Why Did I Enlist?
By Vivian Shannon, USAF E-4 Sgt
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Bend OR -- Back in 1968 in Pittsburgh PA we lived in an inner-city area where there was great racial unrest. It was unsafe to walk the streets, both during the day and especially at night. Not only was there unrest outside our home there was unrest inside our home. Both my parents were addicted to alcohol. With a tavern right next door on one side and a beer distributor on the other, it wasn’t difficult to feed their addiction. So, to say the least, discord was a constant plague in our home. My options were to either go to community college when I graduated high school, get married, or get a job in downtown Pittsburgh. Riding the bus was a bit frightening.
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When Allegheny High School, where I attended, gave a rally with all the recruiters from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, another option for my future was presented. After hearing from each recruiter about what to expect with each enlistment, the Air Force stood out to me the most since it was more technically oriented. I studied mostly administrative/business classes in high school.
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After graduation, I spent the summer in New York with my cousin. When I returned home, the chaos was even worse and watching TV with the war in Vietnam progressing, I immediately contacted the Air Force recruiter and started the process of enlistment. So, on January 1, 1969, I took my oath to serve my country.
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I graduated from Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas two weeks earlier than my “flight”, Highly Qualified (HQ), then transported to Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS, continuing my training in Administration Specialist. Graduated earlier than my class again, I went to work in the Personnel office there on base. When it was time for me to choose where my permanent duty station would be, my options were to stay there in Keesler, go to New York or Hawaii. The choice wasn’t too difficult for me. Hickam AFB, Honolulu, Hawaii was an easy choice. After having “leave” time for one month at home, I flew off to the Hawaiian Islands leaving Pittsburgh PA behind me.
Since serving my country in the Air Force, it took several years for me to get involved in local Veteran organizations and continue my commitment to my country. I've served 5-years as Adjutant for our local American Legion post and was elected Vice Commander for the last 2-years. My husband and I are lifetime members of Vietnam Veterans of America and The Band of Brothers.
I'm presently working for the past 3-years for Central Oregon Veteran's Outreach where we help house homeless Veterans. I'm now 75-years old and hope to retire soon from my present employment but will continue to serve Veterans within the other organizations. For God and Country. God Bless America!
Respectfully yours,
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Vivian L. Shannon
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USAF, E-4 Sgt. Administration Specialist. Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu Hawaii. 1969-1970
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READER POLL:
"Why Did You Join the Military?"
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I was drafted.
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To get away from home.
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To earn credits for college.
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For healthcare coverage.
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I needed a job/money.
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To travel the world.
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To retire early.
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New career.
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Leadership training.
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Family tradition.
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My friends joined.
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The Patriotic thing to do!
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I wanted to get into shape.
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I was bored and wanted excitement.
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Other: __________________________
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To see the results of our poll, be sure to watch for the NEXT edition of VeteranLegacy.com. Check back often!
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If you would like to VOTE in this Reader Poll, comment further on this topic, write your own “Why I enlisted” story, or suggest another Reader Poll question, send an email to info@VeteranLegacy.com, with “Reader Poll” comment as the Subject.
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