Mrs Z-
First- to answer your question (But isn't that the case no matter what line of work or schooling a person chooses?):
Yes. My understanding is that here on the west coast, especially in greater Los Angeles, being a fireman (oops- we can't say that anymore can we- I mean firefighter) is far different from that of working in the East and Mid-West. Here, firefighters are glorified and paid far too much. I was making close to 100k a year my first year as a rookie. Those with only 3 or 4 years on the job were making well into 150k+/ year. Having no God or religion, most of my comrades would essentially blow most of their money on:
1,women,
2, partying (liquor)
3, cars and other toys(boats etc)
4,more women (prostitutes included).
Essentially- with or without the money, young men especially, are exposed to this. The military was no different... dare I say worse. I know some of those who've posted here have mentioned that they too were in the military. I'm relatively young, but I cant imagine if those who posted were older, that their experience was much different. Its funny- I remember bringing my missal to basic and when all the NO's went off to church on sunday's, I knelt in the showers to pray my mass ha ha ha... as soon as basic was over though, it was like a race for these young lads to get together with the local university girls and 'hook up' as often as possible. I was still strong then. But it was a beating.
Pornography EVERYWHERE. And some of the most vile vicious stuff imaginable- mulitples, animals -yes it wasn't a typo unfortunately- you name it.
The FD was not much different, being para-military, but was more "mature" and refined in its vileness. And I meant it when I said it: many sins haunt me to this day. Sometimes I don't know how Christ could ever give me the beatific vision :cry: I know I can only Hope and try my best now as I have been given the responsibility of my children's souls- I can only pray my experiences can help me know what to protect them from and I can lead them to Christ.