In training.

[mizuno]

I just wanted to say hello and thank you to all those who serve our country and protect our freedom. I will be attempting to join you soon. I want to share my story so that perhaps others that are on the edge can make the jump as i did if it suits them.

My name is Joel. Im 22 years old and from Florida. I own 2 companies in my area one in real estate and one in the Finance Field. Ive been with me wife since we were 15 yrs old and married for 2 years.

Since i can remember i knew them military was my place. I decided to defer this choice at the age of 18 to help my wife accomplish her dream of being an X-ray/CT tech. To do this i had to make money. I relied on my business background and upbringing to accomplish this. I started 1 company in the hopes that it would develop into a perpetual machine that would take care of my wife and family for years on in. But 1 was not enough. I quickly realized like so many that real estate was here and was here to stay. Both companies are highly succesful and have served their purpose but supporting my wife and I.

Now its my turn. For 4 years ive quelled the desire to do what i knew i was meant to do. My wife and I have made the decision that its time to go after my goals now. I am currently in the training process for basic training which for me will begin around may. From there being enrolled in the 18x program i will now have my shot at doing what i think is the most important thing in the world.

My parents, brothers, and sisters do not understand my choice. They say "wait till we are at peace"or "you have so much going for you here why do you want to screw it up" but i find that to be a gross interpretation of what the military and more directly SF is all about. When i watch the liberal media spew their dribble about 2200 soliders have died, i see 2200 slots that need filled. Others see "oh no, i dont wanna go and get killed"

Ive never had a stronger sense of sureity in my life for i KNOW this is what i was meant to do. My grandparents where in the military and then for some reason out of 6 men in the family it skipped an entire generation. I find that sad and pathetic.

My wife and i are fully aware of the hardships ahead. We understand that their will be a drastic change in the way our marriage is now. But we also understand that the cause is worth it. We understand that if it not for our men and women in the armed services that we would not be A. speaking english B. have the freedoms we have LIKE marriage.

I think its my calling to secure those things just like many of you have for so many years. Thank you again for all you have given and continue to give.


joel

[Pete]

I'll be looking forward to your post saying you made it here to Ft Bragg for training.

SF is the only way to go.

Pete

[mizuno]

Originally Posted by Pete

I'll be looking forward to your post saying you made it here to Ft Bragg for training.

SF is the only way to go.

Pete

thank you. i look forward to it to. lol.

[aricbcool]

Originally Posted by mizuno

My parents, brothers, and sisters do not understand my choice. They say "wait till we are at peace"or "you have so much going for you here why do you want to screw it up" but i find that to be a gross interpretation of what the military and more directly SF is all about. When i watch the liberal media spew their dribble about 2200 soliders have died, i see 2200 slots that need filled. Others see "oh no, i dont wanna go and get killed"

My family has the same attitude. My step-sister was exasperated when she found out my Army plans. She told me over and over and over how I should join the Air Force cause it's safer. Frankly, if I wanted to be safe, I wouldn't join at all.

My grandmother was the funniest. She's part of a Navy family that goes back to WWI.
I told her "Gramma, after I get out of College, I'm going to join the Army."
She looks at me dissaprovingly and says "The Army huh?"
I respectully reply, "That's right."
"Not the Navy?"
"Nope."
"Not the Air Force?"
"No."
"Not the Coast Guard?"
"Huh uh."
"The plain old Army..."
"Yep."
She looks away for awhile and then sighs... "Well, at least you won't be a jarhead."

It sounds like you've got things covered as far as family goes, but if you ever need moral support in your decision, PM me.

--Aric