May 13, 2004

Street Talk by Shari Kaplan

In light of Armed Forces Day coming up on May 15—if you had to join one branch of the military, which branch would you choose, and why?
(Asked at Almaden Lake Park)


“I’d say the Navy, but I think I’m biased because my son’s in the Navy. They seem to go to places that are more unique and different than the other service branches. If I were to join, I’d like to be a chief officer, because I’d like to take care of the younger kids and help guide them.”

Mark Safadi, 46
Almaden Valley
Project manager

“I wouldn’t pick any of them. I’m against everything the military stands for, like war and fighting and sticking its nose into too many other people’s business. I would encourage my kids not to sign up, if I have any say in it, I hope they won’t join.”

Jasmine Nordin, 28
Modesto
Homemaker

“The Air Force—because when I grow up I might want to fly planes or something. It seems like that would be an exciting thing to do. It would be fun flying planes and going to places I’ve never been to before.”

Anthony Nordin, 10
Modesto
Elementary school student

“I think I’d pick the Air Force because it would be interesting learning how to fly planes. Also, I’d have an avenue to having a career after I got out, such as being a commercial airline pilot. With the Air Force, you get the taste of the military, but it’s not like being a soldier.”

Debbie Black, 40
Cambrian
Homemaker

“I’d join the Marines. I think that they fight and train the hardest; it’s basically the branch with the biggest challenge. And whenever there’s a war or anything like that going on, the Marines go in first.”

Napoleon Harris, 35
Santa Teresa
Carpenter

“Probably I’d go into the Army, because my dad used to be in the Army. He was a sergeant and he fought in the Gulf War. I think it would also be interesting training to use the guns.”

Dillon Hanna, 10
Blossom Valley
Elementary school student