Q 1- Were you drafted or did you join willingly?

A 1- "I volunteered"

Q 2- Which branch did you enter?

A 2- “I went into the air force”

Q 3- What was your job and what did it entail?

A 3- “I was in intelligence and it involved interpreting different type of imagery. Like satellite imagery that takes different pictures. I controlled small planes that had the job of drones. My job was to find out where the enemy was hiding and help them be found or find missing troops and tell them where to go to get home safe.”

Q 4- What type of training did you do?

A 4- “I did riffle training, learned all the other countries types of military aircrafts, artillery, tanks, etc. I had to know what a Russian tank vs a German tank looked like.”

Q 5- What was the best thing that happened during your time in the military?

A 5- “I was part of the mission that caught Sadam Hussein”

Q 6- Did you get any promotions in the military?

A 6- “ Yes, I started as an airmen and finished as a senior airman”

Q 7- Where did you serve

A 7- “I served in Texas, Virginia, England, Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan.“

Q 8- What did you do for recreation when you were off duty?

A 8- “I did golf, worked out a lot, and finished college while i was in service.”

Q 9- How did you stay in touch with family and friends?

A 9- “ I stayed in touch by email and depending on where i was at i could call whoever i wanted. ”

Q 10- How did service change you?

A 10- “Serving in the air force made me very ‘attention to detail’, i need everything in order, and it also made me learn that the world is not as bad as you think. People have different reasons to fight for themselves or their countries or families. It’s often a very deep or religious reason and people are very passionate about what they believe in and it was very eye opening because it wasn’t the US just telling everybody what they think they should do, it was about learning from others.”

Question 1 - What branch did you serve in the military?

Answer 1 -  ¨ The marines and National guard¨

Question 2 - Why did you decide to join the military?

Answer 2 - ¨ The benefits for college¨

Question 3 - What was your job in the military and, did you enjoy it?

Answer 3 - ¨I was a technical representative for the helicopters , yes i enjoyed it¨

Question 4 - What was your favorite part about the military?

Answer 4 - ¨Traveling the world and not having to pay for it¨

Question 5 - Was the food good/bad/alright? 

Answer 5 -: ¨Yes it was all you could eat they did not limit you.¨

Question 6 - How did family react to you leaving.

Answer 6 - ¨They were happy that he went into the military, because it was a family tradition where the boys in the family followed.¨

Question 7 -Do you remember first arriving and actually going in and how was that like?

Answer 7 - ¨First going to bootcamp the drill instructors were yelling at people to get off the bus and it was kinda like an eye opener¨

Question 8 - How long did you serve in the military?

Answer 8 - ¨10 years marines¨ ¨4 years¨ national guard  

Question 9 - Do you still have anything from the military?

Answer 9 - ¨Yes I have all my clothes in my foot locker that i was issued¨

Question 10 - If you didn't join the military what WOULD you have done instead?

Answer 10 - ¨I don't know because my mind was set on going to the military¨

2.) What branch of the military did you join

3.) Why did you join the military

4.) What was basic training like

5.)Can you describe any funny moments from boot camp

6.) Were you ever deployed to a different country

7.) Did you ever get away with something you weren't supposed to do?

8.) When did you leave the military?

9.) How was you transition from military to civilian life?

If you were able to go back in time, what would you tell your younger self

Question 2 - Did you enjoy being a part of the military?

Question 3 -How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military? 

Question 4 - How long did you serve in the military and would you do it again if you were able to

Question 5 - How did you know what branch of service you wanted to do?

Question 6 - Did you ever consider switching to another branch of service or quitting?

Question 7 - Was there any specific type of food you liked while being apart of the military 

Question 8 - Do you remember / or what are some details from  the first day you enlisted 

Question 9 -Do you attend reunions?

Question 10 - Would you recommend others to join the army 

 Which branch did you join

Answer 1 -

Infantry 

Question 2 - 

What was your job

Answer 2 -

Military officer

Question 3 -

Was there anywhere you were sent that you particularly liked or disliked

Answer 3 -

He preferred Germany because of the food,and the scenery.  He disliked going to portugal due to the weather. 

Question 4 -

Why did you enlist

Answer 4 - 

He enlisted because he wanted the independence

Question 5 -

What’s something you still remember seeing while in the military 

Answer 5 -

The berlin wall,which was still up at the time.

Question 6 -

What’s something you remember vividly

Answer 6 -

The cold winter in germany and having to wake up at 4am every day to get ready. 

Question 7 -

What did you miss most while deployed

Answer 7 -

He missed his family and his siblings

Question 8 -

Why did you leave?

Answer 8 -

He left because he had decided he wanted to return to his family and his home

Question 9 -

Do you still think about your military days

Answer 9 -

Very often

Question 10 -

What’s something you miss from the military?

Answer 10 -

Being able to travel 

2) How did you choose your branch of service?

3) What were your first few months in the service like?

4) Can you describe a funny moment during boot camp/training?

5) Was there anything you especially missed about civilian life?

6) What are some habits that you developed in the service that you like and what are some you dislike?

7) How has your definition of “patriotism” changed after your service?

8) Is there anything you wish civilians could understand about military service?

9) Do you stay connected to any of your fellow service members and if so, how do you still maintain those friendships?

10) How did your military service impact your life and shape who you are today?

1.Question 1 -

Were you drafted or did you volunteer? If you volunteered, why?

"I never actually considered the military until maybe my early 20’s, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life and as a result I ended up joining the military which was probably the most life changing part of my life."

Question 2 - 

In what branch did you enter?

 "I joined the Air force, which was funny because for almost my entire life before the military I was scared of heights and now I was hovering more than 40 thousand feet off the ground."

Question 3 -

Did you travel anywhere when you were in the military?

"I was deployed quite often, maybe every year I would travel out of the country, one of the places I visited was Honduras."

Question 4 -

What jobs did you have before entering the military?

"I had a few jobs before joining the military, none of which lasted long because I didn't enjoy working in retail. I worked at Home Depot as a cashier. Worked for a bit as a supplier at a grocery store. I also worked at Walgreens for a while."

Question 5 -

What are some life lessons you have learned during your time in the military?

"I learned that precision is key, I always knew when it came to the military a lot of things can go wrong so I became a very precise person because of it."

Question 6 -

What was the hardest part of your military lifestyle to adapt to? Why do you think that was?

"Probably the schedule, having to wake up, complete basic training, eat and repeat was probably the hardest thing to adjust to. I think it was because before the military my life was always hectic, going from one job to the other. "

Question 7 -

What type of training or schooling did you have?

"I went through the basic military training that most people get when they first enter, the basic war skills, and physical fitness and I also did air force core values." 

Question 8 -

How did the service change you?

"In a way, I feel the same as I always have, though  I also feel like I've changed because of it as well. I became more of a perfectionist and it made me want to do everything to a T"

Question 9 -

What or who did you leave behind for the military?

"My mother was extremely worried which made me worried as well because we had both heard that military training is vigorous and intense, my father was… how do you say it, it was tough love with him, I knew he was proud of me for finally trying out something than just hoping from job to job but I could still tell he was worried, my younger sister was not able to hold back her tears. She was young, a 16 year old so her knowledge of the military was limited so she was scared."

Question 10 -

Did you make any friends during your time in the army?

"Yes, I did and I consider them one of my closest friends to this day and I do try my best to stay in touch with them as much as I can."

Answer 1 - “ I joined because I kinda slacked off in High School and didn’t feel like I could afford college. I also was having a hard time finding a job so it seemed like my best option.  I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2004.”

Question 2 - What was your job? 

Answer 2 -” My job title was 5952 Navigational Aids Technician.  I maintained an instrument that allows friendly aircraft to know where they are as a known reference point. When paired with radar and communications, we could create an air field anywhere that was suitable to land a helicopter.”

Question 3 - What did your family think?

Answer 3 - “My family is full of veterans, so they were supportive of my decision. My mother was initially reluctant because she was afraid of me going to war, but she understood that it could be a good thing for me.”

Question 4 - Was leaving a hard decision? 

Answer 4 -   “I grew up in a big family.  Parts of that are great but by the time I came of age I was eager to set out and begin my own life.  I was also confident I could get a duty station in Southern California if I got homesick.”

Question 5 - Did it feel like your only choice?

Answer 5 - “It didn’t feel like my ONLY choice but it seemed my best choice.  While I slacked off in high school I was still considered a bright student.  When I took the ASVAB I scored very high.  The military provided me a chance to get into a technological field that I didn’t feel would be as accessible otherwise.”

Question 6 - Was it a weird transition leaving the army?

Answer 6 - “Transitioning from the military to the civilian world was a challenge at first.  Acceptable mannerisms and ways of speaking that were part of the military culture were not well received in my new line of work.  Being blunt and direct when speaking to someone is how we did things in the corps; people in the civilian world saw these mannerisms as rude or forceful”

Question 7 - Would you recommend other people to join?

