If I hadn't ended up getting married I was planning on joining the AF after I graduated from college......I think that the military is a very important part of every person's like whether male or female. Skills & attitudes that are learned that are very valuable in life.

Instead however I ended up in being a aerospace firmware engineer & worked on many different military communications systems that the marines used to use & fly airplanes by. It was an awesome feeling to know that I was doing my part in helping provide our troops necessary tools needed for the protection of this country......there is definitely a pride that goes with that.

One thing about the once a marine always a marine. I met a young guy who had just gotten out of the marines a few years ago while I was having my breaks done on my truck.....he owns a farm close to mine.....& he definitely is a marine & will do whatever is necessary even as a civilian to protect this country. I am thankful that we do have people like that within our country that many don't even really know about.....but it gives me a much safer feel.

Yes, the struggles they go through but we never know what our future is even if we don't end up in harm's way. I dated a guy who served in the army in VietNam...the PTSD he was dealing with was very sad......but all of our military did more than an outstanding job there & got treated like crap afterward because it was such an unpopular war where they really deserved 100% of our respect for all they went through & had to endure.

I think the military makes each person who serves a much stronger person & like I said.....I am pro both men & women being a part of our services.