Early Years
In his own words Swofford describes his younger self, before and during his time in the Marine Corps, as "a reader and a loner".
Born into a military family, Swofford was raised living on a military base. His father had served in Vietnam, and before that his grandfather had fought in World War II. In fact, he was conceived in Honolulu while his father was on a five day break from fighting in Vietnam.
Terrified of being a failure in a 'normal' life, Swofford wanted to join the Marines from an early age, as he saw it as "an entry into manhood". However, Swofford's father was against his joining, and the first of two recruiters to visit were escorted from the house. Swofford's father had said, "I know some things about the military that they don't show you in the brochures."
Read more about this topic: Anthony Swofford
Famous quotes related to early years:
“If there is a price to pay for the privilege of spending the early years of child rearing in the driver’s seat, it is our reluctance, our inability, to tolerate being demoted to the backseat. Spurred by our success in programming our children during the preschool years, we may find it difficult to forgo in later states the level of control that once afforded us so much satisfaction.”
—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)
“Even today . . . experts, usually male, tell women how to be mothers and warn them that they should not have children if they have any intention of leaving their side in their early years. . . . Children don’t need parents’ full-time attendance or attention at any stage of their development. Many people will help take care of their needs, depending on who their parents are and how they chose to fulfill their roles.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)