A Military Life

My Dad is a colonel in the Marine Corp.  He is probably the most patriotic man I know.  He loves the military and he has served our country faithfully.  Growing up, he frequently pushed the option of my brother and I going into the military.  I know my Dad had high hopes one of us would go to the Naval Academy and follow in his footsteps.  Neither one of us felt the desire and I know my Dad was somewhat disappointed.  Oh, he loves us both tremendously and has always been proud of us and supports us in anything and everything we do, but I know he could have vicariously continued his military career through us.  And then I had two sons.

When they were in elementary school my Dad sent them military fatigues.  I'm talking hat, shirt, jacket, pants, belts with the hooks for ammo, boots, the works.  In fact, one of my favorite pictures of the boys is the two of them, in their fatigues, standing at attention, and saluting.  Hard to believe that those cute little boys are now 19 and 20 years old.  Both would make excellent candidates for military service.

They have played sports.  Lots of sports.  They know how to be drilled.  Soccer dribbling skills, football practice drills, weight lifting, and tests of endurance have been part of their lives for at least 10 years.  Both of my sons know discipline and hard work.

They are smart.  They have goals.  And they are driven.  I'm not saying they are perfect, but they have the potential to be anything they want to be.  My oldest recently told me that he wants to do something meaningful with his life.  He wants to make a difference.

Grandpa may have a candidate for the military after all.

This is a sponsored post for Total Coach, however, all the points and views are my own.