The thought of a free education and adventure prompted Robin L. Nicoloff to join the military right after the Vietnam War.

“When I joined I was among the last classes of the Women’s Army Corps before it transitioned into the regular Army,” Nicoloff said. “I loved basic training at Fort Mccelland, Ala. Being just out of high and an athlete, the physical part was fun and challenging.

“There were a lot of pranks pulled between the platoons. On one occasion I awoke as I was being tossed from my bunk into the lockers and landing on the floor with my bunk on top of me. I wasn’t hurt but someone got the drill sergeant on duty. Once the prankster was determined, I was asked if I wanted to press charges. Of course I didn’t; it was a prank. We all laughed and went back to bed.”

Nicoloff wanted to go into photography, but the class was full. Although she had a high aptitude score, computer repair didn’t sound appealing, so she chose wheeled vehicle mechanic. After her first tour in Germany she landed back stateside at Fort Reilly, Kansas, and was told she was going to be the battalion security non-commissioned officer. The battalion worked on the Abrams tank and many of the parts were classified secret.

“Before long I was on my way to training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and on to my next tour in Germany as a counterintelligence special agent. As I learned and matured I moved up the ranks to sergeant first class and then to chief warrant officer 2.  Nicoloff said she is most proud of her Army Commendation Medal, which she received for service in Germany.

“All the people I met in the military were special because they were my comrades. No matter where I went, I was never afraid because I knew someone would be there to meet and assist me. Nicoloff remembers an overnight maneuver when the platoon leader sensed that the soldiers were getting bored and complacent.

The leader grabbed a few men and headed into the dark. “We heard the strike of a match, a fizzle and then a thud, followed rather quickly by, ‘Oh crap’ and the sound of scampering feet. When one of them threw an M-80 it hit a tree and came right back at them.

“I am so proud to have served my country and to continue to honor her through my volunteer service in the American Legion and other organizations like the Lions Club,” she said.

“While in the service I was blessed with my daughter, Shannon, and then my grandson, Lucas. I still have both of my parents, Roy and Marilyn Nicoloff, sisters Michel and Andrea, brothers Mike and  Brandon and their spouses and children. When we get together there is more laughter and fun than anyone can image.”

James T. “J.T” Cox joined the military because of his sense of duty to his country and to fight against communism. He recalls boot camp as stressful yet a time he’ll never forget. “I met so many new people and reached goals I didn’t think were possible,” he said.

Cox served mainly in Korea and at sea. His rank of petty officer second class allowed him to work with technical and communications equipment and teach younger seaman all about technology. He earned the Korean Service and Good Conduct medals. Cox said everyone he met in the military was special. He recalls the times when mess tables collapsed because of heavy seas.

“The tables, food and men were all in one pile. It was an ugly situation. “Being in the military made me a better person, and it taught me discipline. I became a more responsible citizen. “My wife, Joyce, has supported me in my endeavors in veterans organizations.

Karen McAndrews was inspired to join the Coast Guard after seeing a recruiting ad. Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” told the story of how he was the first chief photojournalist and that seeing small boats racing to rescue people was exciting.

“I thought saving lives for a living sounded pretty cool, said McAndrews, who spent nine years in the Seattle area. “The military was very demanding both physically and mentally for me. It did instill a huge sense of pride in me. I was in an all-female company, and I appreciated the diversity of our company. Boot camp made me realize that I could do so much more than I ever though I could.

“I had plans of becoming a photojournalist but got tired of waiting on school. I became a storekeeper, which dealt in pay, property, accounting, budgeting and supply.” It took McAndrews quite a while to obtain the rank of chief (E-7) and almost gave up before giving it one last try.

“It had been my goal to retire as a chief, and I was so proud to finally reach that goal,” she said. McAndrews recalls receiving her first achievement medal. “It was not usually awarded to a seaman (E-3), but I had been doing the job of an E-5. I was fortunate that my boss put me in for that award.

“I met so many special people in the Coast Guard. My first XO helped me early in my career. I truly admired every instructor at the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy in Petaluma, Calif. “The military helped me to become a take-charge kind of person. It also taught me about giving back to the community and how every job there truly matters. I am so honored to be a part of the Coast Guard and proud of those who served,” she said. McAndrews’ dad, John Butler, served in the Navy during World War II, and her brother served in the Army.

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