Narrator: Shirley Heckard Interviewed by: Kristin Sowden      KS: Um, Why were you attracted to the Marines?  SH: Well, it's the fighting unit. It's the best unit there is [laughs] Semper Fi (Semper Fi)  KS: How did your family respond?  SH: Well, they were in a state of shock but I had to get their permission since I was underage, [and] my father still kept thinking I was in the Army. I'd say, "NO! It's the Marines." He didn't know the difference. [Laughs]    Narrator: Judith Mente Interviewer: Kyle Schneider    KS:  Why where you attracted to the branch of military that you joined? How did your family respond to the news that you were joining the military?  JM:  I had two brothers who were in the Korean War, and one was in the Army, and one was in the Air Force. The one that was in the Army...saw much action in Korea, the one that was in the Air Force,  didn't... [he]did not leave the United States..[laughs] so I knew that..[laughs more] the Air Force was probably the better deal...[safer huh?]..a little safer. But beyond that I don't think I thought a lot about it.   KS: How did your family take it? Or were they... JM: My parents required some convincing...but they were ok. Photos courtesy of the families. Back to Community History Home