The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

Service Reflections of SGT Julie Bryson Muster, U.S. Army (1972-1998)

Service Reflections of SGT Julie Bryson Muster, U.S. Army (1972-1998)

Facing a dead-end life with limited opportunities and wanting to break free from my circumstances, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1987 with a clear vision: to go to college and become someone meaningful. Growing up in challenging conditions from ages 5-12 in group and foster homes in Ohio, with abusive, alcoholic, and addicted parents, I experienced firsthand what it meant to have few options and little encouragement. The Army represented my pathway to transformation – not just a career, but a chance to build the foundation for higher education and personal growth. Military service offered structure, purpose, and the GI Bill benefits that would make college possible. I was determined to use my service as a stepping stone to earn my master’s degree in criminal justice and ultimately create a life of meaning, helping others along the way. The Army wasn’t just an escape from a difficult past; it was my deliberate choice to forge a better future and prove that circumstances don’t define destiny.

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Service Reflections of LTC Stephen Smith, U.S. Army (1985-2022)

Service Reflections of LTC Stephen Smith, U.S. Army (1985-2022)

There is no doubt in my heart that it was the Lord God and the encouragement of a dear/beloved friend who influenced my decision to join the US Army. Here is the quick story: In our senior year in high school, we had the opportunity to attend George T. Baker Aviation Technical School, a trade school where we would become aviation sheet-metal and power-plant mechanics. After a year at the trade school, my buddy on a particular day saw an Army commercial on TV, “Be All You Can Be In The Army” campaign. Influenced by the TV commercial, he went to the recruiter’s office and signed up. The following week, when I saw him at the trade school, he told me that he had joined the Army. I remember plainly saying to him, “Are you mad!” My buddy explained to me the military incentive the Army was offering him once he completed Basic Training. I was so encouraged by what he shared, especially the financial incentives the Army was offering for college (The GI Bill). Pondering what my friend had told me, I prayed to God for guidance and direction about joining the Army. Given the peace, the following week I went to the recruiter’s office and signed up, and joined!

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Service Reflections of MAJ James C Camel, U.S. Marine Corps (1987-2006)

Service Reflections of MAJ James C Camel, U.S. Marine Corps (1987-2006)

PRESERVING A MILITARY LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS The following Reflections represents MAJ James C Camel's legacy of his military service from 1987 to 2006. If you are a Veteran, consider preserving a record of your own military service, including your memories and photographs, on Togetherweserved.com (TWS), the leading archive of living military history. The following Service Reflections is an easy-to-complete self-interview, located on your TWS Military Service Page, which enables you to...

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SGT Marivel Perez, U.S. Army (2001-2011)

SGT Marivel Perez, U.S. Army (2001-2011)

Where did you go to Boot Camp/ Basic Training? What specific memories do you have of instructors, fellow recruits and any rigorous training?:

22 years ago, I was an 18-year-old who had just joined the Army. On 9/10 and 9/11 2001, I was at Fort Jackson, South Carolina conducting my final field training exercise in Basic Training. That morning, after setting up fox holes in the rain, pulling guard duty in the cold, and feeling completely drained from marching to the middle of nowhere the night before, we woke up, and were informed by our Drill Sergeants that our country had been attacked.

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