Answer 7 - “This is the response I give to anyone who asks about it.  I am extremely fortunate to have what I consider a great life, and I owe a lot of that to my decision to join the Marine Corps.  That being said, I am keenly aware that I am extremely fortunate that I didn’t endure what a lot of other veterans have, both physical and mental trauma of war.  I’m not burdened with those, so I couldn’t tell someone the benefits outweigh the costs when I can only imagine the true costs of joining.”

Question 8 - Did you ever regret joining? 

Answer 8 - “I wouldn’t say I regret joining; I was 17 years old at the time and made a choice that many would consider a wise choice for someone with my circumstances.  Have I questioned the wars and imperialistic actions of our government?  Absolutely.  While that does come with a degree of complicity having served, I remember that I was a 17 year old kid just trying to do the right thing.”

Question 9 - Do you think it helped you grow as a person if so, how? 

Answer 9 -  “Along the same lines of your last question, I know that my time in the Marine Corps made me grow as a person.  There are some life lessons that don’t really stick until things get hard, the corps provides plenty of opportunities for things to be challenging.  I matured faster than a lot of my friends because military life forces you to grow up.  You’re forced to live in close proximity to complete strangers often.  You learn to not judge a book by its cover and that seeing/experiencing unfamiliar cultures can be great.”

Question 10 - What was the best part? 

Answer 10 - “Ask any Marine and they we’ll tell you the best part of serving is the comradery you find.  It’s like nothing else; I have been out for over 14 years and I still regularly interact with guys from my old unit.  We have become like brothers. It’s a big, deranged family.”

Question 1 -

When did you enlist?

The summer after graduation (July 1997)

Question 2 - 

Why did you enlist?

My schooling was paid for in exchange for enlisting and serving for 4 years

Question 3 -

How did your family take the news of your enlistment?

Your grandma, my mom was very afraid and uncertain, but wished for me to come back home safe. My sister, your mom, was upset but knew it had to happen. My mom told me she cried for a week after I was gone. My dad was proud of me but like your grandma, he was nervous about what could happen.

Question 4-

Were there any happy memories?

The first time I was overseas me and my crewmates got seasick for about a week or so and I remember laughing at one another because we were so sick even though we were supposed to be prepared for it

Question 5 -

Were there any sad/upsetting memories?

Leaving your mom and grandma obviously was hard. I also left your tia, my girlfriend at the time, and she was very upset. Also leaving my crew after being discharged was really tough because we had bonded over basically everything

Question 6 -

When were you discharged (how long did you serve?)

I was honorably discharged in September of 2000. I served for about 3 years before I realized that it wasn’t something I was fully committed to.

Question 7 -

How was life different once you came home?

It was just getting back into daily routine, like going shopping for food and being surrounded by my family again instead of my crew. It was really awkward for the first couple of weeks, until I was able to settle back in again slowly.

Question 8 -

In what branch did you serve?

I served in the Navy and I went to Japan and then I wound up in Hawaii

Question 9 -

Was boot camp tougher than you expected?

Yes and no. Yeah it was because I had to break certain habits that I had like waking up late, and then remembering I wasn't home was hard. It wasn't so bad, well not bad but hard because I played football and my old coach was real fucking tough on us so I was used to being worked really hard.

Question 10 -

What do you do now that you’re no longer serving? What did serving in the Navy teach you?

Answer 10 -

[side note: we were at Thanksgiving so he gave me a look that said “seriously?”]

I put myself through college and worked hard to pay off my debts. I have a good job and a wonderful family now [my cousins and aunt], including you and your mom and your dad and brother and everyone here. 

I guess serving has taught me that everything has a purpose and that nothing should be overlooked, even if it’s something trivial like making a bed properly. 

Question 1 - What was your upbringing like, family, environments,ect.? 

I grew up in West Covina to two immigrant parents. I am the middle child.

Question 2 - Which branch did you serve in and for how long? 

I am currently still surviving in the Army and I have the title of Captain. 

Question 3 -  What was your role/title in that branch? 

I am a commander and a staff officer. Staff officer helps other commanders, my function is human resources. As a commander I have my own task that I have to complete. I have a personnel to help me do that and a staff that helps me perform each function. It's a smaller role but helps provide for the overall function. 

Question 4 -  What was a lasting impact or lesson that you learned during your time serving that you carry with you today?

I think that the military teaches you about different cultures and different kinds of people. It is something that you can't really get outside of the military so you're forced to build together with people that are completely unlike you and so the understanding that in the world there is going to be a bunch of people not like you. But live life and figure out how to operate with them. It gives you an understanding of how to work with them and that's a big piece of what the military does to you

Question 5 - At the start of your military career, what was your initial thought process or feelings about entering?

I didn't think it was going to be long term so i thought it was going to be an adventure and give me a different experience because living in West Covina and going outside of that gave me a different perspective. I honestly thought that it was going to be fun, exciting and like an adventure.

Question 6 -  What advice would you give someone entering or thinking about entering the military?

Get in shape. I think that is half the battle but also coming in with a good attitude.  With a good attitude you are able to overcome different things, a lot of challenges but I think your attitude makes or breaks you when you come across challenges because the military is very challenge-full. I think that resilience needs to be built and it gets built by just adapting and having that attitude of being open minded.

Question 7 - What motivated you to join the military or how did you end up in that position?

I wanted to become a police officer but I was in college when I was 17 so I wasn't old enough to become a police officer but I was able to enlist in the military at 17 and get that experience. When I got out of bootcamp I applied to be a police officer again but I actually got a different career path while waiting to join the academy. They offered me  a full time position in the military that I took.

Question 8 -  Do you have a fond memory about that time that you think about often or just wish to share? 

I think I have a lot of fond memories and they are just the ones that are when you're dirty, you're tired and someone cracks a joke. I think that a lot of my fond memories are about the comradery that is built with the people you serve with. They come from when you are so tired, you're hungry but the people around you make it such a good experience . 

Question 9 - What does life look like after the military or if not yet finished what are your expectations?

So I have a degree and I am pursuing my credentials through psychology so I think I want to work with veterans and the mental health field so that is my next adventure. 

Question 10 - If you could talk to yourself right before entering your service, what would it be? 

I would tell myself… I don't know. I wouldn't do anything different, so while I transitioned to the officer realm a few years ago I would have told myself to transfer earlier and that's about it. I don't regret anything I did or didn't do but I do wish I would have have taken that leap earlier. 

Answer 1 - 24 years he served

Question 2 - at what age did you join the army ?

Answer 2 - 18 years old 

Question 3 -why did you join the army 

Answer 3 -Because he wanted to serve his country and could not afford to go to college 

Question 4 -did you come from a military family

Answer 4 - yes all the men in his family served in the army 

Question 5 -what was your job in the military

Answer 5 -he was a combat medic 

Question 6 -did you always want that job 

Answer 6 -yes he signed up the late entry when he was 17 

Question 7 -did you make any friends?

Answer 7 - yes he made lifelong friends that he still considers his brothers today 

Question 8 -did you ever go to war 

Answer 8 -yes he did

Question 9 -if you could do it all over again would you?

Answer 9 -yes he would 

Question 10 -what was the best experience of all your service 

Answer 10 -he said surviving the war and coming home alive 

Veteran’s Name: George

Question 1 - Were you drafted or did you enlist?

Answer 1 -  I chose to enlist.

Question 2 - How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military?

Answer 2 - I gathered my family friends together and had a heartfelt conversation with them, I explained my reasoning behind it and reassured them that I had thought it through.

Question 3 - What was basic training like?

Answer 3 - Basic training was challenging but a transformative experience. It pushed me physically and mentally, taught me discipline, teamwork, & resilience. You would undergo intense physical training, learn military skills, and adapt to a structured routine. It was tough at times, but was also an opportunity for personal growth.

Question 4 - If you enlisted, why did you join the military?

Answer 4 - I joined the military because I felt motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, challenge myself, & contribute to something better than myself. 

Question 5 - Where did you serve?

Answer 5 - I served in various locations around the world, depending on where I was deployed. 

Question 6 - Can you explain what it felt like coming home from combat?

Answer 6 - Coming home from combat was a mix of emotions. It was a relief to be back in a familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones. There was a sense of gratitude for making it through the challenges and being able to return home safely. At the same time, there was a period of adjustment as I reintegrated into civilian life.

Question 7 - What was your first assignment after basic training?

Answer 7 - I was assigned to a military base as a communications specialist. It was really exciting to be able to put my training into practice.

Question 8 - What was the hardest part of basic training?

Answer 8 - The hardest part of training for me was definitely the physical fitness tests. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to meet the required standards.

Question 9 - What do you wish more people knew about veterans?

Answer 9 - I wish more people knew about the sacrifices veterans make and the challenges they face when transitioning back to civilian life.

Question 10 - What was the hardest part of military life style for you to adapt to?

Answer 10 - For me, the hardest part of military lifestyle to adapt to was being away from my family and friends for long periods of time. It was tough not being able to see them as often as I would have liked. 

