Local Louisville, Military & Veterans

Courage & Sacrifice – Happy Veteran’s Day

On this day, we honor all current and former members of the Armed Services. Our country’s greatness is built on the foundation of your courage and sacrifice. Thank you!

As a Veteran, it’s sometimes hard for me to understand the impact of our service that so many of us have had on our peers, family members, and friends. When I think back to my time in the Navy, I guess I really don’t see it as me serving my country, I mean obviously, that’s what I was doing, but in all actuality, the main reason I joined the service was that I needed money for college and my friends were out being shit heads and I knew I was going to end up being a shit head if I didn’t leave and get out of the area and friend group I was in.

Even after 9/11 happened, I wasn’t scared to go into the military. I think back now, 20 years later, and realize what a HUGE decision that was to make at 18 years old. I was FRESH out of high school, had no direction, my friends were doing drugs and getting into all kinds of shit that I didn’t really want to be a part of and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I felt that I need and wanted and COULD do more if I got out of Okolona and could figure out a way to get into college. Then one random afternoon I was sitting on my couch and a United States Navy commercial came on and of course, I was intrigued. I no shit called a recruiter that very minute, without talking to my mom, without discussing it with any of my friends or family. I called him up and I said hey, what can you tell me about joining the United States Navy.

A few days later, he was at my door. My mom of course was a little less than thrilled at the time of course. He talked to me about the benefits, a sign-on bonus, and that I could get a home duty station of Virginia written into my contract so I could be closer to home if I wished. All of this sounded good to me, especially the part where I would get my college paid for when I got out. So I signed up and before you know it I had a MEPS date of October 15, 2002. That was the date I shipped out to begin my journey.

I spent 4 1/2 years in the Navy, travelled the east coast, I’ve been to Malta, Spain, Dubai, Greece, Crete, Rome, Italy and probably a few other countries I’m forgetting. I met so many amazing people along my journey and I’m incredibly thankful to my spontaneous 18-year-old self for making that call to talk to a recruiter.

There were definitely hard times but I’ve also seen a lot more of the world than probably a lot of people my age. I have stories for days and I’m sure to tell some of them here someday but today I just wanted to extend a Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vets. I hope you enjoy your day, enjoy a free meal somewhere and be thankful that we’re still here to celebrate with our families.

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