senior in high school that I didn’t want to go to college. I had ambitions of
going straight into the workforce, but after talking to a Marine recruiter I was convinced that the military was another great option for someone like myself.
I still remember the Marine recruiter talking about being a Marine and the
challenge, the pride, and courage that comes with it. He had me
hooked. Whether he was a great salesman or not, I was totally convinced that
enlisting in the Marine Corps was my best option. I was 18 at the time and
didn’t need a parent’s signature so I remember enlisting initially in the spring
of 1995 (a month or so before my high school graduation). It was a complete shock
to my parents. Luckily for them, I wouldn’t actually leave for another 8 months
after graduation.
about serving in the military?
Oh man, what a loaded
question. I have to admit
that at first, I didn’t really enjoy the military because the first six months of the Marine Corps
consisted of boot camp and the school of infantry. But, once I was on my way to
beautiful Hawaii, I was living in hog-heaven. The first 8 months of living in
Hawaii was a real thrill. The beaches, scenery, and meeting some great guys
that would eventually become great friends was all a plus. Not only was living
in Hawaii fun, but the food was great as well. Chow halls (or
in civilian terms – restaurant style buffets) was definitely a plus. Having
access to restaurant style omelets most mornings was something I enjoyed a lot.
We deployed a few times, so we were able to see some neat places such as South
Korea, Guam, mainland Japan, Okinawa Japan, and Australia.
4. What did you least
enjoy about serving in the military?
If you asked any infantryman, we’d all probably
say the same thing – HUMPING {or hiking in civilian terms}. The difference
is that we are carrying all our gear with our weapons, which weighed around 100 pounds, anywhere from 5 – 15 miles. That was the absolute worst thing we had to do. Another thing
that I really didn’t like was the long distance from friends and family back
home in Mississippi, along with the occasional absence from family during Christmas
time. It definitely wasn’t the same.
that would have liked to have seen combat for a couple of reasons. I know
this is hypothetical but first, we trained hundreds of hours and I would have liked to use that training for something. The second reason is just to say I’ve
been in combat (I guess it’s a guy thing).
6. How can we civilians
better support our veterans and active military?
I am a firm believer that all veterans want to be
appreciated and I believe it’s as simple as acknowledging them and saying a
simple “thanks for your service.” This goes a long way and I really do believe
that veterans really appreciate a random stranger saying a simple thanks.
7. What was your
favorite place to travel while you served?
The beaches of Hawaii. I still have fond memories of
laying on the beach thinking, “Gosh I can’t believe I’m living here in Hawaii.”
Sometimes I’d pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. It was an absolutely
beautiful place. I also loved being in Australia. I remember talking to a cab
driver telling him that it was one of my ultimate dreams to come to Australia
and I’ll never forget when he said, “Here????” I had to chuckle, but it was fun
seeing kangaroos everywhere (because it is like seeing deer here in America). They
are everywhere.
8. What advice would you
give to someone who is considering military service?
I’ve always said it
is a great decision for someone who’s not ready for college and wants to do
something important in their life. It gives someone satisfaction knowing that
they are serving their country. Look at all your options, decide what branch and what job you’d like to do, and ask TONS of questions when you are in front
of the recruiter. I’d definitely suggest signing up for the GI Bill. I initially
said declined {thinking I would be a lifer in the military}, but then changed my mind. I’m glad I changed my mind because the GI Bill got me
through college.
military?
Yes, I have a total of two.
My first came when I was at the school of infantry in San Diego, CA. I was with
some guys and everyone was in the tattoo parlor. I happened to be the last one
and at the last minute decided to get one on my arm which says “USMC” and
“Semper Fidelis” around a bulldog. “Semper Fidelis” is the Marine motto for “Always
faithful to the corps, comrades and country.” I still remember the phone call
when I told mom and dad about my new tattoo. I didn’t know what they’d say, but they were okay with it. My mom’s only request for future tattoos was that I
didn’t get a tattoo that said “MOM” on it. Evidently my mom’s
father had a tattoo that said “Mom” with a heart through it. It must have been
popular during the WWII era. I told mom not to worry because it was definitely not something I wanted or would have considered. I got another one on my other arm two years later.
10. If you could eat free
at any restaurant on this Veteran’s Day, what would it be?
I would go anywhere I can get a great burger or some great
BBQ such as Red Robin or a great local BBQ joint. That would be a great way to say
thanks to any veteran!
