VETERAN PROFILE | Tyler Gilliam, Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department

Current employment: Firefighter with Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department

How long: Five years

Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps

Enlisted: September 2013

Funny moment from boot camp: A guy in the platoon was caught walking and drinking water at the same time, so he was forced to walk around the squad bay for hours with a canteen screaming: “Don’t walk and drink.”

What are some of the things you remember about adapting to military life? You have to put away individuality, nothing is about you, it is all about the unit as a whole.

Where did you serve? Most of my enlistment was spent in Aurora, Colorado

If you deployed overseas, where and when did you serve? I deployed to Afghanistan from Aug 2017-Feb 2018.

What fun things did you and your friends do while on deployment? There was a lot of down time, so we watched a lot of movies on our tiny TV, learned to solve Rubik’s cubes, and worked out.

When did you leave the military? I left the military in September 2018

When you were first discharged, what are some things about civilians that were difficult for you to deal with? I found it difficult to deal with those who had no respect for others. The military is based on respect for rank and authority, something that is missing today.

What are some things you miss about being in the service? I miss being in cool places and the experiences, friendships, and camaraderie. I don’t miss being under someone else’s thumb 100% of the time.

What led you to choose your current career? I come from a line of firemen, starting with my grandpa, then my dad and uncle, then brother, now myself. I believe the physical fitness, discipline, and respect for rank structure helped to prepare me for a career as a fireman.