thanks. i have to admit that i'm feeling a little old today. seems like only yesterday that i dressed them in little sailor outfits to meet daddys ship.....or opened my pack out in the dirt with the marines to find that one of them had hidden a little stuffed animal in it. guess it's no wonder that they chose the military :-)
nepenthes,
Oregon is beautiful. if you do get a chance to come here, there are many places to camp and hike. you can follow the Oregon trail for many miles and walk in the wagon tracks of the old pioneers.
i always encourage young people to consider some kind of service. it does not have to be military, but if that is your choice it is a good one. the skills, leadership, and discipline you learn will help you all of your life. service also gets to be a life style choice. after the military, i worked as a 4H leader and now work for the red cross. there are so many ways to give back, everyone can find something that works for them.