Answer 1 - he severed 4 years 

Question 2 - What branch were you in?

Answer 2 -

The army

Question 3 - Was there a time that you wanted to quit?

Answer 3 - When I was serving my 2 years I wanted to go back home because of my family.

Question 4 -

Do you have any photos ?

Answer 4 -  yes they are hung up on my wall.

Question 5 - Do you still think about your military days?

Answer 5 -

Some days I do

Question 6 - why did you leave 

Answer 6 -

I left because I missed my family and my friends back at home

Question 7 -

WHy did you join the army

Answer 7 -

The benefits for college 

Question 8 - Was the food good or bad 

Answer 8 -

The food was alright you can't complain 

Question 9 -

Do you have anything from the army?

Answer 9 -

Yes I still have my cloths 

Question 10 -

What was your favorite part of the army

Veteran’s Name: Edwing Zuniga 

Question 1 - Why and when did you enlist?

Answer 1 - I enlisted in the Army in October of 1992, when I was 19 years old.  I decided to enlist to see other parts of the world and learn new things.

Question 2 - How long did you serve for?

Answer 2 - I served in the military for 20 years in total.

Question 3 - What branch were you in?

Answer 3 - I was in the United States Army.

Question 4 - What was your role in the military?

Answer 4 - I served as a Combat Engineer in the Army, which means I surveyed areas looking for improvised explosives in hostile countries.

Question 5 - Do you often think about your days in the military?

Answer 5 - Yes, I do think about my time in the Army.  I miss driving tactical vehicles like Humvees and going out as a team.

Question 6 - Do you recall your first day in service?

Answer 6 - Yes, I definitely remember my first day of boot camp which was at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  It was a big change from graduating high school in Los Angeles to getting berated by Drill Sergeants.

Question 7 - Were you awarded any medals when you served?

Answer 7 - Yes, I was awarded multiple medals during my time of service.  One medal I received was the Afghanistan Campaign Medal- which was awarded due to my time served and my combat deployment.

Question 8 - Do you have any memorable experiences while serving?

Answer 8 - I have many memorable experiences while serving, from traveling and seeing different parts of the world, including France, Germany, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Romania, to name a few, to also having a shared experience, a brotherhood with those I served with.

Question 9 - Where were you stationed at?

Answer 9 - I was stationed at many military bases throughout my deployment, but my favorite deployment location was at a base in Germany.

Question 10 - Did you make any close friendships while in the military?

Answer 10 - Yes, I met a lot of different people in the military that I consider close friends, including translators from other countries and those serving beside me.

Answer 1 - College tuition and to gain world experience

Question 2 - What branch of the military were you in and what was your job or assignment?

Answer 2 - 

US Army

Job title was 11b Infantryman, stationed at Ft. Campbell Ky, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), was in Alpha company - 1st battalion - 3rd combat brigade (187th Infantry Regiment) Rakkasan

Question 3 - Can you describe a particularly funny or memorable moment from your time in the service? 

Answer 3 - 

I can not recall any funny moments at this time but I'm positive there were some.

Question 4 - How did you stay in touch with family and friends? 

Answer 4 -  Letters, Pay phones, Cell phones ( Nokia 1100), Voip calls, Sat phones

Question 5 - How did your time in the military change your outlook on life?

Answer 5 -

It didn't, I already knew how things in life operated and knew how to navigate obstacles

Question 6 -What are you most proud of from your service? 

Answer 6 -

From my perspective I don't look at my service as a positive or negative aspect of my life. Not to say I did not experience situations where one can feel a sense of pride, I just don't see it that way. It was one step in a long journey of my life.

Question 7 - Is there anything you wish civilians understood better about military life.

Answer 7 -

If you are going to thank someone for their service, be sincere about it and don't feel the need to be obligated to do so. 

Question 8 - What was your favorite MRE, (Meal Ready to Eat)

Answer 8 - 

Cheese Trotellini

Question 9 -  When did you serve and do you have any deployment's

Answer 9 -

My original enlistment was supposed to be from 2003 to 2005 but I ended up getting stopped-loss and serving from 2003 to 2006. 

I did to tours in Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005

Than did some work as a private contractor for the government in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait.

Question 10 -What is a military skill that you still use today?

Answer 10 -

Leadership, Intuition, Adaptability 

Question 1 - What branch of the military did you serve in?

I served in the United States Army

Question 2 - What years were you in service?

I served from 2005 to 2012.

Question 3 - Where were you stationed during your service?

I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for most of my time in the U.S. Later, I was deployed to Iraq.

Question 4 - What was your job or role in the military?

I worked as a combat medic. My role was to provide medical support to infantry units, which meant I had to be ready at any moment to treat injuries in the field.

Question 5 - What was the most challenging part of your service?

The hardest part was being away from my family for long stretches of time. Missing birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments was tough.

Question 6 - What was the most rewarding part of your service?

The most rewarding part was knowing that I made a difference. As a medic, I had moments where I was able to stabilize someone and give them a chance to make it home. Those experiences reminded me why I joined in the first place.

Question 7 - Did you make close friendships during your time in the military?

Absolutely. The friendships you form in the military are unlike any others. I still talk to a few of the women I served with, and even though we live in different states now.

Question 8 - How did your service change you as a person?

My service gave me a sense of discipline and confidence that I didn’t have before. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure and how to work as part of a team. I also learned to appreciate the small things in life more, like coming home and being able to sit with family without worrying about the next mission.

Question 9 - What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military?

I’d tell them to really think about the commitment. It’s not easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. The military will push you to your limits, but it will also give you skills and experiences that you can carry for the rest of your life. If you’re joining, do it with an open mind and a willingness to grow.

Question 10 - What do you want people to remember about veterans?

I want people to remember that veterans are ordinary people who chose to serve in extraordinary circumstances. We carry stories, sacrifices, and lessons that deserve respect. Sometimes just listening to a veteran’s story or showing appreciation can mean more than you realize.

Question 1 - What branch were you in?

Answer 1 - He was in the Army branch.

Question 2 - What was your most favorite memory when you were there?

Answer 2 - His favorite memory was when he became sergeant.

Question 3 - What was ur highest ranking?

Answer 3 - Sergeant was his highest ranking.

Question 4 - Were there any wars going on at that time?

Answer 4 - No wars were going on at that time.

Question 5 - Why did you join?

Answer 5 - He joined the army to support support his family.

Question 6 - How was the food like?

Answer 6 - The food was pretty good.

Question 7 - How old were you when you joined?

Answer 7 - He was 18 years old.

Question 8 - How did this change your life?

Answer 8 - This changed his life by taking him away from a horrible gang life. Showing him that he’s way better than the gang bangers he grew up with.

Question 9 - What did you do with your life afterwards?

Answer 9 - Afterwards he went to work at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and that’s when he met his future wife. 

Question 10 - For how many years did you serve?

Answer 10 - He served for 6 almost 7 years.

Answer 1 - He stated that he had served in the army 

Question 2 - What was your job?

Answer 2 -

At the time he was a medic. 

Question 3 - How long did you serve?

Answer 3 -

He had served only 4 years 

Question 4 -When did you enlist?

Answer 4 - 

He enlisted in 1971.

Question 5 - Were you ever deployed anywhere?

Answer 5 -

Yes, he was deployed to Iraq.

Question 6 - How was basic training? 

Answer 6 -

At first he said that it was tough but in the end he made it. 

Question 7 - Did you ever travel overseas?

Answer 7 -

Yes, he had then traveled to Germany. 

Question 8 - Were you able to communicate with your family members? 

Answer 8 -

He siad that he tried to stay in tough, whenever he could. 

Question 9 - Would you consider enlisting again? 

Answer 9 -

He said that he was done with only  serving in the military. 

Question 10 - What was the most challenging aspect of serving? 

Answer 10 -

He stated that the most challenging aspect was being away from the family. 

Answer 1 -“I first enlisted on February 17th 1983, I served for 23 years.”

Question 2 - What branch were you a part of during your time serving?

Answer 2 - He was a part of the army.

Question 3 -Why did you decide to enlist?

Answer 3 -He decided to enlist because  He had gotten tired of school  but prior to this I never thought of enlisting, I wanted to be a lawyer.  He did this because he wanted something different.

Question 4 -Would you recommend joining and if so what advice would you give to someone who would want to join?

Answer 4 -He would recommend anyone to join the military because you are able to grow and understand/ appreciate life much better. Teaches you hard work and discipline. Some advice i would give was to take advantage of the discipline and continue learning. Such as traveling the world and going to school after. 

Question 5 -What is a valuable lesson that you learned during your time serving that you still use today?

Answer 5 -A valuable lesson he learned during the time he spent serving was to better understand people rather than make assumptions. This applies to things like being nice to people who are from different places and also learning and understanding cultures to be respectful.

Question 6 -Do you have any regrets about joining?

Answer 6 -No, he has never had any regrets, with 23 years in the army they paid for his college and he made a promise to himself to graduate and before he retired he finished his masters. They gave him very many opportunities in his life that he would have never had if not joining.

