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

My Dad served in WWII and never told me to join....Out of respect I joined.

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.

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.

The unknown Marine waiting for me to take their place so they can live to go home.

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 ! .

My local draft board!

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.

A high school friend ! he saved me from poverty. My life changed for ever.

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.

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.