<p>My foster son saw the military as his only option as well. And the truth is, he is right. A very smart kid who screwed around in high school and barely graduated. (Scored a 32 on his ACT, however.) He floated around to various jobs for a year and a half. He was very undisciplined and had a hard time keeping them. (It was always someone else’s fault when he got fired.) Finally found a job he managed to keep, but couldn’t move up without some college. When he looked at going to technical school, he figured he would have to work 60-70 hours a week to meet his expenses and pay his tuition, but that didn’t leave him time to go to school. He joined the army about 2 years ago and is currently in Kuwait taking frequent missions into Iraq. He is not terribly happy, but he has grown tremendously in the military. It gave him the discipline he never got growing up. He has started taking online classes through an army program and hopes to have the basic stuff out of the way when he gets home. Our govenor just signed a bill giving 4 years of free tuition to any state school for state veterans, so he is excited about that. </p>
<p>I think the thing that makes me sad is that the military really is the only option for kids like him. I wish there was a way that he could have learned the discipline that he needed and earned money for school with out risking his life and his mental health.</p>
<p>Hi! Thank you all for sharing your experiences, prayers and well wishes for my daughter’s FRIEND. He is at the airport now waiting with his military escort to fly to Ft. Sill Oklahoma for basic training. My daughter is allowed to wait with him. FRIEND did not want his Mom at the airport. My daughter said she hasn’t stop crying since her son signed with the ARMY Since his SAT’s and GPA were great ( he was an honor student)and he passed a rigorous physical test, (he was a state ranked swimmer ) he goes in as E2. He’ll make about $14k/y.
He admits he’s terrified, but committed to his decision to serve his country and earn his education. FRIEND is going forward with courage and looks back with a smile.</p>
<pre><code> I believe people come in to our lives for a reason. I know my daughter’s life has been enriched by this young man. I am proud he is our FRIEND. They have hugged and laughed and cried the last few days. I have fed him. I do my best praying in a cloud of flour.
Katwkittens- Today must be some sort of organized "ship out day" friends with service academy appointments- Air Force (2 young women) and Navy leave today also. Congratulations to your son and his decision.
I'll give his Mom some space for now. In a day or two, I'll make her dinner and share a bottle of wine.
For all of our sons and daughters who have chosen the military - my prayers are with you and your family - we are proud and grateful. Thank you.
<p>Today is I day at Annapolis. In the rain. My son’s prep school roommate and some other friends are off to Navy this morning. Report times as early as 6 am. We wish them all the best!</p>
<p>My S is in NROTC. He has just returned home after a month of summer training. He is now more sure than ever that he is doing the right thing with his life. Good luck and Godspeed to your daughter’s friend</p>