Friends Please read

[Lindsay_D]

Dear Family and Friends,

This letter contains a decision that I have thought, studied, and fought over thoroughly. I have decided to join the U.S. Army. After I graduate I will be learning a trade and going to college through the army. I am still to go over my tests and choose a field but I am hoping for mechanics.
I know this maybe hard for you to hear and you may call me foolish but I know I’m making the right choice. This will help me find the strength inside of me. I t will help harvest extra anger I have.
If you are against my decision fine, but my mind is set and I hope for your support.

Thank You
Lindsay Diane Evans

I may be scared but I'm strong enough to get over it.

[crackatinny]

Dear Family and Friends,

This letter contains a decision that I have thought, studied, and fought over thoroughly. I have decided to join the U.S. Army. After I graduate I will be learning a trade and going to college through the army. I am still to go over my tests and choose a field but I am hoping for mechanics.
I know this maybe hard for you to hear and you may call me foolish but I know I’m making the right choice. This will help me find the strength inside of me. I t will help harvest extra anger I have.
If you are against my decision fine, but my mind is set and I hope for your support.

Thank You
Lindsay Diane Evans

I may be scared but I'm strong enough to get over it.

Mate even over here in Aus we have the hate you feel, not only for 9/11, but the mostly forgotten Bali attacks.

Is the risk of your life really worth it, you have a BF and a loving family, and most of all a future

Don't blow it because of anger PLEASE GIRL

[Nautilus29]

first of all I dont think her anger is twards the terrorists(or am i wrong). Is it more about personal issues home life exe...

and Im going to stick with you on your decision although i will say this. you can learn a trade and go to a 2 year college for very cheap. Look at me im just out of school one year and I have a full time job as a machinist, making pretty good money at least for around where I live. so if you going to join the army so you dont have to worry about paying for college there is another choice.

im going to a 2 year college and its only 6000 dollars over all. Although with finantial aid( 5 kids in my family and my dad doesnt make too much money) i dont have to pay at all for this first year. and next year my job will pay for it.

[crackatinny]

first of all I dont think her anger is twards the terrorists(or am i wrong). Is it more about personal issues home life exe...

and Im going to stick with you on your decision although i will say this. you can learn a trade and go to a 2 year college for very cheap. Look at me im just out of school one year and I have a full time job as a machinist, making pretty good money at least for around where I live. so if you going to join the army so you dont have to worry about paying for college there is another choice.

im going to a 2 year college and its only 6000 dollars over all. Although with finantial aid( 5 kids in my family and my dad doesnt make too much money) i dont have to pay at all for this first year. and next year my job will pay for it.

Even though we do not 100% agree on the war issue, we think alike on life in general, and as usual you aproached this very well, if Lyndsey was to look up to anyone to do with education it should be someone like you.

I would just hate to see her do this on a whim and regret it, She is a young girl and has her life ahead of her.

[Nautilus29]

I never said that i agree with her decision i just said that i will stick with her. nothing worst then when you make a decision that you feel strongly for and everyone goes against you.

[crackatinny]

I never said that i agree with her decision i just said that i will stick with her. nothing worst then when you make a decision that you feel strongly for and everyone goes against you.

Mate the last thing I want is to get off side with you, and I know that wont happen, you are a real cool guy, but I honestly think she is very confused (sorry Lyndsey, but if correct pls verify this).

Just don't want a young gal, or bloke for that matter, look back and say "why the #### did I put myself in this position.

I hope before you have read this, you have looked at other posts and seen where I am coming from, the bait of further education threw the millitary is crap, even you have said that it can be done without.

And if anyone can prove that, you are living proof, and to be honest, you may not like this but, even for someone like yourself to go into the military would be a great waste on not only a young life, but the uture of America and her alies.