Question 7 -If you didn't join what do you think you have done instead?

Answer 7 -If he wouldn't have joined, he feels he would have been in school possibly being a lawyer or something else .

Question 8 -What was your first day like/ what was going through your head?

Answer 8 -His first day was chaotic, he had woken up early and flew him out of LAX to ford Jackson South Carolina in 1- 2 in the morning. He also said that his drill Sargent was nice and they had wen't to their bunks and slept. Later that day, he was forced to shave his beard and he was yelled at several times. He explains that it seemed surreal and was just confusing overall. 

Question 9 -What was one of the strictest or strangest rules that you encountered during your time?

Answer 9 -There were no stick rules or strange rules, you listened to your Sargent no matter the task.

Question 10 -Do you believe that veterans day is important and should be celebrated?

Answer 10 -Yes do  believe that veterans day is a great day and that should be celebrated, during this day many people volunteer for the army and their decision and sacrifice should be celebrated. It takes heart and dedication to serve your country. It is also a great thing to be celebrated because people gave their lives for our freedom.

Joined on 12/10/1992 at the age of 19 y/o. My best friend and I joined at the same time. I wasn't doing much at the time so it sounded like a good idea. I wanted to make my parents, friends, & grandparents proud of me. My boot camp started January 1993 and was at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina and (Advanced Individual Training (AIT) was held at Ft. Lee, Virginia. I returned to Southern California at the end of May 1993.

How long did you serve?

I served on active reserve duty for a total of eight years.

What branch were you in?

U.S Army Reserve

Were you stationed or deployed?

I was stationed locally in Garden Grove, Los Alamitos & Ontario during my eight year commitment. I was never deployed.

What is something you learned that you still remember?

I learned how to follow orders and follow structure.

What was the food like?

You're running a lot everywhere or marching constantly along with other activities so the food usually was pretty good.

Do you ever think back to those days?

Sometimes I do. It was a big accomplishment for me at the time. It was my first time leaving home.

Do you have some items that you keep?

I have some medals, photos, and awards and I may still have my dress uniform somewhere.

Did you make friends?

I did. You learn how to get along fast with different people from all parts of the country.

Were you in touch with any family members or friends?

I was able to make a phone call once a week but was limited to only a few minutes. I wrote a lot of letters at night, during guard duty.

Answer 1 -  I joined because I wanted direction in my life and felt a strong responsibility to serve something bigger than myself. I grew up around people who were very disciplined and joining the military felt like the right path. 

Question 2 -  Which branch did you serve in, and what was your role?

Answer 2 - I served in the Army as a communications specialist. My job was to mainly set up secure communication lines and help units stay connected at all times.

Question 3 -What was a typical day like for you during your services?

Answer 3 - Most days started early in the morning with average physical training, after most of that stuff I took care of equipment and maintenance for prep.

Question 4 -Did you form any close friendships while serving?

Answer 4 -  Yes, during the time I served I became friends with some other people there as the days went by we created a strong bond. I still keep in touch with some of them nowadays.

Question 5 - What was one of the most challenging experiences you faced?

Answer 5 - The hardest most challenging experience would be missing home and being away during most of times as well as missing some holidays.

Question 6 - What is a memory from your service that you're proud of?

Answer 6 - I'm proud of helping our team restore communications during a heavy storm. It was a scary time that my team managed to get through.

Question 7 - How did your time in the military change you as a person?

Answer 7 - It made me more disciplined, patient, and calm under pressure. I soon learned how to have gratitude over small things.

Question 8 - Were there any skills or lessons you learned that you still use today?

Answer 8 - Yes, some include leadership, teamwork, and different amounts of problem solving as it showed me how to stay focused.

Question 9 - Is there anything you wish people understood better about military service?

Answer 9 -  I wish more people understood that different people have different experiences during their time serving and that every role is important.

Question 10 -What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the military?

Answer 10 - Make sure to do research on what it is you want to join and to talk to people about joining.

Answer 1 - I am was in the United States Marine Corps and stationed on Miramar in San Diego, CA.

Question 2 - How long did you serve for?

Answer 2 - I served for 20.5 years

Question 3 - Was there a small moment from training that suck with you more than the big moment?

Answer 3 - Yes, the small moments stick with me more than the big ones.. After training all day and right before sleeping, my three closest friends in boot camp and I would all come on one bed and talk about our lives and how much we missed music. We would name songs and try to quietly sing them together.

Question 4 - What's something you wish more civilians understood about service members?

Answer 4 - We make large sacrifices like being away from family and friends. We also have diverse roles and specific jobs to support combat.

Question 5 - Did you have any routines or habits in the military you still keep?

Answer 5 - Yes, I still keep up with my fitness and show up early to any appointment I have.

Question 6 - What's the funniest or unexpected thing that happened during your time in service?

Answer 6 - One of the funniest moments I've experienced is one of my friends running and falling on her rifle and ending up with a big bruise. (She was okay)

Question 7 - Who's the memorable person you met in the military, and why?

Answer 7 - The most memorable people I have met was one of my Sergeants. She was someone that takes the time to know each of her marines personally and was a strong leader.

Question 8 - How did serving change the way you view people?

Answer 8 - I learned not to judge people quickly because everyone comes from different backgrounds and brings different things to the table. I also value what people do a lot more than what they say.

Question 9 - Did you make friends in the military that you are still friend to this day?

Answer 9 - Yes, I consider many of them my family.

Question 10 - What advice would you give your younger self before they enlisted?

Answer 10 - Take care of your body. Things like stretching, hydrating, and what you eat matters.

Veterans Name:  Alex Ramirez

Question 1 - When did you deploy

Answer 1 - He deployed for the first time in 2010 and then again in 2013

Question 2 - Why did you join

Answer 2 -  He joined because I wanted to serve my country, challenge myself, and create better opportunities for my future

Question 3 - What branch do you join

Answer 3 -   He joined the United States Army.

Question 4 - What was your experience in the branch you joined 

Answer 4 -  His experience was tough but rewarding. I made lifelong friends, learned discipline, and grew stronger both mentally and physically

Question 5 - Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza

Answer 5 -   He said that he likes Pepperoni every time

Question 6 - Did you like school 

Answer 6 - He liked some parts of school especially the hands on classes but he didn’t always enjoy sitting still for long periods

Question 7 -What achievements did you get 

Answer 7 - He earned the Army Achievement Medal, completed Air Assault School

Question 8 - What was your favorite school subject

Answer 8 -: History has always been interesting for him because he learned how the world changed over time.

Question 9 - How old were you when you joined

Answer 9 - He was 19 years old when I enlisted.

Question 10 - Did you shave your hair when you began?

Answer 10 - He said yes

Answer 1 -

From the moment the bus doors opened, it was just yelling and confusion. They were taking our civilian stuff, throwing us around, and basically messing with our heads. I remember being so tired I could barely stand up straight, but the noise and the anxiety made sleep feel impossible.

Question 2 - have you ever ran from a fight before?

Answer 2 -

not really in the middle of it.

Question 3 --what was your role ?

Answer 3 -I served as an infantry soldier

Question 4 -have you ever gone to another country to fight ?

Answer 4 - No never, it was calm most of the time but we did training

Question 5 -did you have pets while in the military?

Answer 5 -

I had a cat named Loki.and having him was calming to me since it was the moments of peace that i shared with him.

Question 6-where you scared?

Answer 6 -

Its always scary since you have that fear to fight and the thought of dying is always really terrifying, in the military is hard to not be scared

Question 7 -have you ver cooked in the military?

Answer 7 -

Yes, i cooked for my self every day

Question 8 -have you ever controlled a canon?

Answer 8 -No, it would have been cool to control it but we dont use them

Question 9 -did you have close friend ?

Answer 9 -Yes it have a fiend called Jason, he is one of my best friends and we always share times together

Question 10 -where you responsible of your actions ?

Answer 10 -Yes i did, but nothing serious hapened

Q#1- Where did you serve?

A#1- She served in Texas and Alaska.

Q#2- What branch did you serve for?

A#2- She served in the Army branch.

Q#3- Did anybody recommend you to go to the military?

A#3- No, no one recommended her to go to the Army, it was her choice to go.

Q#4- How has your military service affected your opinion over the military in general?

A#4- Her military service gave her a more broad view over the Army. The army helped her get an up-close view of everything that happens in the Army, like the drills and operations.

Q#5- Did you make friends while being in the military?

A#5- She did make friends in the army. She bonded with people she actively trained with and the people she was deployed with.

Q#6- Do you still keep in contact with people from the military?

A#6- She doesn't often keep in contact with people from the army because she's busy taking care of her sons and staying on track with her work in the police force. She sometimes talks to people from the army when she has free time.

Q#7- Was there a specific drill that was easier than the others?

A#7- She found the physical training exercises easier as they were easier than the other drills.

Q#8- Did you ever get in trouble by your drill sergeant?

