Anthony Swofford - Early Years

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 containing the words early years, early and/or years:

    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)

    In the early days of the world, the Almighty said to the first of our race “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread”; and since then, if we except the light and the air of heaven, no good thing has been, or can be enjoyed by us, without having first cost labour.
    Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

    We are prisoners of the world’s demented sink.
    The soft enchantments of our years of innocence
    Are harvested by accredited experience
    Our fondest memories soon turn to poison
    And only oblivion remains in season.
    John Ashbery (b. 1927)