[Lady Hobbs]

Lindsay, you have my support all the way. It's very hard to find a worthwhile job anymore without several years in college under your belt. In the service, you will most likely be given an apptitue test to see where your best skills lay. Who knows what's ahead in your future. You might become an Army nurse in one of the hospitals, doing clerical work for the Army or whatever. But read and understand any contracts you sign with them. I wish you the best.

[AquaQueen]

First I want to say to Lindsay you do what you feel most comfortable with, if that means joining the Army the GO FOR IT GIRL!!!

Second I would like to say to crackatinny you are a great person...I was raised that a "TRUE FRIEND" will tell you the truth weather you like it not...That in my eyes is what you are doing ..expressing your true feelings.

Everyone is not going to agree with the same thing but one thing for sure is that Lindsay is a smart girl She will do what is best for her and all we can do is send her off with well wishes and pray for her safe return.
No matter what stay strong and if you believe this is your destiny then it is!!!

One thing to deffinately do is research I know some people have joined the army with all intentions of going to school and then in the long run find out the Army will not be paying for it....My neighbor is going through it with her son...This is the Air force tho.

Whatever your final decision is Best wishes from me and I will keep you and all troops in my prayers until this WAR is OVER!!!

[crackatinny]

First I want to say to Lindsay you do what you feel most comfortable with, if that means joining the Army the GO FOR IT GIRL!!!

Second I would like to say to crackatinny you are a great person...I was raised that a "TRUE FRIEND" will tell you the truth weather you like it not...That in my eyes is what you are doing ..expressing your true feelings.

Everyone is not going to agree with the same thing but one thing for sure is that Lindsay is a smart girl She will do what is best for her and all we can do is send her off with well wishes and pray for her safe return.
No matter what stay strong and if you believe this is your destiny then it is!!!

One thing to deffinately do is research I know some people have joined the army with all intentions of going to school and then in the long run find out the Army will not be paying for it....My neighbor is going through it with her son...This is the Air force tho.

Whatever your final decision is Best wishes from me and I will keep you and all troops in my prayers until this WAR is OVER!!!

What you say blow's me away, that is more than freindship, that is the Aussie way, I have been on here a very short time, and I hope my friendship is seen in the same way as you see it, I have pi**ed a lot off in my time here, but I do like to give support where I can, and in saying that, I hope I have not Pi**ed to many off.

I just hope this gal has really thought it out

[Glasstapper]

Lindsay, have you considered the Air Force? If you're looking to join the military with all of the same benefits, but with a less military vibe to it, I'd suggest trying the Air Force.

I actually did join the military on sort a whim. I'll tell you something, though: It was the best thing I could have ever done with myself. Even though I don't really like the lifestyle, the things I have learned and the long term benefits are well worth it. Besides, it's only for 4 years. Trust me, it goes by very fast. I already only have one more year to go, and I'm receiving job offers that I wouldn't have been able to get before I joined. I most certainly don't regret my decision, and if I could do it over again, I would do it exactly the same.

Feel free to message me if you have ANY questions about the Air Force. Good luck to you, and I know you'll do what's best for you.

[Lindsay_D]

You guys are making me cry in the middle of my class. gcadam is right about me being angry because of my family. I thought about going to community college and working my ass off but it seems so normal to me. I want to gain extra skills, learn to work as a team, and be stronger.

This is so hard because my family doesn't support me and neither do my friends. I took the ASVAB last year and my friends said i could never make it through the army or military of any kind. That hurt so much it wasn't even funny. The only reason why I wouldn't do this is the fear of others being disapointed. I don't want to do financial aid because I'll be paying it off forever.

I'm joining the Army to prove to myself that i can do this. I've lost my mom and dad and am losing my older brother. The more I don't do what my family wants the farther they push me away. I'm scared that they will never be proud of me no matter what I choose.

Crackatinny...I know you mean the best. I know that you care a lot and that you really mean your best. If I don't do this for the rest of my life I'll be saying what if.

