How are you different now; than before you entered the service?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 16:52:01 -0400

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 16 at 2015 4:53 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 16:53:08 -0400

I'm older and wiser!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 16 at 2015 5:07 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 17:07:39 -0400

After beginning seminary and chaplaincy training, I finally learned a tremendous amount about myself, that I didn't know for the first 45 years of my life. What an amazing awakening!!!

Response by CDR Laurel Meadows made Aug 16 at 2015 5:36 PM

CDR Laurel Meadows — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 17:36:37 -0400

I joined as an E-1 41 years ago, so obviously I think (still to be confirmed) that I am more mature. My 13 years as Enlisted taught me to follow instructions, expect others to work hard before playing hard and to respect those with more experience than myself. As an Officer, I learned to trust the Senior Enlisted to tell me what I needed to know, so I wouldn't be surprised at critical meetings, and to let me know when I missed an issue I needed to fight for. I hope, in the long run, that my Shipmates feel I grew into my ranks and took care of my troops.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 16 at 2015 6:09 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 18:09:49 -0400

I didn't know exactly what I was heading out to when I finished college, I was young I was impressionable and looking, like everyone else to make their mark. The Army gave me a creed to follow, rules to live by and experiences that I will carry with me forever and that I use daily. It also taught me about honor, integrity, diplomacy, teamwork and both being there for and depending on others. I know that I was meant to take the path I did and couldn't imagine living my life any differently than how I have.

And to touch on the cliché circuit, yes I am older, wiser and wider than I was before I entered the service :-)

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 16 at 2015 7:12 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 19:12:49 -0400

I'm more experience and aggressive.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Aug 16 at 2015 10:26 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 22:26:07 -0400

Shoot, I hurt a LOT more now. Ha!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:16 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:16:25 -0400

"I knew a lad who went to sea, and left the shore behind him. I knew the lad, the lad was me, and now I cannot find him."

Response by PFC Michael Crosswhite made Aug 17 at 2015 1:27 PM

PFC Michael Crosswhite — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 13:27:45 -0400

I'm grounded, respectful and committed to everything I do. Before my service I was a transient in every aspect of the word.

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Oct 11 at 2020 10:16 AM

CPT Carolyn Andrews — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:16:06 -0400

I was young. I could run. I could do anything that was asked of me as long as my Lord was at my side doing it with me. My Lord got me through the Army and Army Reserves.
Now I walk with a walker and ride a scooter around to get around. Entering the Veteran's Wheelchair games to compete with other Spinal Cord Injury or disease/diorders veterans.
Praising my Lord each and everyday.