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

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.

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.

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.

I INFLUENCED MYSELF TO JOIN THE MILITARY

My Father was my influance and a 30 year warrior.

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.

My WWI Vet Grandfather

My Dad!

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.

My families history of serving in the military for this country since the Revolutionary War. I wanted to honor that proud tradition.