Please don't be mad and thanks Hobbs and PauliesAquaQueen and gcadam for being there for me. Thanks to you too Crackatinny for caring

[Lady Hobbs]

This may possibly be a lifelong decision so think this over carefully. This is something you must do for you alone and for no one else. What will you gain from this and not to spite your family or show others you can get into the military.

And take what the recruiters say with a grain of salt. My son was a recruiter and they get merits for recruiting. Some don't care as long as they meet their quotos and will promise you the moon. If they give you a list of things you'd like to try out for, name several things.

Everything military does not have to mean active duty in Iraq. People are stationed all over the world and go to work everyday just like in the outside world. I talk to one person who is stationed in Japan. He loves it. I know another stationed in Hawaii and he loves it as well. But others hate it and can't wait to get out. It's all in the job you get and where you are stationed.

No one here can make these decisions for you. Just make sure you make the right ones for YOU.

[Lindsay_D]

my only problem is not telling my friends so i don't have to deal with the ridecule and the other stuff that they say. I'm already fighting with girls at my school because they think they are hot s**t. It's tearing me in so many ways to hide stuff from my friends. I'm even skipping my lunch so i don't have to deal with it.

I need to get away from everything that is hurting me and has hurt me but i don't want anyone getting hurt in the process. :cwmboom2:

[Lady Hobbs]

Stop worrying about everyone else. Just worry about Lindsay and what is right for you.

[Lindsay_D]

I'll see you guys after the weekend

[jeffs99dime]

lindsay-- glasstapper is right. the air force definitely has less of a military "vibe" than the other forces, especially the marine corps. whatever you do decide, don't decide based on what other people think. this is totally your decision and some girls saying something should not deter you from joining or not joining. ultimately, it's your life- not there's!!!! if you have any questions at all about the military, feel free to ask!--jeff:thumb:

[Glasstapper]

My family objected to me joining, too. My friends laughed at me and said that was the LAST thing they would ever expect me to do. I was hoping for their support, but I know I did the right thing. I did it for the challenge, I did it for the skills I would learn, I did it for a chance to live in a new place and make new friends, and I did it for the college money (I didn't want to pay off loans, either). It really isn't so bad, and it's possible that you may even like it, even if you do only go in for a few years.

Good luck.

[minabird]

Lindsay-

I used to be in the Air Force during Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm (1st Gulf War). Most of my coworkers were in the military, and many of them have said if any of their kids went into the service they'd encourage them to join the Air Force because of the better quality of life the Air Force provides over the other branches of service. If you are serious about joining the military, make sure you check out the other branches. Also, my friends and coworkers did say that they would not want their kids joining the Navy, including the Marines....and many of my coworkers are retired Navy and Marine officers.

What I liked out of the military is the different opportunities you are exposed to, from work and learning new skills to travel and meeting new people. I think the military is a great learning experience for everyone. It broadens your horizons.

On the other side, remember that when you join the military, you are signing a contract to work for them and you are committed to complete your enlistment. You can't just walk in to the CO's office and say, "I quit." when you decide you don't like it. Well....you can, but you will still be required to finish your enlistment.

And, like others have posted, it is a military organization. You may very well get sent to a combat zone or some other location that has the potential to become a combat zone, like Korea, or even in Europe, where terrorist attacks have been occuring.

Just want to make sure you've explored all of your possibities before you make your final decision.

Whatever you eventually decide, I hope everything works out for you.

[jeffs99dime]

when you have a 4 year active duty contract for example, most recruiters won't tell you that you have an additional 4 years inactive time making your total enlistment 8 years. this also depends on when you went into the delayed entry program or didn't. the time spent in the d.e.p. counts as inactive service time and will be subtracted from your inactive time at the end of your active enlistment. don't think that once you're out, they can't call you--they can. i was called back to active duty a second time when iraq started up. just a little more info for you and something else to consider. definitely ask the recruiter about this. recruiters are salemen and they will tell you what they want you to hear.