A#8- She would slightly in the beginning because she was still new to the rules like how to stay organized but once she got a hang of it she wouldn't get in trouble.

Q#9- Who was the first person you wanted to see when you got out?

A#9- She wanted to see her husband because he was at home taking care of their son. She also wanted to see her dad because they kept in touch whenever she could and she really wanted to see him in person especially since he lives in California and she lives in Texas.

Q#10- Who did you miss the most when you were in the army?

A#10- She missed her son the most because he was a year old when she went to the Army.

Question 1 - What motivated him to join the army?

Answer 1- Thanks to my uncle, who was a person I admired very much, and he was a military paramedic and always told me about the people he saved. I never had a good life, so I thought, if I was going to be in some tough place, I would be there to help.

Question 2-Do you remember how you felt the day you enlisted?

Answer 2-Of course I remember. It was a July morning, and my hands were sweating, even though I tried to appear calm. I felt a knot in my stomach when I signed; my fingers were trembling, not from fear, but from the feeling that my life was changing in that instant; a strange mix of pride, doubt, and hope.

Question 3-What was your most memorable workout?

Answer 3- It was a simulated night rescue under fire, part of combat medic training. It wasn't a real war, but the realism was so intense that my body couldn't distinguish between practice and danger. My mission was to reach a "downed soldier," stabilize him, and get him out of there while everything around me was chaos. The greatest euphoria wasn't there; it was when I managed to complete everything and the instructor put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Alvarez, if today had been real... you would have saved him." That was the first time I thought, "Maybe I am good at this, maybe I can make a difference."

Question 4-Where did you serve and what type of unit did you have?

Answer 4-I served in a "rapid response medical unit" and we were a "medical reaction squad." Our job wasn't to go to the front lines; our job was to reach places others couldn't. Sometimes we had to walk for hours through jungles, mountains, or deserts. We also improvised medical posts with just backpacks and flashlights.

Question 5-What was your best memory?

Answer 5-Believe it or not, it wasn't a moment of great victory or euphoria; it was something memorable, a beautiful sunset. We were walking and the tiredness was setting in. A moment of rest arrived, and we all watched that beautiful sunset. One of my companions took out a small radio he always carried, and the calm we all felt for a moment was wonderful. I'm sure we all felt at home. Sometimes the best moments aren't the most intense, but the most peaceful.

Question 6- What was it like living with the people in your unit?

Answer 6- To be honest, living together was like being siblings, but the kind who sometimes fight and sometimes save each other's lives. There were always tough days where a bad joke, an exaggerated story, or just banter between coworkers could completely cheer you up. But there were also those days where a simple snore at night or loud voices in the morning were enough to ruin your day. But the trust and respect we built there made us a family I'll always miss.

Question 7-What was the most difficult or challenging part of your experience?

Answer 7-The most challenging thing was bearing the burden of decisions; sometimes you had to decide who to attend to first with the resources you had, and there weren't always enough for everyone. That pressure and responsibility...it weighs heavily. And perhaps one of the hardest things was also returning home; it was as if the world continued the same, but you didn't anymore.

Question 8- How was your transition from military to civilian life?

Answer 8-At first, I felt out of place. I remember that the first thing that impressed me was how unhurriedly people walked, and how each day passed without any emergencies or surprises. It was hard to get used to the emotional silence because in the unit we didn't speak, but we understood each other silently. However, as soon as I arrived, everyone wanted to know how I was, and I simply didn't know what to say. I found a purpose to move forward and feel useful. I became a first aid volunteer, and with those small things, I managed to feel fulfilled with myself and my surroundings. Today I live in peace, although it took me time to find that balance.

Question 9-What skills do you use now that you learned in the army?

Answer 9- I was able to learn so many things that I can put into practice, among them are staying calm under pressure and people say I'm "calm," but it's really a trained habit. I also learned first aid and teamwork, but the things I'm most grateful to have learned are discipline and perseverance, but above all, empathy.

Question 10-Finally, how do you expect people to remember you?

Answer 10-Honestly, Ximena, I never sought medals or speeches, nor did I want my name on any plaque. All I ever wanted was to be remembered as someone who helped. If just one person can say, "Mateo was there when I needed him," then that's more than enough for me. I don't need to be a hero, just someone useful. I always tried to be remembered by my colleagues as someone reliable—not perfect, not invincible, but someone they could trust in good times and bad. I hope that if anyone remembers me, they'll remember me as someone who lived with purpose. I'm not interested in being remembered for what I survived, but for what I contributed.

Q1:what did you serve in?

A1: I served in the U. S. Marines

Q2: when did you serve? For how long? 

A2: From 1988 to 1996

Q3:  what is your most fond memory?

A3: Creating a soccer team with Sargent Torres and playing two games against the Japanese army in Tokyo. We lost the first game 6-4 and a week later we won 5-4. I scored the 4th goal and assisted in the winning goal. 

Q4: What is the best part about the military?

A4: The best part is learning about the history of the U. S. Our birth was Nov. 10th 1775 as the continental marines even before the birth of the United States.  

Q5: what was the biggest lesson you learned ?

A5: I learned that life and opportunities are not going to be given to you on a silver platter but we must make opportunities happen for us. Also no one should ever say “i cant do that”unless one tries first. 

Q6:How old were you?

A6: I just turned 19 on May 20th 1988, I just graduated high school just before that. I went to bootcamp in august.

Q7: Why did you join?

A7: I had joined the military for 2 reasons, for the first reason was my parents were going to move to mexico and i wanted to be able to help them financially and the military was the best way i could help, secondly, when i joined i could apply for the montgomery gi bill, that would have helped to put money aside for college.

Q8: What friends did you make along the way ?

A8: The marine corps is composed of a brotherhood of all ethnicities and representation of this country. I made friends from the Philippines, Chinese, Japanese, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, African Americans, White people, Mexicans, and people of different religions, even the navy, airforce, army and all forces. All of these people I served with and had met in san diego camp pendleton, hawaii, guam, japan camp hansen, camp fuji in japan, Camp legon in north carolina.  

Q9: What was the coolest place you visited? 

A9: the country of Japan because I loved the way they respect their community. For example, I rode the city bus and the Senior people didn't pay and sat in the front of the bus as a sign of respect. I was just like wow I wish we could do that in America. The way of life as a whole in Japan was nice, it was a very tight community and it seemed like all the members were a part of making a better society for their country. 

Q10: How hard was training ?

A10: Marine Corps bootcamp has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, look at the movie “Full Metal Jacket”. People think that is exaggerated in the movie but it's only 20% of what is done, they call you all kinds of names and kick you in the stomach to harden you. You were always marching, running, everywhere, even to the cafeteria while running or doing a cadence. It was a constant physical abuse of the body. But I came out of it with 6 pounds of muscle. I went in 139 pounds, 3 months when bootcamp was done i was at 145 pounds of muscle and i could do 75 push ups non stop. A buddy of mine lost 30 pounds. You got 8 hours of sleep, trust me you wanted it. Every little thing had to be perfect, to the tee. If you had an hour of guard duty or more it would mess you up. You got guard duty for small imperfections. They don't give you any time to go out, it's like prison till you graduate. On Sundays they gave us 3 hours for church and to wash clothes by hand. You couldn't call your family, you had to write to them. All you could do was use the restroom, sleep and get Sundays off. I was chosen as the representative of the people of the catholic faith, and I would go to the meetings and it would take up my time. I still went to church, washed my clothes and still got ready for inspections. It was a constant state of when will this end, it was hell but it was hell that made fighting men. By the second month the instructors would just flip a switch and you'd wake up like a machine. 

Q.1 :Where were you born?

A:Vietnam Tuy hoa, Phu Yen

Q.2:What primary and secondary schools or college did you attend? 

A:I didn’t go can't afford

Q.3:Why did you go?

A.To fight for my country

Q.4 Where did you serve?

A:Southern Vietnam

Q.5:How did you stay in touch with family and friends?

A:By getting paper mail.

Q.6:Was there something you did for “good luck?”

A. A letter from my wife

Q.7:Did you return home? Where were you?

A.Yes, at my house Phu Yen Tuy hoa

Q.8:Do you recall any particularly humorous or unusual events?

A.I saw village got burn

Q.9: How did service change you?

A.I saw how dangerous the war is

Q.10:What message would you like to leave for future generations who will view/hear this interview?

A.Word can cause war because it more danger than weapon.

1. Why did you join the military?
   To serve my country and find direction.

2. What branch did you serve in?
   The U.S. Army.

3. How long did you serve?
   Eight years.

4. What was the hardest part?
   Being away from family.

5. What’s one memory you won’t forget?
   Helping evacuate civilians during a crisis.

6. What did you learn in the military?
   Discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

7. What kept you motivated?
   My squad and the mission.

8. How did service change you?
   It made me more responsible and focused.

9. What do you miss most?
   The strong brotherhood and routine.

10. What advice do you have for new recruits?
    Stay humble, work hard, and trust your team.

Question 1 - What branch were you in?

