This round of 11 Questions features Victor Bohm, currently the Director of Digital Engagement at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Originally from Garland, Maine, Victor served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000 to 2002.
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1. WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MILITARY?
I joined the military to jumpstart my future and have an adventure.
2. DO YOU HAVE VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY?
My grandfather was in the US Navy and the USCG. My Uncle was in the US Army. My Dad was in the US Navy. My sister was in the US Navy. I went in the USAF to mix it up.
3. WHERE DID YOU ENLIST?
I officially enlisted in Bangor Maine.
4. WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY MOS/JOB?
My AFSC or job designation was 3C231, Communications Computer Systems Control aka a Tech Control. I set up switches, routers, closed circuit networks and ran a lot of cat 5 cable…a lot.
5. DO YOU REMEMBER THE NAME OF YOUR FIRST DRILL INSTRUCTOR?
My drill instructor name was Staff Sergeant Bodine, a real hardass.
6. WHAT WAS THE WORST THING YOU ATE IN THE MILITARY?
The worst thing I ate in the military was any MRE with “chicken.” Food in the Air Force was great!
7. WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE DAY IN THE MILITARY?
The most memorable day I had in the military was when I was recognized by my leadership for leading my squadron through a successful base inspection.
8. IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE DAY YOU GOT OUT OF THE MILITARY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
If I could go back to the day I got out of the military I would tell myself not to worry so much. Things are going to work out.
9. DID YOU HAVE ANY VETERAN MENTORS?
I did not have any veteran mentors then but I do now.
10. WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A VETERAN?
The proudest moment I have had as a veteran was when I graduated Columbia University using my GI Bill.
11. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE MILITARY-THEMED MOVIES?
FAVORITE: Sergeant York, Last of the Mohicans, Gladiator, Master and Commander, The Thin Red Line. LEAST FAVORITE: War Horse, Pearl Harbor, Gods and Generals, K-19: The Widowmaker, Alexander