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

My husband pushed me.

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.

.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.

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.

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.

My father

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.

My Dad

The draft board

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.