[cyclotic]

One of my greatest regrets in life is not joining the military. I was raised in the late 60's and 70's. Graduated HS in '81 as the product of a liberal school. I had virtually no contemporaries who were in the military.

Of course, I grew up quick. 3 years later, I drove 400 miles to vote for Ronaldus Maximus. (OK, I was too scatterbrained to remember to get a absentee ballot) Coolest part was that I brought a friend along for the ride and ended up married to her.

[Lurker]

I graduated HS in 78. My friends were absolutely stunned when 3 years later I enlisted in the Marine Corps.

At the time, I couldn't really articulate why I did it.

Now I can. My life was directionless at the time and even though I didn't know it I was craving some real self discipline. I had no idea how to get it.

My next door neighbor was a Warrant Officer who did two tours in Viet Nam and after a few quiet conversations with him I drove myself to the recruiters office.

My dad, who was drafted into the Army in '65 was prettty quiet about the whole thing. "Just take as much extra training as they offer you, no matter what it is. It could save your life someday."

That was damned good advice. He was right.

To this day, I know of only one other person who joined the military after High School. It's a shame. I'll say it to this very day. The Marine Corps most likely saved my life.

Semper Fi.

L

[dpa5923]

One of my greatest regrets in life is not joining the military.

When I returned from recruit training in 1985, my girlfriend’s father and every other friend’s father who had never served said to me at one time or another, "You know I always thought about joining up." Every friend’s father who had served, whether for a year or two or an extending stint, slapped me on the back and looked at me differently.

I truly believe, the warrior spirit is imbedded in everyman's soul and is too often repressed. Not everyone can serve, but almost every man wishes he had.

Semper Fi, (18+ years and still having fun)

[NRA2BFree]

Coolest part was that I brought a friend along for the ride and ended up married to her.

LOL! It's always best to marry a friend. :)