Joining me this week is Sean, another Boiler Technician with a story just as unique. He tells us about his upbringing and the stories of service from his own family that influenced his decision to join.

He was stationed in Hawaii and was underway when Desert Storm kicked off. He had experiences that most people, let alone a 19 year old, cannot imagine. He came out of it with more experience and confidence to find his next chapter in civilian life.

You can find Sean at https://www.facebook.com/bdlmBowman

You can find me at comicscard.com/andrea-bryant

This is the first episode in which I speak to a guy I actually served with, Curtis Lenz! Unlike me, Curtis wanted to be a police officer and wanted Master-At-Arms for his time in the Navy to prepare and he joined right out of high school.

Curtis was DEFINITELY a hard-charger; clean cut, knowledgeable, ready to learn and MOTIVATED. By the time we crossed paths in Bahrain, I knew I was getting out. I always got the job done, but my zeal was gone.

Curtis got out after his enlistment as well, and made it with the El Paso County Sheriff's Department in Colorado where he also serves as a bomb disposal technician. He shares his story of Navy and deputy service and what all he's been up to since I last saw him nearly a decade ago.

This week, I'm joined by my friend, TC. He shares his experience in active duty in the Army, and his short time in the Minnesota National Guard. He went on to serve as a deputy.

TC is a consummate professional and unafraid to speak his mind and the truth. Unfortunately, in our present world, such an act has negative consequences. Support TC now by buying his coffee and listening to his conversations with prominent Libertarians on his YouTube Channel. Follow his links:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MinnesotaBlackRobeRegiment

https://www.subscribestar.com/minnesota-black-robe-regiment-podcast

https://www.facebook.com/MBRRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/tC.pearson.564

Follow me on all of my socials at comicscard.com/andrea-bryant

The answer to the question poised in the title is - just about everything! Roger and I are of different generations, but both were born and raised in the Bay Area, went on to serve and ended up meeting at the University of Utah.

He tells of his time in the Army, both as an enlisted man, and later as an officer. He finished his career and found himself in Utah and in Academia until his retirement six years ago.

This week, I'm joined by my pal, KC. He served in the Army and later in the Reserves and had some very eye-opening experiences. The plan his father envisioned didn't pan out, and there were plenty of twists and turns on the course he ultimately created for himself. But despite setbacks from injury (and maybe a toxic woman or two), he was able to find his calling and soulmate.

This episode runs a bit longer than the others, but KC's an interesting guy, and the attributes he earned in the Army played big into what he has gone on to achieve in later life.

This week, I'm joined by Tommy the Shipmate. We are separated by about 20 years in service, but still find MUCH in common.

I jump around all over the place, but Tommy stays on it, much to his credit. If you're wondering what we are talking about, check out the YouTube episode (https://youtu.be/zzH0NWG4dQQ), which includes all the definitions you need to know.

Follow me at comicscard.com/andrea-bryant

Growing up, my dad told me his stories of serving in the Army. Since it wasn't a detailed, chronological account, I missed a lot of timelines and details as a child. But those piecemeal stories laid the foundation for my own fascination with the military and all but assured my own eventual enlistment.

Joining me is Rob Kelly, a Navy Veteran himself of the Desert Storm era. He talks about what convinced him to join, what he did, where he was stationed and shares the parallels between what he saw then and sees now.

Where do I get off telling you anything? Well, in this first episode, I'll delve into my experiences in the Navy and give some hints as to some of the topics I'll tackle in future episodes.