Why did you join the military?

Career change!

My father served in the CBI theater in WWII as an ammunition truck driver in Burma under the command of "Vinegar Joe" General Joseph Stillwell. When Vietnam came around, my lottery number on my 19th birthday was 362. That meant I'd never go, so I enlisted instead. I was always a patriot, and believed in serving my country like my father did. Any kids I have will be informed about my military experience.

First, it was a family tradition. I later realized it was about the people around me. No politics, no agenda, just the most professional people in the world protecting each other.

Vietnam was still going on in March of 1970 -when I turned 18. The same day I signed up for the draft I signed up for the Navy. I wanted a choice in my future. One week after graduation I was heading to boot camp in Great Lakes,Ill.

The Draft.

I'm one of those odd balls who always wanted to join the military since I was a little kid. When we had career day in elementary school, I always signed up for all the military ones. I woke up an hour early on school days so I could watch G.I. Joe & Transformers before I had to get ready for school. I've always been drawn to the discipline (SecDef just put out a great memo on it too). Now that I'm in, I also appreciate the accountability. I tried to go the Academy route. I earned a nomination but not an appointment to USAFA. Then I tried the AFROTC thing for a year in college. Found out I'm much more of the doing type & enlisted life would probably suit me better. I still stayed in school & finished my B.S. but called up the AF Recruiter about a week after I graduated to enlist. 5 months later I was in San Antonio, TX. Never looked back. If anything, wonder if I should have done it sooner.

1965 Go to college (I graduated 215/217). Get married (I went to my Sr. Prom stag. That left me with 4 choices. Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. I had pretty much made up my mind at 6 when my grandmother took me to Eisenhower's 2nd inauguration. The Marines lining the parade route were the coolest I had ever seen. I can't say that my recruiters lied to me. Sitting in the living room with my Mom, I ask what boot camp would be like. The recruiter didn't hesitate. He said "You'll get your ass beat every day. My only regret is getting out after 9 years.

I needed direction in my life. I was a very active spirited youth.

My reason was fairly simple. The draft was sure to get me since I didn't have a single deferment to stand on. I also wanted to go to college. My father, being a career enlisted man, couldn't afford to send me.

I enlisted because I wanted to enjoy the experience. In a small town just like everywhere else, occupations are very scarce. Good thing I did, we also talked about why we joined when we had campfire in the barracks. Met a lot of good friends and still have them today.

Not to mention that all of my uncles joined and served in almost every branch expect Coast Guard, following the family legacy