I have had the fortunate, though sometimes difficult opportunity to have been born into a military family. This has painted my life with different hues than others. The commitment to give back to one's country began with my grandfather, Owen Paul, Texas A&M class of 41 and corp. member. He was a part of the biggest volunteering of young men on the A&M or any other college campus, to active duty in World War II. He didn't get to finish his senior year because of this service call. He never regretted his decision-it was just the right thing to do.
Likewise my father chose to fight for our country in another war. He was a Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam so we were always taught to respect those who served their country. It is with great pride that I have been to The Wall in Washington, D.C. on several occasions and make the trip at least once a year to help with some Gold Star Mothers that have become part of our extended family. As a young elementary student I was part of our VFW ( Veterans of Foreign War) Girls" Auxiliary which participated in several veterans" programs on a local and state level. We attend Ranger reunions in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky in the summers and our family has "adopted" several active Rangers that are serving in Iraq. I am presently helping my father record his combat experiences that will be a part of a book on Vietnam. His war stories have been included in several other books on Vietnam.
When deciding on a college, I had only to look at my family's prior choices. Besides my grandfather, my cousin Max G, class of 98 and my older sister, Janet B, class of 04 made A&M their home. It is a college that shares our family values and views of service to one's country. The military influence is undeniable.
Being a child of a disabled veteran has had a profound impact on me. I realize my father will never be able to do such activities as practicing softball with me or attend important school events due to his pain.