I had the intention of posting this a few days ago, but server problems (we all know those days) made a different decision for me.

I have met many individuals over the years who have asked me how I could handle being raised in a military family, never really having a “home” or not having the same consistent social contacts that other children or adults have.

The question of not having a place to call “home” is a reasonable question. I have a birthplace, but that is not my home. The military life, both before and after I was married, taught me that “home” is where life lands you. You gain the skills to adapt to many different and unusual situations, and I do not think you have time to form many prejudices as you must learn to quickly accept those around you in similiar situations to yours.

Over at Jack Army Sgt. Nichols produced a list of the advantages of serving in the United States Army for nineteen years. While I did not personally experience many of the things on this list, I have seen and continue to see many who did..what an education.

Nineteen years ago, I started my Army career, at the time with the intention of doing my four years and returning to Texas, to Texas A&M University specifically, and getting a degree. In high school, I was accepted to Texas A&M and was awarded scholarships from the Army and the Navy (to become a Marine officer). I turned it all down and enlisted because I just was fed up with school. I could not see myself in four (or more!) years of school.

I have never regretted that decision. Despite how things turned out, though not too shabby actually, I love the Army. I love the experiences I’ve had. When I start telling “war” stories (not so much about war but about what I’ve done, where I’ve been) folks are amazed. When I really think about it, so am I. For example, in what other job would I have been able to

live overseas, and
jump out of airplanes, and
learn a foriegn language, and
shoot all kinds of guns, and
ride in helicopters and airplanes, and
visit ten or so countries and about 18 different American states, and

Check out the site to see the rest of the list. Sgt. Nichols is up for promotion soon..I personally hope he decides to go for 30. The US Army is fortunate to have soldiers like him who recognize that along with the disadvantages (and there are those), service to your country can be a rewarding experience for both the soldier and their family.