Why

The number one question I have been asked after I tell someone I have joined the Army is WHY? I don’t have one reason but so many and wanted to share with you all why.
Joining the military is something I have always wanted to do but it wasn’t the right time. When I was younger I had talked with a recruiter and he told me he would make me a lawyer and I couldn’t do anything but laugh and know I was not going to be any sort of lawyer, I would be cleaning dishes and scrubbing floors. I decided at that time I needed to find my career and revisit the military idea later.
Here I am now with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and having practiced for 3 ½ years ready for a real challenge. As most of you know I have worked as a travel nurse for the past 2 years and feel this has prepared me for the nursing part of the military, learning to adapt fast, getting things done correct and quick, and taking orders (even through I hope to be giving them one day soon)!!! Traveling has been amazing but the rush and challenge has started to boar me and am in need something very new. As for the whole other part of the Army, it will be a true adventure and can’t wait.
Back to my reasons why, I have loved traveling and want to still have the ability to travel. With the Army I can work all over the states or almost anywhere in the world, who knows what all I will be able to see.
I also want to continue my education, as to the direction we will see, but the Army will provide funding for this. I have paid for my undergrad now its time for someone else to pay (oh that will be your tax dollars hard at work, haha).
My biggest drive is I want to be a part of something bigger than me, my home town (Iowa City) or any place I have been. The Army is one big huge family, we have all volunteered to support our country in need no matter what the cost and to know that I am caring for these men and women who have given this sacrifice makes my day and puts a huge smile on my face. I truly look forward to supporting our troops and caring for them and their families in their times of need, no matter the cause.
You are all welcome to follow me as I journey through Army nursing. I am attending OBLC (Officer Basic Leadership Class) January 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas and plan to post weekly my adventures. After Huston I will be posted at Ft Bragg, North Carolina with the 28th CSH (pronounced ‘cash’) aka Combat Support Hospital. I am not sure what all this will entail but sure something very new.