How has the military impacted your lifestyle?

The military taught me to be a leader. I am very patriotic. I try to do the honorable thing. I have a sense of duty to my fellow man.
I am (can be) very disciplined; and I know how to persevere.
It taught me problem solving.
It taught me self-pride; and how to be proud of others.
It taught me to have a career; instead of just a job.

The military shaped me long before I enlisted SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
1. My love of military history as a youngster combined with a faulty yet determined sense of youthful justice was molded into an understanding of just war and how and when it can and should be applied.
2. The military shaped my sense of loyalty to my soldiers, peers and superiors because i knew we were part of a team which could be called upon to defend this nation.
3. The military taught me the wisdom of following through to the best of my ability each assignment I received. While I was saddened by some assignment rejections I understand that there is a well-honed process of determining who goes where.
4. I learned to love living in places where I was sent to that I would never have gone to on my own.
5. I learned to enjoy food I never would have tasted and to drink and enjoy coffee - drinking Army coffee to keep me warm gave me an appreciation for good coffee.
6. Most importantly, military life and the challenges associated it prepared my heart to recognize my need for the atonement of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I'll admit,I was a young punk with not much direction before I was drafted. Little did I know how much I would change.
1. I learned how to grow up and be a man.
2. I learned to follow directions and orders.
3. I learned that I was meant to be in the Army. I loved it.
4. I learned camaraderie and that friends are more important than anything else.
5. I learned how to be a leader, and if I acted like a leader, I would earn respect.
6. I learned that I was important and lives depended on me.
7. I learned how to jump out of an airplane safely and land safely.
8. I learned how much I love my country and I will defend it to death.
9. I learned I became a responsible member of the military I loved so much, and still do.
10. I learned I wasn't a coward and that I will defend anyone who needs defending.
11. I learned and remembered how important God is to me and my life.
12. I learned how precious life and loved ones are.
To this day I wish I would have remained in the Army, but, I had seen so much death and destruction of human beings, friend and foe, I didnt want to see it anymore. Yet, here I am, reliving almost everything I saw over and over. But, I have learned how to control that as much as possible.