quote:

Originally posted by GeraldM:
Ok, I wasn't in the real military (don't count ROTC as the real military) for long but I want to say that going to Fort Benning was the greatest decision I ever made.

Prior to going to Fort Benning, I had 0 self-confidence, was overly shy, and when I walked I looked at the ground almost seeming to be ashamed of myself.

Since the last two years I've got back, I'm a new person in a positive way. I'm not the most outgoing guy and still quiet but I've improved to such a degree that anyone who knew me before immediately comments on this. I now look straight ahead when I walk instead of looking in the ground and show a sense of pride.

Is this kind of thing what you're looking for grunt?

Most, if not all limits are self-imposed.

Never to quit no matter how cold, tired, wet, or miserable I was.

However bad things are, they can always get worse.

Self-respect(I really hate the expression "self-esteem")is something that is earned, not given. (Come to think of it, I never heard that expression in the Army. We used words like Honor, Duty, Self-respect, self-discipline, courage, integrity)

Paid for my college education - I went in with a High-school diploma and retired with a Bachelors degree.

Gave me the opportunity to work and live in places that I otherwise would never had a chance to see - Europe, Greenland, The Azores, all over the United States.

Gave me the opportunity to meet some people whom I would never have met as an ordinary civilian (the Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Chariman of the JCS, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of State, Several Senators and Congressmen, Foreign heads of state).

Let me serve with some honest-to-God heroes.

Let me experience the pride of wearing my country's uniform.

quote:

Originally posted by airdiablo6:
In fact eveything that I've done since the Army has been easy.

quote:

Originally posted by lives:

quote:

I can talk to girls now without getting all nervous and sweaty.

That's all that matters, right?

quote:

Originally posted by SusanneCollins:
I was very sheltered, with a lot of family support, when I grew up in a small village in Germany. My father died when I was nine years old on his fifth heart attack and with his death our family became fractured.

My mother re-married a soldier who was 14 years her junior. This soldier ended up raping several women in my hometown and nearly killed one of them. He also raped me at the age of 13 years.

I also was considered the ugly duckling in my class, since my eyesight was nearly non-existing and I had to wear very thick eye glasses, further being withdrawn after the rape and wearing clothing articles that were to large for me did not help my situation.

I married later on a man who turned out to be abusive and after seven years of marriage I left the relationship only to engage into another marriage, this time with someone who nearly financially ruined me ( I worked since I am 15, he was 14 years older and never worked, alcoholic etc.).

I think finally I decided that my choices were only hindering me in life to get ahead and I did not want to end up as a bitter woman, living for the next paycheck and depending on a man. I decided to hold off on relationships and focus on what to do with my future.

I decided to join the military and actually I did not even really think about how it could improve me, because I tried at this time to just keep my head above water. I did know that I wanted to serve this country who did allow me to take classes in college and at least give me hope that I had an opportunity, which likely I would not have had at my age in Germany. To my surprise while I wanted to serve my country, my country served me ten fold. Here is what the military done for me in the past six years:

1. Allowed me to complete my associates degree at age 37 and now to complete my BSN at age 39. Further, it developed in me a person who sets goals that are not only depend on tomorrow, but long term goals and I know that my accomplishments will not end with the BSN.

2. Taught me that I have a competitive nature and that I had the discipline to win boards and sculpt my body : Soldier of the month and SGT of the quarter, further winning competitions that involve running and even events that involve muscle sculpting and aerobics.

3. Improved my self-esteem and allowed me to grow into that woman that was always hiding beneath those frumpy outfits and thick glasses. Also, my choices in terms of relationships are very different now, since men can sense a strong woman and therefore I attract now those who treat me as a Lady should be treated.

4. Improved my financial situation to the point to were the bad credit that my ex-husband created is now changed to excellent credit with money left over every month, while driving my long wanted convertible!

5. I am now a role-model to my son who is nearly 18 years of age and has developed into a fine young man who himself sets goals and reaches higher than he would have if I would have stayed were I was.

6. At the age of 36 I was finally able to see without glasses after a Doctor gave me cataract surgery. Never ever in my life have I dreamed that I would ever see and this is by far the best gift ever. To not be able to see is very scary and to know that with age my eyesight eventually would have degenerated into blindness was a very frightening prospect. Today, I only wear glasses to read.

7. I am able to keep my promise to my father that I made when I was 8 years old. I promised him that I would become a nurse and help those who suffer, because the nurses during his illness made an incredible impression on my father and myself.

8. My confidence which was prior non-existing has now developed and allowed me to face a year ago my rapist and allowed me to tell him that his actions do not define today who I am and will be in the future. So while he serves in prison another sentence for rape; I serve my country!

So in the end I have to ask who served whom here? I have to say that the ARMY has been serving me for some time now and I know in my heart that I will stay until I retire. Therefore my service only touches a fraction of what this country and military has done for me.

~ Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.~ Lao-Tzu


wow!!!! your story is very inspiring/// i am new to this forum. i am thinking about joining the military the only thing that is holding me back is my age, i am 36 years old.. i am in college and would like to pursue a degree. any advice for someone who is lost!!!