Do you feel like a better man/woman because you joined the military?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 06:26:14 -0400

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 7 at 2015 6:53 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 06:53:39 -0400

Without a doubt! My goal in life as a teenager was to be a Hells Angel....that path would have taken me to prison or to a shallow grave by now....made a hell of a difference in my life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 7:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:13:00 -0400

Yes. Why? I have learned, gained knowledge, traveled (sometimes involuntary), but most of all supported my country. I not saying my life style is flashy but I am well off, support my family and will be able to do so afterwards due to the experience gained thru service.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 7:13 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:13:51 -0400

Since I pretty much grew up in the military (age 17 to 32) I would have to say yes.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 9:53 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 09:53:15 -0400

The Army has given me a purpose. I graduated from undergrad in 2008 when the recession hit. I knew that I wasn't going to get hired in the civilian workforce with a History degree so I enlisted. It's been the BEST decision I have ever made. I enjoy the way the military has a set of standards to live my life by. You don't see that in the civilian world.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 10:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:23:10 -0400

I have a better sense of belonging and accomplishment

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:51 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:51:25 -0400

?? that never cross my mind .... ...

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Mar 13 at 2018 9:33 PM

SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:33:57 -0400

Yes I do!! Wouldn't be who I am today without it!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 9:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:53:43 -0400

Absolutely. I had a small break in service in between ETSing and starting ROTC and SMP, and I can't believe how purposeless and adrift I felt.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2018 10:51 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 22:51:05 -0400

I feel blessed, despite the disabilities, to have served my country and my community. For the most part the people are great. The opportunities and pay are outrageously generous. For someone who’s second language is English and grew up in the projects three blocks from the Tex-Mex border to have such opportunities is tremendous. Blessed, blessed, blessed. So blessed!!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 15 at 2018 6:29 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 06:29:01 -0400

I know that I became a far better person than the road I was previously on. While my heart was always good, the military instilled values that have served me on and off duty. It provided me with the tools and time to develop character and a moral code. I believe that I am a better man, father and most importantly husband. For me it was a cross over environment, all of who I am as a Family man, carried over to my service. I have a love and compassion for service members equal to but on a different plain than my Family. Caring for Soldiers, was much like dealing with my adult children. If we all remember that we are there to provide with a tool kit full of values, building character leading toward a Soldier/human being with great moral character. Thank you for your service.