tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11176218.post5945863603413984902..comments2008-08-12T12:00:30.770-07:00Karlos Gauna Schmiederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02603085487940726800noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11176218.post-57318163778751848582008-08-12T12:00:30.770-07:002008-08-12T12:00:30.770-07:00I will never fully understand why parents don't encourage their children to investigate the military as one of their post-secondary options ... these recruiters represent the finest in the American spirit, heroism, sacrifice and devotion ... all qualities I certainly would want my sons to exhibit when things get tough in life. We should all serve, at least for a little while.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11176218.post-80460751836691216802008-06-19T06:32:06.277-07:002008-06-19T06:32:06.277-07:00I joined the Army over 13 years ago and I have to admit that it was the best decision I'd ever made. While I don't agree with certain aspects of the war, I will say that I feel the military is getting a bad reputation based on what is highlighted in the media.<BR/>Growing up dirt poor, my mother was on welfare and drugs. We bumped from relative to relative homes. By the time I was a senior in high school I had attended four different high schools and had to literally piece together enough credits to graduate.<BR/>Upon graduation there was no chance in hell that I would go to college money was clearly not there. My mother was a high school drop out who wouldn't even begin to know where to go to sign up for financial aid.<BR/>My options were very bleek. Join the army or get a job working at the local chicken plant. I knew all about the opportunities the Army offered and I knew that I wanted nothing more than to get out of my hometown. My recuirter didn't promise me anything. I was just happy that I would be able to attend college and afford a place of my own to call home.<BR/>Yes, the military does tend to target low-income communities and families. I don't see anything wrong with this approach. The Army isn't just a job it's a career that can take you places that many may never get to go if there are too narrow minded to see the bigger picture. I'm proud to have had to opportunity to serve and I'm grateful to those who continue to serve.<BR/><BR/>Army StrongALBnoreply@blogger.com