When I was a junior in high school (1986-1987), my family had an exchange student from Spain. One day a mailing arrived offering free U.S. Army socks if I completed and returned the attached postcard. Well, the exchange student wanted the socks, so I filled out the card. Keep in mind, they were not remotely unique or particularly attractive.

Soon after, a recruiter started calling. I explained the story but he kept calling. Regularly. For nearly a year. Finally a new recruiter called and he actually listened, but offered to take me for ice cream if I ever changed my mind. I thought that was the end. I had no interest in the military.

In September 1988 I started college, but wasn't happy. Then in October I read an article about the Army's language program. Call it fate or coincidence, but that recruiter called me for the first time in months just a few days later. (I'm pretty sure my mother regretted sharing my phone number at school.) We talked and arranged to meet over Thanksgiving break. From there I took the ASVAB at Christmas, the DLAB right after the New Year, and enlisted before the spring semester started. No regrets.

It annoyed me when someone asked, "Why the Army?" My response was always 'I look good in green' or 'They didn't make me cut my hair before basic.' Honestly, I never looked at another branch, and it wasn't their business.

I don't know that I ever told the real story until recently at the 2026 Department of Montana convention. A couple of people encouraged me to share after hearing about the socks.