23T15:47:18-04:00

I was influenced by the long ago culture of the thirties and forties and fifties. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Patriotism, etc. It was just "assumed" that I would enlist right out of high school.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Aug 24 at 2021 2:54 PM

2021-08-24T14:54:49-04:00

I took an interest in the military at a very early age and obsessed about joining the military. I had a fatigue uniform, went to the Army/Navy store to get the patches and stuff. I had planned to enlist when I got out of high school anyway, and though my draft lottery number was 32, I beat my draft notice by about 6 months.....once I got in I realized that I had idealized the military a great deal. That changed my goals so I looked to the future and advanced in my medical knowledge and capabilities. That kept me going when my attitude took a nosedive....it became a game for me. I was immature at times, but I grew up a lot too. Looking back now in my late 60's, the military was and is something I did to serve my country and for that I am thankful. My "second go-around" in the military was as a Medical Service Officer. Then I was the competent one, but not versed in "military think". I excelled at what I did and thoroughly loved leading folks and doing a service to them at their stage of life. My desires changed more to serving God and His people, which was my reason for resigning my commission. Once I was qualified to return as a Chaplain for Desert Storm and following, I was too old to be commissioned and my military aspirations ceased for good.

Response by PFC Jon Doe made Aug 26 at 2021 3:26 PM

2021-08-26T15:26:33-04:00

My Dad served in WWII and never told me to join....Out of respect I joined.

Response by SSgt Glen Tarrillion made Aug 27 at 2021 4:55 PM

2021-08-27T16:55:39-04:00

a hiighschool friend he didnt make it at first but i went in any way. he did join later.smartest thing i did 22yrs later retired now

Response by Sgt Earl Neconie made Sep 4 at 2021 12:28 AM

2021-09-04T00:28:52-04:00

My Dad, (10) years SSgt with The Fighting Fifth Marines, 1st MarDiv, Camp Pendleton, CA. I remember visiting his Quonset Hut as an (8)yr-old! Semper Fidelis

Response by SPC Anthony Barnes made Sep 4 at 2021 11:27 AM

2021-09-04T11:27:24-04:00

I was influenced by a judge , join or serve (time) it was a bullshit charge but I wasn’t well liked in my Deep South community as I got caught in a delicate situation with the deputy sheriffs daughter! So l joined the army . With no real skills I made an ideal infantryman!

Response by MSG Charles Kaiser made Sep 4 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-09-04T17:00:09-04:00

It’s a family tradition all the way back to the revolutionary war

Response by SPC Louis Williams made Sep 4 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-09-04T17:27:15-04:00

My father, my uncle, and my brother.
All were combat veterans.

Response by SSG Mildred Johnson made Sep 4 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-09-04T18:46:48-04:00

My Brother, I woul sit and listen to him about the places he had been,meeting different people. Some places were better than other. He fought in Vietnam War , came home a different person. To me he was my Hero. I joined the Army because of him.

Response by PFC Andrew "Tommy" M. made Sep 5 at 2021 2:38 AM

2021-09-05T02:38:29-04:00

Honestly I just did not want to go to college at the time, and thought that the Army would get me away from home as well as earn some money to go towards college afterwards, but I lost that money.

Response by CDR Theresa Everest made Sep 6 at 2021 2:56 AM

2021-09-06T02:56:57-04:00

My dad and my stepdad. My dad went through enlisted commissioning program after Korea. He was a helo pilot. Stepdad was a combat engineer. Both were Army. I joined the Navy because of them.

Response by LCpl Odell Taylor made Sep 6 at 2021 6:28 PM

2021-09-06T18:28:58-04:00

Having grown up during the 1940s and 1950s, without experiencing the luxuries MOST now take for granted, such as electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, television, etc., while having to depend upon the newsreels shown on the weekend in the only theater in the entire county (admission $.14) for the week-old 'current' news I cannot necessarily credit any individual.

Even tho WWII had been over for a couple of years at that time the newsreels were still showing actual battle scenes, mainly those having occurred in the South Pacific...US Marines of course...I would say had the most influence on me.

The following question has nothing to do with the discussion at hand. It has to do with an OLD man's curiosity only. How many can say that during their lifetime their nearest neighbor lived at least a half-mile away? Nothing to do with liking or disliking New York City residents, but no need for those to reply.

Response by Sgt Laura Campbell made Sep 6 at 2021 6:29 PM

2021-09-06T18:29:05-04:00

All 5 of my brothers joined the military, they were the influence that made me want to join, to carry on our family tradition, although I was the only female in our family to join. My father started the tradition by joining the Navy during the end of the Korean war. Between us, we covered all the services except National Guard. In spite of any issues faced, I think we all would do it again. My son in law recruited my son into the Army with my blessing as well. I believe he was inspired because of both of his grandfathers having served during wartime, as well as both his parents having been
in the military before he was born.

