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Why do some Fathers not talk about their military service?

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TOPIC: All too common in the United States former military fathers do not talk to their children about their military service. Consequently, it is usually after Dad's death that his children begin researching their father's military experience, and sadly learn that the personal experiences and travels they want to know about died with him because military record files do not read like "Saving Private Ryan". The purpose of this survey is to determine both from fathers and their children why many fathers don't talk to their children about their military and/or war service.

THIS PORTION OF THE SURVEY IS FOR FORMER MILITARY FATHERS

QUESTION 1/4: Do/did your children ASK you about your military service?

QUESTION 2/4:

Why did you not want to tell your children about your military service?

    I did something wrong in the military I was embarrassed about
    I thought they were too young to hear about real life
    I felt my military service was undistinguished or unimpressive
    I wanted to forget my years in the military and put that past behind me

    Another reason:

QUESTION 3/4:

Why did you think your wife did not want you to tell your children about your military service?

    She felt my experiences would traumatize our children
    She wanted our children to think their parent's lives began after our marriage
    She competed with me for our kid's attention and my military service was something she felt her life couldn't match
    She didn't want our kids to grow up wanting to serve in the military

    Another reason:

QUESTION 4/4:

Were your children interested in your military service?

    Yes, they were very interested
    Yes, somewhat but not much
    No, they showed little to no interest in my military service

    Another reason:

FATHER'S, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FINISH YOUR PORTION OF THIS SURVEY

THIS PORTION OF THE SURVEY IS FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

QUESTION 1/3: Do/did you ever ASK your father to talk about his military service?

    Yes, often
    Yes, occasionally
    Yes, but rarely
    No, I wasn't much interested in his military service
    No, my father didn't want me to ask him
    No, my mother didn't want me to ask him

    Another reason:

QUESTION 2/3: Do/did your father VOLUNTARILY talk about his military service without your asking?

    Yes, often
    Yes, occasionally
    Yes, but rarely
    No, never or almost never

    Another reason:

If you answered "No" to the above Question (#2) please continue to the final Question (#3). If you answered "Yes" to the above Question, please Click Here To Finish

QUESTION 3/3: Why do/did you think your father did not want to talk to you about his military service?

    He never gave an explanation
    He seemed embarrassed about his military service
    He was modest about being thought of a hero
    He seemed angry or bitter about his military service
    He felt I could never understand his military experiences
    My mother prohibited him from telling me about his military service

    Another reason:


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