Posted on Feb 17, 2014
Would you travel outside the US if not the military?
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How many you met someone other than your race prior to basic training? What about someone with ties to another country? Would you dream of leaving the country (for those who have) without the military? What experiences have you garnered; good, bad, or indifferent? What cultures, food, languages, and lifestyle have you encountered? Relive the good times!
Travel
Basic Training
Culture
Food/Chow
Languages
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 13
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Ok brutal honesty time. I was raise a rasist, My parents, Grand Parents, Aunts and Uncles. The first time I interatced with anyone of another ethnicity was in Basic Training. This is why I take EEO so seriously because I was raised with the hate and ignorance. There is absolutly no place for it in the Military, nor in society either. I am proof that racism can be educated out of people. It just takes someone to see the issue and not shun them, but take the time to befriend them and show them that what they were taught is false. This is what happened for me. I thank God everyday that I was able to break that chain because of the Army and specifically that friend whom I still keep contact with. Without them, I would not have my beautiful Asian wife and my wonderful son, and now my 4 grandchildren. Feeling blessed!
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CSM Michael Poll
Thank you, it is an embrrasing time of my life and hard to share especially with my position, but I think that people can learn from my first 18 years of ignorance...
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
CSM, bravo. It takes a lot of courage to admit to things like this, but your experiences are a real learning point for everyone.
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SSG (Join to see)
CSM Poll, I can totally relate to your circumstances. I wasn't necessarily raised a a racist, but I know my mother at least looked down on other ethnicity. I didn't meet a person of a different ethnicity until I was in high school. The third African-American person I ever met and conversed with in my entire life is now my wife. The uproar this initially caused in my immediate family was alarming and humiliating. To say the least I was shocked to hear things from my family that I never imagined I would hear. Never the less, my entire family loves my wife and our two children of mixed race.
On the military side, I take EEO and racial issues seriously. Most units I belong have belonged too are majority white. I hear comments, jokes, and racist remarks every drill period. Generally when they find out about my wife, they stop, but I am constantly educating my soldiers and others on the importance of EEO.
On the military side, I take EEO and racial issues seriously. Most units I belong have belonged too are majority white. I hear comments, jokes, and racist remarks every drill period. Generally when they find out about my wife, they stop, but I am constantly educating my soldiers and others on the importance of EEO.
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I would like to think I would have, but the Army has sure made it easy lol
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I am fortunate in that I traveled to Spain when I was in high school for a class trip. I've also been to Germany, the Netherlands, France - none were military vacations. I've always had a passion for travel and would continue to do so outside of the military. The military has helped me see the middle east and more of the US than I'd have been inclined to visit. I am glad that I have gotten to see so many historic places in the US, thanks to the Army!
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1SG (Join to see)
The Army makes it a small world indeed, LT. Speaking of which, given how uncommon your last name is I think I had a relative of yours come through the OR Public Safety Academy.
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