Describe your job or role in the military in a single sentence (serious or humorous welcome). My MOS was 26V Strategic Microwave Systems Repairer. I had rotating shifts each month to take care of the communication equipment. It had to be guarded and/or maintained 24 hours a day 7 days a week. During the night time shifts we played Pinochle to stay awake. LOL I don't remember how to play though. How about you?

Share a story about unexpectedly good food during service—or the worst MRE you ever choked down. Well, food in Basic Training was delicious because we were working so hard that we were starving. But food in AIT wasn't bad. I didn't like MRE's very much, but regular chow food wasn't good. Some people complained, but they weren't in the kitchen preparing all of it. It's easy to criticize the kitchen if you aren't a part of it. I liked that in Basic when we had to work in the kitchen sometimes. It made us appreciated it. It's hard work to feed alot of troops and do all of the cooking and dishes. What was your favorite meal in the service?

What was the toughest part about leaving the military behind, and how did you face it? I had a wonderful experience in my time of serving in the military: I got to spend 3 years in Italy! When I got out after 4 years, I looked forward to obtaining the college degree that the military gave me money for. But over time, I regretted not retiring from the service. I respect all who have served and I really respect those who stayed in for at least 20 years. It was a smart decision that I didn't make. Did you stay in for retirement or did you get out early like I did????

What resources (VA, nonprofits, community groups) have actually helped you? Let’s share what works. I started using my VA medical benefit 4 years ago. It has been a true blessing to have free health care. The doctor I have is wonderful. And they just built a brand new VA Clinic near me. I am so glad that I have this benefit. How about you, what have you found for veterans?

What’s one unforgettable (or hilarious) memory from basic training or boot camp? Well, my boot camp was in Ft Dix New Jersey. And it was in the winter. One crazy thing that happened was when they gave us 1 week off for Christmas. It was very strange to stay in a local hotel and then go back to training. I thought they would keep us there for the holiday but they didn't. Unforgettable!