[minabird]

when you have a 4 year active duty contract for example, most recruiters won't tell you that you have an additional 4 years inactive time making your total enlistment 8 years. this also depends on when you went into the delayed entry program or didn't. the time spent in the d.e.p. counts as inactive service time and will be subtracted from your inactive time at the end of your active enlistment. don't think that once you're out, they can't call you--they can. i was called back to active duty a second time when iraq started up. just a little more info for you and something else to consider. definitely ask the recruiter about this. recruiters are salemen and they will tell you what they want you to hear.

I forgot about that. I had a 7 year inactive ready reserve commitment.

[DemonShark]

Lindsay listen up. If you have any fammily in the millitary bring it up with the recruitment staff officer, when siging up bring a millitary personal member that does care about you so he may or she may look over the contract for you and decide the best. Note: the millitary does not like to lose money like the rest of us! so they proubly are hiding although offering a higher grade scholorship somewere on a contract. and make sure you ask for as much training as they will give you.

Lots of people will be against this saying either you are a stupid idoit to saying that we are taking away freedom and not giving. DONT LISTEN TO THEM these people are the stupid idoits and dont understand the whole point of what we are doing. Many people will say we are doing a bad job (including many americans) but dont think that cause America only acts for the best of everyone!

You have my full support and will be in my prayers you will also have my full support! You have an awsome task of representing our country so do it well.

[Severus]

Even the Coast Guard. I have been giving a lot of thought to becoming a reservist in the USCG myself. Check it out Lindsay!

[Incredulous_Ed]

Lindsay, If you're going into the army or air force or whatever you have my support.
Remember, It's YOUR life, not your family's. Don't try to spend all your time making other people happy.

[blue fin]

You don't really know me I haven't been here too long but I can tell you that it isn't a bad decision from my perspective, just know your options and as Hobbs recommended if you know someone else in the military have them read the contracts, they will likely know if they are not offering you as much as they can for you. Make the best of your time in, and get a jump start on your carreer... Best of luck!

[kimmers318]

Lindsay.....this is coming from someone who has spoken to you privately outside the forum.....I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU! You have chosen to take a very mature route to change your life to make it something else. Coming from a family of veterans, and being very involved with the veterans locally, I can honestly say that I personally have the UTMOST RESPECT for those who serve the wonderful country I live in. You may not like some of the crap you will have to put up with, but you will come out of your service with a respect for yourself, others, and the maturity to handle most anything life throws your way. You have been given a bad hand in the game of life, and this is an opportunity to do something for yourself....I applaud you:19: . This is YOUR opportunity to get away.....learn alot about who you are, and what path you might like your life to follow later. I think it will be a good thing for you:19: , as long as you approach it in the right way. If you decide you hate it, stick to your commitment knowing it is only for 4 years, and the label of being a veteran will stick with you for the rest of your life....that is a good thing. But, you may find that you love the challenge, the lifestyle and the "benefits" that go along with it. I still long for the days of shopping in the commisary (my first husband was in the army)!
BEST OF LUCK TO YA GIRL....I FOR ONE AM VERY PROUD OF YOU!

[jeffs99dime]

i also am proud of you!! --jeff

[kes]

I apreciate I don't know you like a lot of the other people on this forum, Lindsay, and I also don't have much knowledge about the military.

What I would say however, is that I know how it feels to be lost and not know what you want..and then suddenly find the answer.

I was stuck in a dead end insurance job for years and years because I couldn't find the courage to make that change. Then somewhere from within I got the guts to pack it all in and start training to become a midwife. Talk about career change! At the time I was a young single mum with no money at all.. some of my mates thought I had a screw loose. I worked my backside off, loads of college work and back to back twelve hour shifts doing a hundred mile round trip to get to my training hospital...but I DID IT!