Response by PO3 Monica Zink Davenport made Sep 6 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-09-06T22:38:22-04:00

My dad, army veteran, was my inspiration!

Response by SPC Ana Moody-Dash made Sep 6 at 2021 11:31 PM

2021-09-06T23:31:42-04:00

Manuel Noriega killed my father. I joined the military as my personal thank you When they arrested him.

Response by Sgt John Hicks made Sep 7 at 2021 11:29 AM

2021-09-07T11:29:26-04:00

I was influenced to join the military, by my oldest brother. Who served in the USAF.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2021 4:40 PM

2021-09-07T16:40:07-04:00

Every able bodied and of-age man in my direct line of ancestry has served in one capacity or another, going all the way back to WWI. And I've had family in the military since the Revolution. It's a family tradition for me. That being said, however, I am proud of my service, short as it was, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

Response by SPC Anthony Sturgis made Sep 7 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-09-07T16:44:40-04:00

Is there a winners list?

Response by SGT Jodi WittBailey made Sep 7 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-09-07T17:53:16-04:00

Toby Keith. And family tradition. Atleast one served every generation.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Sep 7 at 2021 6:35 PM

2021-09-07T18:35:10-04:00

First, it my honor to had severed our nation. My granddad was Army. My dad and his dad were Marines. I join the WING. granddad are past. My dad was living when I join. He was happy for me for doing the right thing. He was not mad that I join the .

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-09-07T18:36:35-04:00

My grandfather. Although he did not serve in the US military, he instilled sense of servitude to the Country, God, and Family.

Response by TSgt Timothy Backstrom made Sep 7 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-09-07T19:52:53-04:00

My uncle who is the only other person in my family to serve. He was an LT in the Army during Vietnam setting up forward operating bases.

Response by CPT Jay Bank made Sep 8 at 2021 10:42 AM

2021-09-08T10:42:55-04:00

My JROTC Commander and rifle Coach

Response by PO1 Jeremy Derousselle made Sep 8 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-09-08T22:25:25-04:00

I joined because life before military was hard. Most people were getting killed or ending up in jail. I decided i wanted to get away and not look back.

Response by CPT Tim Wibking made Sep 11 at 2021 6:48 AM

2021-09-11T06:48:00-04:00

Maj Don Deline

Response by SGT George Smith made Sep 11 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-09-11T12:26:51-04:00

I wanted to join the Army from about 14 years old. People tried to talk me out of joining. I left for basic 12 hours after graduation in 1961.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2021 11:20 AM

2021-09-12T11:20:48-04:00

My late grandfather who was killed behind enemy lines in Yugoslavia on a special ops mission. Obviously I never met him, but I was named for him, and I grew up hearing stories about his service and heroism.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 12 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-09-12T13:30:40-04:00

I always intended to join military growing up, the military TV shows such as Combat, Rat Patrol etc and playing war almost daily with the neighborhood boys certainly influenced my decision, all my friends except two joined the military

Response by SSG Earl Corp made Sep 12 at 2021 9:27 PM

2021-09-12T21:27:42-04:00

I was third generation and my Grandpa was in World War II. It was expected d of me and I went willingly.

Response by Capt Bruce Bitterman made Sep 13 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-09-13T17:03:48-04:00

My older brother joined first. I followed him. My father was in the Navy in WW2, my father in law in the Army in Korean war. I guess I'm just from a military family.

Response by PVT Robert Bernhardt made Sep 14 at 2021 4:44 AM

2021-09-14T04:44:23-04:00

I was influenced to join the military by a judge. I had gotten into trouble and was given the option to join the army or be convicted and go to jail.

Response by CPL Jerry Masters made Sep 15 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-09-15T17:00:18-04:00

My Heart!!

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Sep 15 at 2021 8:24 PM

2021-09-15T20:24:21-04:00

Early sense of patroitsim by boy scouts, patritoc songs in elementary school pledging allegence daily in school.

Response by LTC Joe Anderson made Sep 15 at 2021 10:46 PM

2021-09-15T22:46:27-04:00

My dad and probably growing up watching various warm movies influence me to join the military. Although the movies don't capture what it's really like. But they're fun to watch. My dad was career Navy. Because I looked up to my dad I knew I was going to serve. I also liked military way of life (Probably why I stayed do long). But I chose the Army since I didn't want to be on ships. And I don't regret it one bit. I'd do it all again if I had a chance. In fact if I didn't age out I would have stayed in longer.

