Why did you join the military?

My inspiration was my Uncle Larry who chose the Navy and was in the Pacific for much of WWII. The main reason was the same for many in my small town in Oregon - to get out of there. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world other than my children.

To serve my country and be part of something bigger than myself, the camaraderie and personal development. Money and benefits re great , but not only is it not my primary reason but also back in the time when I joined and benefits were far less especially in the reserve components where I spent most of my career

I wanted the experience and needed to learn a trade. It worked out for me. And I'm glad I did it! As far as I know, my son is the only one in my family with our last name, not to serve in the US Army. And I'm the only one who didn't serve in the infantry. It was a good experience for the most part.

I was drafted with a heart murmur. And I liked the Army because I could improve myself. I was able to go and get though flight school and decided to make the Army my career. I was riffed in 1973 and got into the Army Reserves. I retired with twenty eight years of duty. Met a lot of men who became my friends.

1. Get away from home and see the world.
2. Didn't want to be indebted to parent for college.

RallyPoint News: I joined the Army to: travel; and, to learn how to lead. GOD bless you: Mr. Pat Tillman. Mr. Pat Tillman you are a True Hero.

I wanted to be a pilot, specifically an Air Force pilot. It was my goal since I was a kid. It directed me into getting a bachelors degree and completing 4-year AFROTC. I applied for pilot training and was accepted. Serving my country and protecting our way of life was an important, longer-term, consideration. This was all during the Viet Nam era. I was proud to step forward and volunteer to serve when many men my age (18-21) were finding ways to avoid service. I did receive my Air Force pilot rating in July 1970. I never went to Viet Nam, despite volunteering. The Air Force needed me elsewhere.

To travel to exciting exotic places and meet interesting people, than kill them.

Initially because my Dad was a CMSG in the MS Air National Guard and I highly respected him, BUT things turned sour when I was threatened by the KKK Democrats within our Civil Engineering Squadron SO I was given the fine choice of a Dishonorable Discharge from the MSANG or join the Regular AF. In the Regular AF I still had to deal with the "Good Ole Boys" club.

It was easy. No grades, no money, shit job, playing in a crappy cover band. I figured why not?
I had a blast for 22 yrs. Wouldn't change anything.