In 1985, Danny Moats, born and raised in the Staunton, Virginia area, was living with his mother and four siblings and debating his future as his high school career was coming to an end. He was unsure what he could do after high school; he just knew he had to do something to better himself, and Staunton did not provide him with many opportunities. All his friends were joining the military, so he went to the recruiting station in Staunton, and they started asking him questions and the next thing he knew, he was taking tests, and then he was in the Army. In June, he asked his mother to drive him to Staunton's bus station because he was off to basic training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. He did not have many expectations for joining the military, and looking back, he says it was hard. During basic training, he felt scared all the time and regretted joining. Although it was hard, he is proud and happy that he stuck with it. He said, "I've learned that I am stronger than I thought I was."

Danny spent three years working in field artillery; however, he did not find it very enjoyable. He decided to change careers and began to operate construction equipment for the military in Hawaii. He found satisfaction in the work he did and kept with it his entire military career. He earned four degrees while in the military: A general studies associate's degree, an associate's of construction management, a bachelor's degree in business, and a Master of Business Administration. He also had many opportunities to travel worldwide and visit places like Korea, Haiti, and El Salvador. He met lots of interesting people, including President Bill Clinton (see the photo of President Clinton and Danny). After 22 years, he retired from the military, but he continues to work as a civilian manager of manpower for the Army in Hawaii. Although he is retired, Danny admits that he still finds himself committed to military life routines, such as keeping himself groomed to Army standards and taking exemplary care of his home and personal belongings.

Danny says, "the military is not a bad thing," and if you stick with it, the "military looks after you." He encourages those interested in the military to give it a try for a few years. He mentions that most people have a particular perception of what military life is like, but he says, "it isn't like the movies where you are always getting yelled at" an army career is a lot like any "9-5 job," and you have to "stick with it."

Information provided by Danny G. Moats