Response by SMSgt Mike Wood made Sep 15 at 2021 11:37 PM

2021-09-15T23:37:39-04:00

My Dad. He was a WWII Vet and was D-Day +3. Didn't land with the initial assault forces but fought across France, Holland and into Aachen, Germany. His Army buddies told me about him. At his Eulogy, one of these same guys said something I'll never forget, "No one ever had a bad word about Woody" My Dad believed in always telling the truth. He was raised during the Great Depression and said, "Your word was pretty much all you had". A man of Honor and Integrity.

Response by LCpl Samuel Maynard made Sep 16 at 2021 12:37 AM

2021-09-16T00:37:07-04:00

my brother went in corps 5 years ahead of me and was in while i went to high school. joe lead the way for me.

Response by SPC Timothy Marlow made Sep 16 at 2021 2:50 AM

2021-09-16T02:50:16-04:00

Pre my older cousin who after basic and ait went awol in california then into a deserter a month before i go in.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Sep 16 at 2021 8:27 AM

2021-09-16T08:27:40-04:00

As they used to say, "My friends and neighbors;" i.e., drafted April 16th, 1967--ny 21st birthday.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Sep 16 at 2021 12:24 PM

2021-09-16T12:24:28-04:00

My influence was from laundry list of family that served. My Grandfather on my mom's side was a 23 year Retired SSG Mess Cook who served in that later years of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. My Grandfather on my father's side was a Commander in the US Navy during WWII and went reserves after that and retired from the US Navy. On my Mom's side, I had 2 Aunts serve in the Army and 3 Uncles (2 of which retired) who served in the Army. On my Dad's side, he was a Retired Mustang Captain in the US Air Force and my step Dad is a retired TSG in the Air Force and his dad retired from the Navy as a Chief. So who was my influence... honestly my Father was. He was the one that gave me the best advice and though he has passed away, I still deal with situations how he taught me to.

Response by Devin Hester made Sep 16 at 2021 1:07 PM

2021-09-16T13:07:29-04:00

How can something end the first day you learn about it?

Response by MSgt Christine Crawford made Sep 21 at 2021 4:18 PM

2021-09-21T16:18:15-04:00

My dad. My hero.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Sep 23 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-09-23T13:30:49-04:00

John Wayne, and all of the old war movie stars that my Dad watched as I grew up.

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Sep 24 at 2021 2:04 PM

2021-09-24T14:04:19-04:00

My Youngest Uncle who had served in the Marines during Vietnam. I still have his Basic Training Company picture to this day.

Response by Cpl John Payne made Sep 24 at 2021 8:17 PM

2021-09-24T20:17:43-04:00

MY OLDER BROTHER

Response by SPC Raymond Allen made Sep 24 at 2021 9:03 PM

2021-09-24T21:03:35-04:00

My Dad. He was in the Army for 12 years before he got medically discharged.

Response by A1C Lloyd Box made Sep 25 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-09-25T15:07:52-04:00

My Father and Grandmother which I looked up to while I was growing up. Gramps was WWI. Daddy and my Uncle Dick was WWII. Then all of my Box ancestors who volunteered all the way back to the French & Indian war. Because of that loyalty, we finally had an officer and a gentleman. He is my son. He received an Academy appointment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-09-25T15:28:12-04:00

My brother was in the Marine Corps and he played a large role in my decision to become an officer. Also, one of my best friends enlisted, and played a large part in my decision to join the Army.

Response by Sgt Dale Taylor made Sep 26 at 2021 12:15 PM

2021-09-26T12:15:01-04:00

God, honor, truth and justice. Everyone has a responsibility to serve God and their Country from evil. It’s a shame that some, if not most greedy hired liar politicians and lawyers don’t honorably serve God and the rule of law. I believe Hell burns bright and will have plenty of cursed evil souls on their way.

Response by SPC Halle Henderson made Sep 26 at 2021 12:18 PM

2021-09-26T12:18:21-04:00

My family members from my great uncle who was a Tuskegee pilot, my dad who was a Korean war veteran with the air force, uncles and cousins that served in Vietnam, every branch was served in my family except for the coast guard.

Response by SFC John Cousineau Sr. made Oct 23 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-10-23T12:26:11-04:00

Well there were many influencing factors. The times 1970's, the culture people and news always talking about the war but mostly my older brother. He came back from the war broke and a changed person. I joined the Marines because of the espree de corps. It was a group of individuals who were professional in doing their jobs. I also came from a family knowing we had an obligation to protect this country.

Response by SSG Don Smith made Oct 23 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-10-23T18:08:37-04:00

I grew up in Texas in the early '50s and the culture was "Serve your country." Several boys from my hometown were killed in Viet Nam so to me it was just natural to enlist in the U.S. Army as 11-Bravo.