Five years on I have the most amazing job in the world..instead of being shouted at on the phone for late insurance payments, I bring new people into the world.. the highlight being helping my beautiful nephew into the world last year. What a privelege!
510

If joining up is your dream... you go for it! Otherwise you may always wonder what could have been. big hugs to you x x x

[Lindsay_D]

Kimmers! i love you! you make me laugh and make me so happy! thanks everybody and i have news for you all. my dad will not let me sign until i am of 18 years of age....(scowl). Oh well. At least now i have time to figure out what i want to do.

I met someone this weekend. His name is Shane. He is 20 years old but he is my new best buddy. We both have the same recruiter and want to join the army. Best part is he wants to get a job at mcdonals, where i work, and lives right up the street from me. My parents met him and like him.

Everyday he walks me to work and home from work so i can be safe. We are really good friends and were going to take things day by day.

[Drumachine09]

i used to think mcdonalds was a bad job, but i figured out they pay VERY well, and here in kansas you get 3.50 dollors a day to spend on food, and you dont have to ring up drinks! I know half a dozen people that work a t micky ds and i havent payed for a meal there in over a year!



Good luck with the whole recrutment ordeal. I have alot of respect for you!

[Severus]

Good luck with whatever you decide. And i guess Shane as well?

[Lindsay_D]

Well...Mcds sucks...it drives me crazy...they call me like every night at like 10 asking if i want to work...its crazy

[crackatinny]

Well...Mcds sucks...it drives me crazy...they call me like every night at like 10 asking if i want to work...its crazy

Great to see things looking up on all fronts, think of the extra cash the work will bring in = more fish:19:

[Severus]

They are trying to call you in at 10pm?? Or to work the next day?

[Lindsay_D]

no to work right then!

[Lindsay_D]

sorry guys i've been wicked busy...painting, working, and i got my face burned with acid..but i swear i'm fine...oh yeah if you didn't know dad called the cops on me long story tell you monday gotta run and paint by!

[crackatinny]

no to work right then!

That is wrong on there part.

Thanks for keeping in touch behind the scenes, you are a cool gal:thumb:

[Lindsay_D]

work has been crazy and i'm going nuts. everything hurts right now. i burned my face with sulfuric acid and it hurt so bad. i cut my finger on a razor...(don't ask) and i'm so tired. i don't have work today but i have to talk to sgt. myres today. man i want to sleep.

I'm in the middle of class and the teacher is bee otch . she is making us do something so dumb. maybe i can talk tomorrow....

I send u all my love! have fun. BYE!

[cocoa_pleco]

I cut my finger with a razor too. I got crazy glue allover all my fingers and at the end i got really pi$$ed and took a huge chunk of skin by mistake

[jweintraub]

Let me say a few things from experience...

I joined the Army at 17(with my parents consent of course), I am a Special Electronics Device Repair Supervisor and love what I do. I've been in the army 6 1/2 years now and have been a Sergeant for 4 years(as of 5 feb). I didn't join the army for money, or for the chance to go to war, I joined because I felt it was the right thing to do with my life at the time. i wanted to get out of the regular life back in Burke, VA and do something that NONE of my friends can say they've ever had the courage to do. My family and friends respected my decision and still do to this day. Joining the army was by far the best decision that I have ever made in my life and don't regret it one bit. Do what your heart desires and if you have ANY questions please feel free to ask me on here or send me a PM, I'd be more than happy to tell you anything you want to know!

[Lindsay_D]

okay thanks...i'm not mad about seeing sgt. myres..he's a cool guy and he acts like my older brother. I'm just wicked tired...i haven't slept much in the last 3 days...but it's my own fault...i've been partying and working too much. at least i'm having fun while working

[Incredulous_Ed]

You're still working at aqua culture right?

[Lindsay_D]

no i was let go because it was too hard to get down there without my car. now i work at mcdonalds but i still study aquaculture

[Lindsay_D]

check out the blog...its easier to keep an update there...talk to you guys a.s.a.p.