Answer 1 -

He answered "I served in the United States

Marine Corns."

Question 2 - Why did you join?

Answer 2 -

"I joined the Marines because I knew college wasn't the path for me and I wanted to help out my parents with their legal standing"

Question 3 - How old were you when you joined?

Answer 3 -

"I was freshly out of high school when I joined so I was 18 years old I believe'

Question 4 - What was your most favorite memory when you were there?

Answer 4 -

"I think my favorite memory must have been receiving letters from my family. There were moments where I really missed home and reading their letters really made me want to keep going and pushing because I knew I had people outside waiting for me to succeed."

Question 5 - Was there a time you wanted to quit?

Answer 5 -

"Definitely, during the first month of boot camp, the constant pressure and no sleep made me hate everything. But I took it lunch by lunch, day by day, and eventually I made it."

Question 6 - How did this change your life?

Answer 6 -

"The Marine Corps changed my life a lot. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and I tound purpose there. It gave me contidence never had before. It taught me how to manage stress, stay calm under pressure. I met some of the best people in there and

•came out a better person.

Question 7 - For how many years did you serve?

Answer 7 -

"I served for four years and I loved it"

Question 8 - Did you make any close friendships while in the military?

Answer 8 -

"Yes I did, I made some of the best friendships of my life. When you sleep next to someone, eat with them, train with them, and go through the same struggles together, vou bulla a pond that lasts Torever. I stIll talk to some oT my Trienas Trom there. we do out to parties and just catch up on life."

Question 9 - Did you enjoy your experience?

Answer 9 -

"Overall, I definitely did enjoy my experience. Even though

Question 10 - Would you recommend others to join?

Answer 10 -

"I know the Marines isn't everybody's thing but I would definitely recommend it to people who aren't sure what's the next step in their life. It'll be hard but in the end it's something unforgettable."

Question 1 - what branch of the military did you join and what was your role?

Answer 1 - the army 13f with which is a forward observer 

Question 2 - what made you join?

Answer 2 - he was concerned with affording college 

Question 3 -how do you recall your first day in the army

Answer 3 - mind games there was nice until you did something wrong

Question 4  how many years did you serve

Answer 4 - 6 years 

Question 5 - do you remember your instructor

Answer 5 - drill kendrik and kim 

Question 6 -what training did you do 

Answer 6 -

A side job duty he was a combat life silver he was trained to heal gunshots 

Question 7 -what motivates you to stay 

Answer 7 - he did a 6 years contract and then he dint like it so he left 

Question 8 -how was the food 

Answer 8 -thanksgiving and christmas in the military when the officer served the enlister 

Question 9 -where were you station

Answer 9 -

Missouri mississippi california

Question 10 -what did you learn in the military

Answer 10 -lead and teach 

Answer 1 - he was concerned with affording for college so he enlisted

Question 2 - when did you enlist

Answer 2 - February 2011 to 2017

Question 3 - what branch did you serve for 

Answer 3 - army

Question 4 - do you know anyone who also enlisted

Answer 4 - Mr. Herbert enlisted and was his mentor when he was a student in gladstone high school

Question 5 - can you explain some of the training you did 

Answer 5 - a sided duty he had was a combat life assessor who was a first aid, qualified, trained to deal with gunshot wounds

Question 6 - is there something else new about veterans that you think they do not know yet?

Answer 6 - they are not neanderthals.

Question 7 - What do you think is the most important thing in the military

Answer 7 - communication is key

Question 8 - What is something you hear a lot being a veteran?

Answer 8 - do you know your way around weapons?

Question 9 - how did enlisting in the military change you?

Answer 9 - i was a nuckle head before, and now, im a professional knuckle head

Question 10 - Which wrestler would you want to enlist to the military

Answer 10 - i would love the opportunity for the wrestlers to wrestle for the army college.

Answer 1 - How much I really missed my moms cooking

Question 2 - What was it like when you first arrived on the field?

Answer 2 - Chaotic, 

Question 3 - How did you feel when you came home?

Answer 3 - Relived

Question 4 - What was your best memory in boot camp?

“ 

Answer 4 -  I dont really have one

Question 5 - Were you exited to end boot camp?

Answer 5 - I was, I really was

Question 6 - Why did you want to join?

Answer 6 - Because it runs in the family, so i carried it on

Question 7 - How did your family react?

Answer 7 - They were both surprised and happy, but scared for me

Question 8 - How was it at the very start?

Answer 8 - It was crazy, the drill sergeants were yelling at us to hurry, but overall crazy

Question 9 - What was the first thing you did when you came home?

Answer 9 - Said Hi to my mom, then fell asleep

Question 10 - Would you recommend enlisting?

Answer 10 - I would, its good, you get really good benefits, and you set yourself up for life.

Possible Interview Questions

Question 1 - Why did you want to join the Marines Court?

Answer 1 - He joined the Marines Corps because he lost focus during his junior and senior year due to girls and partying. 

Question 2 - How was bootcamp? 

Answer 2 - For him it was easy because he was in shape due to his sports and being yelled at by his coaches. 

Question 3 -What favorite movement did you like?

Answer 3 - His favorite movement was competition and being the best.

Question 4 -Are you still friends from the army today?

Answer 4 - Yea.

Question 5 - How did your time in the Marines Court change your outlook on life? 

Answer 5 - It gives him a bigger perspective of the world.

Question 6 -What was your role or title in that branch.

Answer 6 - His highest rank in Marines Court was Master Sergeant.

Question 7 - How long did you serve?

Answer 7 - 23 years.

Question 8 - When did you enlist?

Answer 8 - March 12 1984.

Question 9 - Was the food good or bad?

Answer 9 - Good.

Question 10 - Do you have anything from the Marines Court?

Answer 10 - He kept his drill instructor

platoon pictures.

Answer 1 - She enlisted in the army in 2008, she was 19 at the time.

Question 2 -Why did you decide to join?

Answer 2 -Her dad served and she heard stories of it growing up. She also wanted to push herself and see the world. It wasn't an easy decision but she doesn't regret it.

Question 3 -How was your experience in bootcamp?

Answer 3 - Boot camp was intense. The first few weeks were the hardest. She said it was exhausting. She said that over time you start to adapt.

Question 4 - What was your best experience during the time you served

Answer 4 - Her best experience was deploying overseas and working on a humanitarian mission. They rebuilt schools, provided clean water, and supported local families.

Question 5 -what branch did you serve for?

Answer 5 - She served in the U.S. army, in fort bliss texas. Her primary role was in logistics and support operations.

Question 6 -How has your military experience impacted your life?

Answer 6 -Her military experience has taught her discipline, resilience, and how to handle pressure. It also gave her a lifelong sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood.

Question 7 -Did you make any friends while in the military?

Answer 7 - She had many lifelong friends in the army. Some of the people even became like family because they went through many intense situations together. 

Question 8 -Do you still keep in contact with your friends from the military

Answer 8 - They still keep in touch. They check in on each other regularly. It's important to her to keep in touch because it's a kind of family that understands exactly what you’ve been through

Question 9 -Was there a drill that was easier than the others?

Answer 9 -Some of the basic drills were easy once you get the hang of it.

Question 10 -What morals that you learned do you carry with you today?

Answer 10 - I learned how to be disciplined, have loyalty through and through, and have integrity.

7 years

Why did you serve?

Because he was lost in life, didn’t know what he wanted to do, at the time felt like he couldn’t be successful in school, so he needed some type of pathway to set him straight.

What did you mainly do in your branch?

His job was a “Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner,” shooting down aircraft from the sky. (Didn’t get to do it in war.)

If you had free time, what did you do with it?

When he had down time, if he was somewhere new, he would go sight-seeing. Hanging out with his fellow marines, “doing what they do.” Making sure he was with family when able to be.

What was your final day in your branch like?

Weird. Weird for him to leave after being there for 7 years, he still misses it. Bittersweet.

Did this change your view of the world, life, etc.? If so, how?

Didn’t know what his view of the world was back then, changed his view in terms of making him more aware of his freedoms. When you go into the military, everything is taken away from you. You get to value the freedoms you have in civilian life.

Why did you pick your branch?

He had several friends that graduated from the marine corps boot camp, maybe influenced by them and wanted to be like them. Saw what they got to do and it motivated him to join that branch, wear that uniform, be part of what he thinks is the best branch of the military.

How did you stay in touch with your family, if able to?

Write letters, back then, you were lucky to make a phone call. Letters were the best way to get in touch with family, and they would mail you back.

Did you go back to school/college, or straight into work for a while?

He went back to school, went to Citrus College and then ended up at UC Irvine, got his bachelor's there. The G.I Bill helped to pay for a portion of his schooling.

Did you have a nickname in the military?

No, he didn’t have a nickname, they just called you by your last name.

Answer 1 - The Navy 

Question 2 - Where did you travel

Answer 2 - thailand singapore japan hawaii alaska saipan mexico 

Question 3 - Did you have a good memory while in the military

Answer 3 - he made a lot of friends, good people. Visiting different countries and meeting different cultures. 

