Veterans what prompted YOU to serve your country?
- Thread starter oldafsp
- Start date
ldausmc1369
US Veteran
Greetings:
Graduated college, got this letter from my draft board that my friends and neighbors has selected me....reported to the induction center, passed all the mickey mouse, and got selected for the USMC. One of the "chosen" Marines. At the time, "oh, sheet!", now, proud to have worn the eagle, globe and anchor! 1969-1971. 0311! OoRah and Semper Fi to all my Marine brothers and sisters on our birthday tomorrow and to all of the veterans of all conflicts on Friday!
Graduated college, got this letter from my draft board that my friends and neighbors has selected me....reported to the induction center, passed all the mickey mouse, and got selected for the USMC. One of the "chosen" Marines. At the time, "oh, sheet!", now, proud to have worn the eagle, globe and anchor! 1969-1971. 0311! OoRah and Semper Fi to all my Marine brothers and sisters on our birthday tomorrow and to all of the veterans of all conflicts on Friday!
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
A combination of...
things: 1) I graduated college and didn't want to go to grad school; 2) no money; 3) draft deferment expiring. I tried to go Navy OCS and was dinged on eye sight; same with the Army so I just waited for the draft. Funny thing was after I got in, the Army kept asking me to go OCS or even apply for a direct commission. But by that time I had a girl friend and didn't want to extend.
My direct ancestors have served in about every war since the Revolution. I don't remember that influencing me back then, but I think about it now. One of my daughters proudly served in the Navy recently on the USS Carl Vinson.
things: 1) I graduated college and didn't want to go to grad school; 2) no money; 3) draft deferment expiring. I tried to go Navy OCS and was dinged on eye sight; same with the Army so I just waited for the draft. Funny thing was after I got in, the Army kept asking me to go OCS or even apply for a direct commission. But by that time I had a girl friend and didn't want to extend.
My direct ancestors have served in about every war since the Revolution. I don't remember that influencing me back then, but I think about it now. One of my daughters proudly served in the Navy recently on the USS Carl Vinson.
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ChuckS1
US Veteran
Was an Army brat my whole life, born in Japan, lived in Germany and various posts in the US. My grandfather served in WWI. My brother enlisted, went to OCS in '68 and spent two tours in Viet Nam. Plus a 4 year Army ROTC scholarship didn't hurt. All that, plus a totally worthless degree in Political Science. But hey, the Army said I had to graduate... so I ended up spending most of my adult life in uniform.
I was looking for a new job and when I interviewed, I was always asked if I had been in the Military. When I replied no, they all told me that they didn't want to hire me and then leave if I got drafted. I decided to go into the USAF and that's what I did.
enfield
US Veteran
It was the draft lottery in August 1970 that convinced me to be a soldier. 
deralte
US Veteran
After graduating in the WV coalfields in 1951 and seeing nowhere to go, plus there was a war going on, it seemed like the right thing to do. About halfway thru my tour in Korea I received my draft notice.
monet61
US Veteran
deralte;
Same as you; I knew that the only thing that awaited me were the coal mines, and the draft. As a kid, I read everything I could get my hands on about the Navy. Any Navy. And I really wanted to go to Hong Kong. Don't regret a minute of it.
Same as you; I knew that the only thing that awaited me were the coal mines, and the draft. As a kid, I read everything I could get my hands on about the Navy. Any Navy. And I really wanted to go to Hong Kong. Don't regret a minute of it.
GNLaFrance
Member
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I grew up in the Navy, it was natural.
Retired LTC USAR
US Veteran
My GrandFather graduated from Naval Academy in 1921 and retired in 1951 as a Rear Admiral.
Father served in WWII (enlisted) and then in the Kentucky National Guard (Officer).
Draft ended just before I was eligable. Decided if I had to go to war, I would rather be an officer than an enlisted, so in my sophmore year at EKU, I signed my contract for the advanced program in the ROTC and graduated/commissioned 2 years later (1978) and retired 28 years later (2006).
Father served in WWII (enlisted) and then in the Kentucky National Guard (Officer).
Draft ended just before I was eligable. Decided if I had to go to war, I would rather be an officer than an enlisted, so in my sophmore year at EKU, I signed my contract for the advanced program in the ROTC and graduated/commissioned 2 years later (1978) and retired 28 years later (2006).
deduke1907
US Veteran
at 19 wanted to be a police offficer. spent 3 years as a military police in the army 1962-1965 got out and became a police officer for 25 years
When I first went in the Army (1960) it was just pretty much accepted that unless there was something medicly wrong with a man at age 18he joined a service. The only question was which one? Myself I got my Dad to sign for me at age 17. I didn't like school and the Army was a way out. (back then if you could pass the written test they didn't care if you had a GRADE SCHOOL diploma, much less high school)
Heard rumors that they had a good photography school, and knew for a fact that the Navy had produced the best basic photography text ever written (because I had studied them all). Things worked out well enough, and after a while it kind of grew on me. 25 years.
imjin138
US Veteran
I felt the need to, even when I was on guard duty in the rain walking around the battalion motorpool I always thought I can say I served. I loved being in the Army and enjoyed most of the stuff I did. This weekend I am going to a reunion of DMZ Vets in Milwaukee. One of the places we are going is the Zablocki Veterans Center.
bloo
Member
Wasn't making it in high school so I dropped out and joined the Navy. Got my draft notice at Bainebridge MD attending class A radio school.
Ted
Ted
Graduated High school 1961. No jobs to speak of except the local manufacturing plant. My brother and I both went into the Navy. Never regreted it. Well maby a little while I was in boot camp. 4.5 yrs in the navy and 18 yrs in the air national guard. Would do it all over if I had to.
seagill
US Veteran
Very interesting thread. For me it was a family tradition, just seemed like the thing to do. My dad is a 30 year Navy vet. I grew up listening to stories of exotic places and wild adventures. I guess it rubbed off on my brother as well, he's now a master chief and just hit the 26 year mark.
This non-veteran can answer for at least some of the veterans.
Some of you served in relative comfort
Some of you served in one hell hole after another.
You served to protect me and my family so we could breathe the air of freedom.
Thank You Veterans, no matter why you served!
Some of you served in relative comfort
Some of you served in one hell hole after another.
You served to protect me and my family so we could breathe the air of freedom.
Thank You Veterans, no matter why you served!
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ancient-one
US Veteran
Enlisted in the Navy exactly one year after Pearl Harbor. I was 17 and had more Patriotism than sense. Never regretted it.
