1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand;something created from a variety of available things.
2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
3. (in art) a piece of makeshift handiwork.
4. the use of multiple, diverse research methods.
That 'Bricolage' assemblage begins early for those living a military life. Retirement benefits are among the most highly respected reasons for selecting a military career. A 17-year-old can retire after 20 years at age 37, an enticing prospect when the interim is not considered.
My husband was in the Mississippi National Guard at age 15. When the Guard was called up for the Korean Conflict, he and his buddies were summarily dismissed at the behest of their moms. He rejoined when he was 17. Where else could one get a pay check for going to meetings once a week and summer camp once a year?
He enlisted in the Marine Corps after finishing two years of college. In the Marine Corps he played basketball with my cousin who gave him my address in Illinois. We wrote; he came; I was conquered. We were married December 30, 1957.
He re-enrolled in college, Southeastern Louisiana University where he played basketball and graduated in 1960. We had our oldest son April 10, 1959. Money was tight, but we believed the rewards were going to be worth the sacrifice. He has intended to apply for a commission upon graduation, but that height that made him a good basketball player was a severe detriment to becoming an officer in the military.
We floundered around until we could come up with a plan. He worked for Billups Petroleum and I was employed in retail. For fun, and a few extra bucks, he played basketball in an independent league. Air Force Recruiting Office sponsored the team. My husband and the recruiting sergeant discussed the Air Force discrimination against tall people.
The playing season was long past and I was soon to have our second son when there was a knock at our front door. Whatever could that sergeant want? To talk to Jess!
The Air Force has discontinued their height restriction. The two of them went into high gear and began the process to get Jess accepted to Officer's Candidates School. Oh my!
The first of diverse resources was effected on my bricolage journey to retirement. More to come.
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