Question 4 - What would you say was the hardest part of the service 

Answer 4 - Leaving his family. His daughter. ESPECIALLy his daughter. The best thing that ever happened to him. His baby in diapers. (help) 

Question 5 - Did you every operate any vehicles if so which ones

Answer 5 - Yes, he operated large trucks and small boats. 

Question 6 - If you could would you do it all again 

Answer 6 - Yes he would. Because it was fun. 

Question 7 - What lessons did you learn from the military that stuck with you

Answer 7 - To be disciplined and responsible. 

Question 8 -When did you enlist

Answer 8 - 1996

Question 9 - What was an average day in the military like

Answer 9 - wake up in the ships at five. Eat breakfast. Work on different equipment on the ship, repairing, cleaning. And then go to lunch. Another 4-5 hour shift. Eat dinner. Maybe go to sleep or watch TV or go to the gym. And then gts (he was very vague) (hes half asleep rn) 

Question 10 -What support systems were most helpful during your transition to civilian life

Answer 10 - In his time there were no support systems. The support he got from his family was probably the most important thing in his transition to civilian life. 

When did you enlist?

Answer-

"I enlisted on 27 November 1984."

Question 2:

How old were you when you enlisted?

Answer-

"I was 18."

Question 3:

How many years did you serve?

Answer-

"I served 24 years."

Question 4:

What branch did you enlist in?

Answer-

"Army."

Question 5:

What was your rank?

Answer-

"Sergeant first class E-7".

Question 6:

What was your role?

Answer-

"I was in the field of artillery".

Question 7:

What was your proudest moment?

Answer-

"My proudest moment was serving as a drill sergeant training new recruits".

Question 8:

Do you have any medals and/or badges?

Answer-

"Yes, I have army achievement medals (4), army accommodation medal (3), good conduct medal (6), meritorious service medal (2), bronze star (1). I have air assault badge, expert marksmanship, drill sergeant badge, and a combat action badge."

Question 9:

What did you do to stay in touch with loved ones?

Answer-

"Mostly by phone, few letters, but mostly by phone."

Question 10:

Do you still keep in touch with any friends from the military?

Answer-

"Yes, a few of them. We stay in contact."

What motivated you to join the military ? 

Answer 1 -

He didn’t know what he wanted to do in life so he decided to go to the military. 

Question 2 - 

What branch did you serve in ?

Answer 2 -

The Marines. 

Question 3 -

What is a lesson you learned during your time in the military ? 

Answer 3 - Even if you don’t like certain people you still have to work with them to get a job done. 

Question 4 -

Did you make any friends during your time there ? 

Answer 4 - 

He make a couple of good friends who he still talks to once in a while. 

Question 5 -

Did going to the military give you a positive trait that you didn’t have before ? 

Answer 5 -

It taught him how to be responsible and hardworking. 

Question 6 -

What advice would you give someone wanting to join the military ? 

Answer 6 -

The advice would be to know what you are getting yourself in to and only do it if you are absolutely sure. 

Question 7 -

How old were you when you enlisted ? 

Answer 7 -

He was 21. 

Question 8 -

What is something you did that you still do even today. 

Answer 8 -

He still wakes up early. 

Question 9 -

How did you keep in contact with your family ? 

Answer 9 -

They mainly did letters.

Question 10 -

Why did you choose that branch ? 

Answer 10 -

He chose it because he heard many things about the marines and he thought he would like it. 

what branch of the Military did you serve in?

- I served in the U.S. Army

How long did you serve?

- I enlisted in the army back in 2011 and got out in 2017, so i served about 6 years

What inspired you to join the military?

- I was concerned about being able to afford college, so i joined the military

What was you job or role while serving?

- My role int he Military was 14 Fox

Where were you stationed during your service?

-I was stationed in Missouri, Oklahoma, California, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Kuwait

What is something you learned for you time in the military?

-Something I learned was how to lead and teach

What is a moment you’re proud of from your service?

- A moment I am proud of from my service would be, before I got out I was able to teach young soldiers how to do the job

Did you make and close friends while serving?

- Yes, I did make friends while I served

what helped you most during challenging times?

-whether there was a challenged or not the mission had to be done

Is there anything you wish more people understood about veterans?

- That we are not all Neanderthals

Answer 1 - They decided to enlist because they wanted to serve for their country and challenge themselves in trying something completely new and different to what they are used to

Question 2 - What did you learn during service?

Answer 2 - During service they learned discipline, teamwork but in a different perspective then they had been doing, and how to take control and stay calm under pressure

Question 3 - Which branch of the military did you serve in?

Answer 3 - They served in the army

Question 4 - How long did you serve?

Answer 4 - They served for four years

Question 5 - How did you stay in touch with your family?

Answer 5 -He stayed in touch mostly through phone calls, letters,and emails when he had the time to do so.

Question 6 - What was your specific job?

Answer 6 -He worked as a vehicle mechanic, fixing and maintaining vehicles that needed to be maintained

Question 7 - What did you learn that you still use today?

Answer 7 -He learned time management, responsibility and problem solving skills which he continues to use in his daily life.

Question 8 - How did your military experience shape the career you have today?

Answer 8 -It made him more confident in what he does, organized, and grateful for everyday life

Question 9 -How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military?

Answer 9 - He knew he had to tell them his decision, so he sat them down and explained why it felt like the right path for him to go,and he explained he would benefit a lot from enlisting.

Question 10 - Did any of your military friends play pranks on each other? Can you describe a funny one?

Answer 10 - Yes, he said one time someone filled one of his friends boots with shaving cream before morning formation, everyone got a laugh out of it and made him feel more at home and with people he could trust.

What motivated you to join the military?

I grew up hearing stories from my grandfather, who served in Vietnam, and those stories stuck with me. He always talked about duty, sacrifice, and the importance of serving something greater than yourself. By the time I graduated high school, I felt like I needed direction and purpose, and the military seemed like the right path. I wanted to challenge myself, see the world, and contribute to something meaningful. It was a build-up of wanting to make a difference

Can you describe what your training experience was like?

Training was honestly one of the hardest periods of my life, but also one of the most rewarding. The physical side was tough long runs, obstacle courses, drills but the mental part was just as challenging. You’re pushed to your limits to see how you perform under stress. What surprised me most was how quickly strangers became like family. We depended on each other every day, and that bond helped all of us get through the toughest moments

Where were you stationed, and what was your role there?

I was stationed in a few places, both in the U.S. and overseas. My main role was in logistics, which might not sound glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential. We made sure units had food, fuel, equipment, transportation basically everything they needed to keep missions going. It taught me how much behind-the-scenes work it takes to support operations.

What was a typical day like during your service

A typical day varied depending on whether we were deployed or stateside. During deployment, the days were long and structured early wake-ups, briefings, equipment checks, and constant preparation. There was always a sense of urgency. When we were stateside, things were more routine: training exercises, maintaining gear, paperwork, and sometimes long periods of waiting for orders

Did you face any challenges or obstacles while serving?

The biggest challenge was being away from home for long stretches. You miss birthdays, holidays, and little moments with family. There’s also the mental strain of not knowing what each day will bring, especially during deployment. Stress becomes normal, and you learn to manage it. Another challenge was adapting to the strict structure everything has a process, a chain of command, a protocol. It taught me discipline, but it also took time to get used to.

Is there a moment from your service that stands out as especially meaningful?

There are several, but one that really sticks with me happened during a particularly tough mission. We had been working nonstop for days, and everyone was exhausted, but we pushed through as a team. When the mission wrapped up successfully and everyone made it back safely, there was this moment of quiet relief no cheering, no big celebration, just a powerful sense of accomplishment and unity. Moments like that remind you why the training and discipline matter so much.

How did serving in the military change you as a person?

It changed me in ways I didn’t fully understand until after I got out. I became more disciplined, more patient, and more aware of the world beyond my own experiences. I learned how to handle pressure and how to stay calm in situations that most people would find overwhelming. It also made me appreciate the smaller things in life a quiet morning, time with family, even just having freedom over my schedule.

What helped you stay connected to family and friends while you were away?

Staying connected was tough, especially when communication wasn’t always possible. But whenever I could, I’d call home or write emails. Getting letters or care packages made a huge difference something as simple as a handwritten note or a favorite snack could lift your whole day. Some friends drifted apart just because life moves on, but the people who stayed in touch regularly kept me grounded and reminded me of home.

How was your transition back to civilian life?

It was a mixed experience. On one hand, I was happy to be home and have more freedom, but on the other hand, everything felt different. The pace of civilian life is slower, and sometimes it felt like people didn’t really understand what I’d been through. It took time to adjust finding a job, reconnecting with old friends, and figuring out who I was outside the uniform. Fortunately, there were support programs and other veterans who helped me through it.

What advice would you give someone considering joining the military today?

