I actually didn’t choose the Army … at least not right away. I come from a long line of Air Force veterans, on both my mother and father’s side of the family. There was always talk that I would join up at some point and continue the family tradition of becoming an airman. I believed this would be the case also, right up until the events of Sept. 11, 2001. … So, a few short weeks later, I signed a contract to enter the Army Delayed Entry Program, and upon completion of school, I’d then get ready to head to basic at Fort Benning, Georgia. Not exactly a fairy tale or any kind of inspiring story, but an endeavor and decision I am very proud of and will never regret — regardless of what it cost me.
I transferred to the Army from the USMC to get a college education and then stayed for 28 years! Happy birthday, Army!
XANDER HERNANDEZ, U.S. Army
KEVIN MCMAHON, U.S. Army
RAY ANDALIO, U.S. Navy
I choose to join the Navy to embrace the legacy of courage and adventure, navigating all seas of honor and duty as we sail into the future.
YSABEL CARDONA, U.S. Navy
I wanted to travel the world at 18 in the Navy, and they took me for a ride. I traveled around the world and saw so many beautiful places. … I met some amazing friends who I call family along the way, but more importantly, I grew into an adult. I am proud of who I have become from my life experiences. Only 1% choose to sign up and pass the tests. I do not regret anything. I continue to grow and improve myself through my journey in life. Go Navy!
PHIL KRABBE, U.S. Marine Corps
I chose the Marine Corps because I wanted to join the most feared fighting force on the planet — where the most resilient, and most dedicated warriors thrive in any climate. I was willing to do whatever it took to earn the title of United States Marine.
TANIKI RICHARD, U.S. Marine Corps
I chose the Marine Corps because I knew no other military branch offering financial support toward earning a college degree while training me to be a hard-charging Devil Dog, first to fight, and looking right squared away in uniform. Semper Fi.
I actually didn’t choose the Army … at least not right away. I come from a long line of Air Force veterans, on both my mother and father’s side of the family. There was always talk that I would join up at some point and continue the family tradition of becoming an airman. I believed this would be the case also, right up until the events of Sept. 11, 2001. … So, a few short weeks later, I signed a contract to enter the Army Delayed Entry Program, and upon completion of school, I’d then get ready to head to basic at Fort Benning, Georgia. Not exactly a fairy tale or any kind of inspiring story, but an endeavor and decision I am very proud of and will never regret — regardless of what it cost me.
I actually didn’t choose the Army … at least not right away. I come from a long line of Air Force veterans, on both my mother and father’s side of the family. There was always talk that I would join up at some point and continue the family tradition of becoming an airman. I believed this would be the case also, right up until the events of Sept. 11, 2001. … So, a few short weeks later, I signed a contract to enter the Army Delayed Entry Program, and upon completion of school, I’d then get ready to head to basic at Fort Benning, Georgia. Not exactly a fairy tale or any kind of inspiring story, but an endeavor and decision I am very proud of and will never regret — regardless of what it cost me.
I actually didn’t choose the Army … at least not right away. I come from a long line of Air Force veterans, on both my mother and father’s side of the family. There was always talk that I would join up at some point and continue the family tradition of becoming an airman. I believed this would be the case also, right up until the events of Sept. 11, 2001. … So, a few short weeks later, I signed a contract to enter the Army Delayed Entry Program, and upon completion of school, I’d then get ready to head to basic at Fort Benning, Georgia. Not exactly a fairy tale or any kind of inspiring story, but an endeavor and decision I am very proud of and will never regret — regardless of what it cost me.
I wanted to travel the world at 18 in the Navy, and they took me for a ride. I traveled around the world and saw so many beautiful places. … I met some amazing friends who I call family along the way, but more importantly, I grew into an adult. I am proud of who I have become from my life experiences. Only 1% choose to sign up and pass the tests. I do not regret anything. I continue to grow and improve myself through my journey in life. Go Navy!
I wanted to travel the world at 18 in the Navy, and they took me for a ride. I traveled around the world and saw so many beautiful places. … I met some amazing friends who I call family along the way, but more importantly, I grew into an adult. I am proud of who I have become from my life experiences. Only 1% choose to sign up and pass the tests. I do not regret anything. I continue to grow and improve myself through my journey in life. Go Navy!