Why did you join the military?

One day in March of '69 I received a letter in the mail stating that my friends and neighbors had selected me to serve. The next day I was in the recruiting office and signed up for 3 years. At the AFEES station I got a pitch for the Army Security Agency and wound signed up for 4 years. After serving for 2 1/2 years, signed up again for 4 years in order to switch MOS from 05H to 98B. Total service was 6 years, 6 months & 1 day.

I joined b/c ever since I was a kid growing up I read, watched every war moving that was made. I was destined to be a soldier and I was for 23.5 years. If their was away I got the mission accomplished and had a great time.

I was a farm boy, never been anywhere and I wanted to see the world. At 17 Dad signed for me and I went to Parris Island. I was scared but I was going to do my best. I went in the marines in 59 it was a slow time it took a week to get enough recruits to for a Plt. I turned 18 in boot camp. I have been to Camp lejune, Puerto Rico, Quantico, camp Pendleton, Okinawa and San Diego. after 4 yrs. I got discharged and joined the Army. I have been to Ft. Ord., Ft Knox, Ft. Gordon, Vietnam and Ft. Dix. where I got discharged after 7yrs in the Military. I got my wish. Semper fi.

My grandfather served in WWII and my Father served in Vietnam, my stepfather also served in Vietnam and I wanted to do my duty to my country also.

I joined the Navy because my college deferment was revoked and I was 1A !!! And I wanted a choice of what I was going to do !!

I was 18 had really no direction my dad was in the Army I joined my 1st job was a crew chief on hueys.

I joined the Navy because it was an avenue for me to take that would make me grow as a person and gave me a chance to give back to my country - I joined in 1983.

I am proud to be an American and serve to my country.

Wanted to do something that would make a difference. Also, wasn't very mature and the discipline and focus took care of that. Chose to be medic. Felt that this was the best course for my beliefs.

At school i got the chance to spend a couple of weeks with the British Army in Berlin. I flew in to RAF Germany, taking the military train to Berlin.

My room overlooked Rudolf Hess’s room in Spandau.

I traveled in to East Berlin (like a scene from the Man from UNCLE).

During that trip I became convinced that the proper direction for me was to protect my country and our people. Within a year I had taken my country’s shilling.

Never looked back.