Member since:
November 18, 2006

Why Do (Did) You Serve?

July 24, 2007 11:21 PM EDT

views: 43 | rating: 10/10 (5 votes) | comments: 4

We all have our reasons on why we join(ed) our respective service. I have heard over the years why people decided to service. Some reasons were travel, education, and family tradition. I have even heard people say to get away from home.

I knew in the 8^th grade that I wanted to join the Air Force. I did talk with the Army reserve recruiter when I was in high school but knew right away that wasn’t what I wanted. I still knew that I wanted to be in the Air Force. If you asked me why the Air Force back then I couldn’t tell you. It was just what I wanted. Soon after I turned 17 I had my mom take me to the nearest recruiter’s office. He was like sorry I can’t help you, you aren’t in my area. However, I will get the recruiter who’s for your area in touch with you. He did and I entered Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas on 13 October 1994.

The reason I joined the Air Force was that I knew I could be something better. I knew that I would be able to do that by serving my country. Then there was family tradition. My uncle was a member of the Air Force reserve. My moms dad was in the Navy. Don’t get me wrong, the education, travel and other benefits were great thoughts too. So why do (did) you serve?

Tags: air force, army, military, veterans, save, coast guard, marines, navy

To Groups: Support Veterans, True American Heroes, S.A.V.E. Support American Veteran's Endurance

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Comments: 4

arlene (no shame in my game) w. Jul 26, 2007, 12:45pm EDT

Whew, you go girl. I am too chicken.

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Mike B. Jul 29, 2007, 12:39pm EDT

I enlisted right after the Gulf War. My brother served in the Army during the war. My dad (Army) and stepdad (Marines) were both veterns and several of my uncles also served (Navy). Grandpa was a patriot and I saw the Air Force as a noble way out of my current life. I also saw it as a stable future. Excitement...adventure...travel. Those were part of it too. Now that I'm half way to retirement, why do I stay in? Despite the frequent deployments, it's still a good life. It supports my family, and I like what I do. Whether I'm flying or doing office work, I'm proud of my work. I don't know that I would have the same job satifaction. The Air Force has been good to me, I'm not ready to give it up yet. Quite frankly, I'm scared to get a real job.

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cda asfc Jul 29, 2007, 11:40pm EDT

Thanks for serving Mike. I know what you mean about scared to get a real job. I thought about getting out when my enlistment was up earlier this year. But couldn't do it. I reenlisted for 6 more years.

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Charles Temm JR Oct 23, 2007, 5:39pm EDT

Joined Army in 1979 after wanting to soldier (or be a jarhead) my whole life...I believed in my country and thought this I could do to pay her back for watching over my family here since 1750. Jumped out of airplanes and travelled around the world...I loved the Army and I never regreted enlisting throughout those 22 years!

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