At 74, my memories of why I joined the military are somewhat foggy. However, I do remember at 13 telling my mother I’d be joining the military and probably work in some way in the medical field, and likely go Navy. I never wavered in that goal. I had a well admired neighbor I felt very close to, and he had been a hospital corpsman. My admiration for him had a lot to do with my decision to go Navy and work medical.

Throughout my teen years, I was naïve about aspects of war. I felt patriotic and listened to the record “The Ballad of the Green Berets” by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler, constantly thinking of the glory of fighting for one’s country. These thoughts, as well as the benefits of a medical education while earning income, motivated me to join.

I went to boot camp as soon as possible after high school. I was guaranteed hospital corpsman on joining and wanted that job so I could be of service to my fellow military and have a primary job of saving and enhancing life. I did not know until about a week before graduation that Navy corpsmen served with the Marines.

About two years into my service, I was sent to Fleet Marine Force school and attached to the Marines. I sometimes refer to this period as having "Stockholm syndrome," as this became an integral part of my identity, being part of the Marine Corps. Tough as it could be at times, I loved serving “my” Marines.

After nine years in the Navy, I joined the Army National Guard and continued to serve. I have continued this service ever since through my involvement in The American Legion, Marine Corps League, Honor Guard and several veteran organizations.

John Justin, Richard Howard Ferrell American Legion Post 46, Little Falls, Minn.