My Life As A Civilian

Since I was young, it wasn’t a firefighter or an astronaut that I dreamed of becoming, it was a member of the United States military. As I matured, only one branch held my attention: the Army. I’ve wanted to give back to this country that has given so much to me with just three words - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the inalienable rights. I want to give back and do so as a representative of the most highly acclaimed service academy, to be a part of the tradition of excellence that has shaped our country.

I, Cpl Nathaniel K. Bouffard was born on June 15, 1996 in Burlington, Vermont. Where I then went to Flynn Elementary School from kindergarten to 5th grade. After that I went to City Middle school. Then for high school I went to Bellows Free Academy, where I graduate from. I decided to join the Marine Corps half way through my senior year in high school. I decided I was not ready for college, I figured I would be focusing more on social life then schooling. So I thought the military was the best option. I chose the Marine Corps over all the other branches because in my eyes and to this day the Corps is the elite fighting force of the world. I also am a fourth generation Marine in my family my great grandfather was a Sergeant in the Marine corps in WWII. My grandfather was a Sergeant during the Korean War, he later changed branches into the Airforce and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. His brother my great uncle was a Marine Sergeant during the Korean War as

While in high school, I was a top female athlete in my class. I played soccer and softball year-round and served as captain my senior year while concurrently volunteering for my local police department. I spent my summers working with the department, perpetuating my desire to live a life of public service. At the end of my senior year, I was recruited to play softball in college. As I weighed out my options, I knew my passion for service and leading would not be fulfilled by going to college. I decided the best way to continue to serve in a larger, more impactful way was to enlist in the military. Six months later, I was officially part of the Air Force as a police woman.

From the beginning, the military has provided me with a stable future. I have gotten the chance to live in different parts of the US and I had the opportunity to live in Germany. I have been exposed to different people from all around the world as a result of the military. It has given me a taste of adventure and left me wanting to explore the world, to learn about new cultures and make connections with different people. The military has taught me not to dwell too much on the past, because you will always have a chance to better yourself. The constant relocation allows the chance to reflect on past mistakes and to prevent future ones from

The military has always been a part of my family’s life. My grandfather was in the army along with his son and my grandmothers other son’s. I also have many cousins who are still in and one who worked at the Pentagon. My uncles use to always tell us stories about their military service and how much they learned. Most of my cousins that joined only joined because of these stories and the lavish lifestyles they have seen my uncles live. Unlike them, I wasn’t drawn in by the stories my uncles told me, or the war letters from my deceased grandfather. For some reason it was my mothers dream for me; probably because its always something she wanted to do but was afraid, a fantasy I wasn’t quite ready to live in for her or them.

As a child, I knew I wanted to be in the military and defend freedom and the constitutional rights of the United States of America. After visiting the Air Force and Naval Academies my first three years of high school, I realized the education and training are unparalleled. As I toured these facilities and spoke with Airmen and Midshipmen each place gave me a special feeling of home and a true sense of belonging. From the bonds that are formed to the feeling of accomplishment of getting through a rigorous academic and physical four years together. I realized how important that bond and can become. This confirmed for me what I already knew that I belong among these amazing future leaders. The few that are chosen for these prestigious schools receive the best education and the training to lead soldiers on and off the battlefield.

As a young man I have always had the ambition to serve my country. Watching television has not made that any better for the reason when I see a commercial about the military my motivation to join skyrockets. Walking thru Bunn High School as a senior, I remember when the Marine recruiter used to come by in the

I am a military brat. With that, there are a few aspects that have fostered me into someone who I believe to have high merit. For one, moving every three years isn't a walk in the park, but I learned to adapt. I am a people person, which originated from constantly meeting new people with each and every move. Meeting tons of new people created a trend, people with similar personalities, likes, dislikes. It became easy to put people into categories and to figure them out to the point where fitting into any social group wasn't a problem. The military has made me confident in who I am, it has forced me to come out of my shell, and it has taught me to overcome difficult times and keep pushing forward.

I joined the Marine Corps looking for a challenge. I wanted to open doors for a new career and longed to have a positive impact on the world around me. Looking back five years later, I realize I found all that I originally sought, but I’ve also found something profoundly satisfying and meaningful that I never knew I was missing.

These days America is full of controversy there seems to be separation in almost everything. One thing about American culture that brings everyone together is the United States military. We love the men and women who serve in our armed forces. As a child, I was filled with pride because of what my dad accomplished while he was in the service. He moved up in rank fast and often during his time. He was in the 82nd airborne a prestigious outfit in the United States army. It is my experience that things are not always what they seem especially I will explain how the United States army combined with technology set the course for my family construct.

In 1999 I followed my father’s footsteps and joined the Security Police field in the United States Air Force. While there I learned self-confidence and discipline. I was able to meet and work with people from all different backgrounds. Some of these coworkers have become lifelong friends. Thanks to the military, I was able to receive two Associate Degrees and a Bachelor Degree. The military has great tuition assistance and G.I. Bill program to help you better yourself and your future. There are many hardships that can come from being in the military. For example, spending time away from family is a sacrifice that I regularly have to make. When I first joined, I was single and had no problems with deployments and work schedules. Now

As the daughter of two master chief petty officers, my entire life has been spent around the Navy. I grew up sitting behind the desk of whatever maintenance control my dad worked in or running around the house wearing my mothers cranial. My weekends were spent at air shows and going to meet the ship in San Diego when it pulled in after eight months at sea. Growing up I never wanted to be an astronaut or a princess, I aspired to be a member of the United States Navy.

I was always the smallest person on the field with the biggest heart and every time someone told me I could not do something I did and excelled. My junior year in high school I briefly thought about the military but never considered it until one of my football and powerlifting teammates asked me to join with him. Not knowing that he had already committed to the Army, I became his $1000 referral. I did not take it to heart because my father and grandfather served in the Army and my little brother was born in Belgium from it. My hard work ethic and learning how to hustle came from watching my mom work 3 to 4 jobs but I always wanted to challenge myself. I took joining the military as a challenge and a way to help pay for college.

I could write volumes on why I love The United States, but I hope to let a distinguished record of service to my country stand as proof of my patriotism many years from now. Instead, I’ll say that it is that spirit of adventure and of being on the cutting edge that draws me to the Navy. I am also drawn to life at sea and in the air. Having spent the vast majority of my life in Kentucky, I am eager and willing to experience some change and to work in an environment where the work is more necessary

Joining the Military was one of the most important choices of my entire life. It should of been an easy decision as most of my family have served in the military in some capacity but I struggled with it for far longer than expected. The two men I most respected in the world are my grandfather and adoptive father. My grandfather was an Army Ranger with 27 years in the service. He played for the army football team and I will always remember the pictures he had behind his big pink armchair of him in his old leather football gear as he would sit me on his knee and tell me stories. My father spent 21 years in the Army. He was in the Special Forces for 17 of them as an Weapons Sergeant and before that he was Airborne Infantry with the 82nd Airborne Division. Alot of the reason I joined was to get closer to the two of them. However, I did not want to be an infantryman so I enlisted in the