I Joined To Avoid Artillery And Got Artillery (Patrick Forystek)

Send us Fan MailA Marine artillery career can sound like nonstop action, but Patrick Forystek tells the version that’s usually left out: long stretches of boredom, absurd workarounds, small moments that become lifelong memories, and the way one “wrong” assignment can still turn into pride in the craft. We start in the Flint area, where Patrick grows up playing hockey, stumbles through school with what he suspects is ADHD, and takes a job at the Flint City jail that unexpectedly becomes the bridge to military service. From boot camp at MCRD San Diego to Fort Sill artillery school and a rapid jump to the fleet, Patrick walks us through how the Marine Corps actually feels day to day. He shares stories from a 13th MEU deployment tied closely to the Captain Phillips timeline, including the surreal collision of high-profile operations with normal ship life, mess duty, and the weird comfort of simply having a job to do. Then we shift to Afghanistan, where artillery support, IR illum, smoke missions, GPS-guided Excalibur rounds, and IED blasts bring a very different kind of intensity, plus the gritty details of living with limited resources and constant noise. The back half is about transition to civilian life and identity. Patrick reflects on a short stint with the LAPD, the reality of cost of living, and why returning to Michigan and using the GI Bill opened a healthier chapter. Today he works in veteran student services at Michigan State, helping service members translate military leadership and “soft skills” into education and careers. Stick around for the unexpected final note too: the Taco Bell wedding in Vegas, and what it says about choosing joy when plans fall apart. If you connect with Patrick’s story, subscribe, share this with a veteran or military family, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway or question for a future guest. Support the showwww.veteransarchives.org