Response by SGT Doug Comer made Oct 23 at 2021 7:01 PM

2021-10-23T19:01:12-04:00

I influenced myself, as the pay was more than I was making at the time. Then it became a career.

Response by SPC Roland Bigby made Oct 23 at 2021 7:20 PM

2021-10-23T19:20:28-04:00

My Uncle Sam convinced me to join with a letter in 1968 that began with “Greetings “

Response by SGT Christiphor Ballestero made Oct 25 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-10-25T19:08:16-04:00

My Uncle, James Foster, was Airborne in 'Nam. I went Army and Airborne because of him.

Response by SSG Conrad Sylvestrelamb made Oct 30 at 2021 10:39 AM

2021-10-30T10:39:22-04:00

child support 1 job was not cutting it

Response by SPC Joe Conte made Jan 29 at 2022 8:11 AM

2022-01-29T08:11:19-05:00

Who influenced me? The DRAFT Board!

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jan 30 at 2022 4:46 PM

2022-01-30T16:46:28-05:00

Recruiter; had an office in the hotel I worked at part time in high school.
Three days after graduation I was out oh there.

Response by A1C David Fryer made Feb 1 at 2022 7:39 PM

2022-02-01T19:39:57-05:00

My family has been a military family since before there was a United States.

Response by SN Brenda Jewell made Feb 11 at 2022 7:59 AM

2022-02-11T07:59:19-05:00

Family

Response by PO2 Russell Lloyd made Apr 17 at 2022 3:24 PM

2022-04-17T15:24:28-04:00

My father was a WW2 Navy Vet who served on board the USS Whitney AD4 in the South Pacific. He served aboard several submarine tenders during his 20 years of service. My favorite was the USS Proteus AS16 that established the first resupply and repair facility for FBM submarines equipped with Polaris missiles in Holy Loch Scotland. He was proud to have served. When my draft lotto number was selected during the Vietnam-era I was inspired by my father's service and when I reported for induction in 1971 I enlisted in the Navy. I served at GLNYCO NATTC with my final duty station being aboard the flagship USS Blueridge. I was a watch supervisor in CIC. My shup was the command and control center for Operation Eagle Pull (evac of Cambodian Embassy) and Operation Frequent Wind (evac of Saigon).

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 6:32 PM

2022-09-22T18:32:54-04:00

I didn't want to look in the mirror one day when I'm 65 and regret not joining.

Response by LCpl Ariella Hutchinson made Sep 28 at 2022 10:40 PM

2022-09-28T22:40:02-04:00

When I seen my recruiter in his dress blues I was sold immediately #usmc

Response by SPC Nicholas Hofer made Sep 30 at 2022 1:56 PM

2022-09-30T13:56:48-04:00

Family tradition, my father and his father and so on.

Response by PV2 Stephen Kamens made May 24 at 2023 10:18 PM

2023-05-24T22:18:36-04:00

Three weeks after I turned 18, living in Lyndonville, Vermont. I registered for the draft; 16 May, 1966. I received my draft notice just two days before my graduation from Lyndon Institute. I wanted to join the Navy and be a Corpsman like my big brother when he graduated high school. But the Navy had "other" plans for me. They wanted construction workers, electrician's, plumbers et al. I failed "That" test.
I was told, that they were selecting, "every-fifth-man," into the U.S. Marines, up where I was, in Northern Vermont. So I dicided to enlist in the U S Army's, Medical Corps. As a 91D-20, "Operating Room Specialist." The day before I finally was to graduate from my A.I.T. Medical Training, at Ft. Lee's, "Kenner Army Medical Center," I received my orders for Vietnam. My C.O. had me break scrub and report to him. I found out that I was to be assigned, to the First Air Calvary Division. They have No operating rooms. They didn't know what to do with me? I went into the field as a Combat Medic. I even served as an Instructor with the First Division's "LRRP" Training and "Jungle School" after my first six months in Indian Country and worked at the "An Khe Dispensery", training ARVN Soldier's to become Medics. I served with the Cav., from: June 1967-1968. My second tour was with the 44th Medical Brigade's, Dust-Off (Helicopter Ambulance). The 159th DUST-OFF at
Cu Chi, Dau Tieng and Tay Ninh. I served from: June 1968-1969.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Jun 26 at 2023 4:21 PM

2023-06-26T16:21:29-04:00

With all respect to drafted soldiers (my observations were that they were some of the most balanced and trustworthy members of the Service), I believe that everyone in my family who served were volunteers, from the Spanish-American War, WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, through Desert Storm.

Response by TSgt William Albritton made Jun 29 at 2023 11:13 AM

2023-06-29T11:13:32-04:00

I was about to be drafted into the Army. So I enlisted in the Air Force. I'm the only one in my family to make the military career.