Reply #10: I see it every few weeks at my school

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

Air Force, Marines, Navy, Army, National Guard... all setting up a table outside the cafeteria every few weeks. Giving out candy, t-shirts, pens, pencils, stickers, notebooks - all to make an impression on the undecided senior or junior who walks by just to grab a slice of pizza. They stalk the hallways for prime candidates. They know who they are looking for. The next Marine, the next pilot, the next whatever. He (and they give first glance to the males) must be unsuspecting, a little rough around the edges, and doesn't have to be the strongest (that's what basic training is for, kids!).

Up until recently, my friend Amanda was going to go straight into the Army out of college. She, whose family is probably only slightly above the poverty line, had known since she was in 8th grade... that like her brothers before her, she would go into duty for our nation. Several months ago the decision was made on her part to not go into the Army straight out of high school. She will be furthering her education at the local community college. After two years, she will either reconsider the army, get a job, or attend a state school. I am so proud of all the growing up that she has done in the past year.