I’d tell them to really think about their reasons for joining and make sure they understand the commitment. It’s not an easy path, and it will challenge you in ways you can’t imagine. But if you go in with the right mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You’ll learn skills you’ll keep forever, meet people who become lifelong friends, and gain a sense of purpose that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Q1;Why did you decide to join the Navy?

A1;He said he wanted to serve his country, see more of the world, and have opportunities for career training.

Q2;Where were you stationed?

A2;He spent time on a naval ship and went to many places like afghanistan.

Q3;What was the hardest part of serving?

A3;He said long periods away from home and being on deployment for months at a time.

Q4; What was the best part of serving?

A4:He enjoyed the friendships he made, the teamwork, and the feeling of purpose.

Q5; Did your service change how you see life today?

A5;He said the Navy taught him discipline, responsibility, and how to stay calm in stressful situations.

Q6; What is a memory from your service that stands out?

A6;He remembered working night operations on the flight deck and seeing the ocean at night, saying it was both scary and beautiful.

Q7;Is there anything you want younger people to know about Veterans?

A7;He said Veterans come from all kinds of backgrounds and they carry experiences that most people never see. He said it’s important to show respect and listen to their stories.

Q8;How did you feel on your first day of training?

A8;He said he was nervous but excited. Everything was fast-paced, and he had to learn to follow commands quickly.

Q9;What skills did the Navy teach you that you still use today?

A9;He said he uses time-management, staying organized, staying calm under pressure, and working well with different types of people.

Q10;Did you ever get to travel to other countries?

A10;Yes he said seeing different cultures was one of the highlights of his service.

Question 1 - Why did you choose to join the military?

Answer 1 - He wanted to find a purpose in life and support the country while still being able to support his family at the same time.

Question 2 - What branch of the military were you in? 

Answer 2 - He was in the Marine branch.

Question 3 - How was it when you first started? 

Answer 3 - He endured lots of training that not only tested his physical but mental but thankfully brought him to where he is now.

Question 4 - What was something you looked forward to when getting deployed 

Answer 4 - He looked forward towards new stations and seeing how each was worse or better than others.

Question 5 - What was something you looked forward to when coming back home?

Answer 5 - He looked forward to his family when coming back home from deployment, as he had been separated for months.

Question 6 - Did you meet any new people and how was that? 

Answer 6 - He met a lot of new people from the Marines, and helped him create a lot of long lasting, and also helped him create stronger bonds with new people outside the Marines.

Question 7 - What challenged you the most? 

Answer 7 - He says that the most challenging part was the amount of endurance you had to have and being away from home for so long, however he does think it affected him partially in a good way.

Question 8 - What’s your greatest achievement? 

Answer 8 - He believes that his greatest achievement was serving and coming back home safely to the ones he loves the most.

Question 9 - How do you feel about veterans day?

Answer 9 - He says it’s a very important holiday to celebrate for those who weren’t as fortunate as him to be remembered.

Question 10 - Did you learn anything new? 

Answer 10 - He said he learned a lot of new things like how to work certain gears and equipment, physically and mentally stronger, create close bonds with new people, and of course to lead and stay strong.

Question 1 -What were your parents' feelings about you joining the service?

Answer 1 - My parents were proud but worried. My mom feared the risks, and my dad supported the decision but stayed quiet about his concerns. 

Question 2 - In which branch did you enter?

Answer 2 - I worked with an Army civil affairs team in Guatemala supporting local training and community projects. 

Question 3 - What was the main reason for joining?

Answer 3 - My main reason for joining was to do something meaningful, something bigger than myself.

Question 4 - What was the basic training? 

Answer 4 -  Basic training was intense long marches, weapons drills, and teamwork exercises. 

Question 5 - What is the best memory you have?

Answer 5 - My best memory was finishing my first successful mission with my team. The sense of accomplishment, trust in that moment was unforgettable. 

Question 6 - What was the most stressful part of your service

Answer 6 - The most stressful part was being away from family during deployments, never knowing what could happen and having to stay alert 24/7. 

Question 7 - How did service change you? 

Answer 7 - Service made me more disciplined, resilient, and aware of the value of teamwork and sacrifice. It changed how I handle challenges and appreciate everyday life. 

Question 8 - What was your proudest moment?

Answer 8 - My proudest moment was earning my first promotion and knowing my hard work and dedication were recognized by my leaders and peers. 

Question 9 -What are some life lessons you learned from your military service? 

Answer 9 - Military service taught me discipline, teams, resilience, adaptability, and to appreciate the small things in life. 

Question 10 -What would you like people to know or remember from your story?

Answer 10 - I’d like people to remember that service isn’t just about duty or combat, it's about growth, teamwork, and the lessons you carry into everyday life. 

Question 1 - Were you drafted or did you volunteer into the military?

Answer 1 - He was drafted.

Question 2 - In which branch did you enter? 

Answer 2 - The 4th Batalion/ Infantry Mexican Military.

Question 3 - What type of schooling or training did you have?

Answer 3 - He had basic training.

Question 4 - Where did you serve?

Answer 4 -  Served in Mexico.

Question 5 - What were some ways you stayed in contact with loved ones?

Answer 5 - He would go to the military service for 2 days a week and the rest of the time be with his family.

Question 6 - What was the hardest part of your training?

Answer 6 - The long hours of training.

Question 7 - Does any particular instructor stand out in your mind?

Answer 7 - Not really.

Question 8 - Did you receive any promotions?

Answer 8 - He did not receive any additional promotions.

Question 9 - What is your most vivid memory of your time training or in school?

Answer 9 - February 14th when he was sworn in.

Question 10 - What was the best part?

Answer 10 - The pride of serving.

Question 1 - What inspired you to join the military? What inspired me to join the military was to be independent.

Question 2 - Where were you stationed, and what was daily life like there? I was stationed at Onboard the USS IWO base Jima LHD/7 Norfolk, VA. The daily before we went out to see was to make sure the ship was battle ready.

Question 3 - Can you share a meaningful experience or memory from your service?

A meaningful memory from my service is the brotherhood of everybody being from different places all around the world for us to be mission ready and to complete our mission.

Question 4 -What was the most challenging part of your time in the military? The most challenging part of my time in the military was being away from my family.

Question 5 -What was the funniest or most unexpected thing that happened during your service? The most funniest or unexpected thing that happened was mistaking my ship for another and waking up the next day on another ship. And Marlon Wayans stole my bandana from the flight deck.

Question 6 -Are there friendships or bonds from your service that still matter to you today? Yes, there are friendships and bonds that have been long lasting throughout the years.

Question 7 -How did you cope with being away from home or loved ones? I coped from being away from loved ones by making sure I was doing my job because my job was one of top ten most dangerous and critical jobs in the world.

Question 8 -How was it adjusting to civilian life after your service? It was hard to adjust because I spent half of my life in the military and we are built in a different structure of life.

Question 9 -What accomplishments during your service are you most proud of? The accomplishments during my service that I am most proud of is bringing all of my guys home alive.

Question 10 -Is there advice you would give to someone considering joining the military today? Yes, I would say to someone that is considering joining the military today is to take things seriously and to take advantage of the benefits.

Question 1 - What branch were you in?

Answer 1 -

He answered “I served in the United States

Marine Corps.”

Question 2 - Why did you join?

Answer 2 -

“I joined the Marines because I knew college wasn’t the path for me and I wanted to help out my parents with their legal standing”

Question 3 - How old were you when you joined?

Answer 3 -

“I was freshly out of high school when I joined so I was 18 years old I believe”

Question 4 - What was your most favorite memory when you were there?

Answer 4 - 

“I think my favorite memory must have been receiving letters from my family. There were moments where I really missed home and reading their letters really made me want to keep going and pushing because I knew I had people outside waiting for me to succeed.”

Question 5 - Was there a time you wanted to quit?

Answer 5 -

“Definitely, during the first month of boot camp, the constant pressure and no sleep made me hate everything. But I took it lunch by lunch, day by day, and eventually I made it.”

Question 6 - How did this change your life?

Answer 6 -

“The Marine Corps changed my life a lot. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and I found purpose there. It gave me confidence I never had before. It taught me how to manage stress, stay calm under pressure. I met some of the best people in there and I came out a better person.”

Question 7 - For how many years did you serve?

Answer 7 -

“I served for four years and I loved it”

Question 8 - Did you make any close friendships while in the military?

Answer 8 -

“Yes I did, I made some of the best friendships of my life. When you sleep next to someone, eat with them, train with them, and go through the same struggles together, you build a bond that lasts forever. I still talk to some of my friends from there, we go out to parties and just catch up on life.”

Question 9 - Did you enjoy your experience?

Answer 9 -

“Overall, I definitely did enjoy my experience. Even though it was hard and I really missed home at times, it taught me so many new things I could’ve never learned outside of it. Now I can be proud of who I am and the country I served for.”

Question 10 - Would you recommend others to join?

Answer 10 -

“I know the Marines isn’t everybody’s thing but I would definitely recommend it to people who aren’t sure what’s the next step in their life. It’ll be hard but in the end it’s something unforgettable.”