1) I live in New York, our house overlooks what was the smoldering ruins of the WTC. That was about 4 of them right there
2) Our family has been in the military for generations
3) One wanted to be a medic, not sure why but it was his calling? I guess he can be an EMT after but he has been in for 10 years so I don't think he is leaving the military until they kick him out.
Money was never really an issue for any of them. They make the least by far of anyone in the family, they certainly would have made more if they did like the rest of us and didn't go.
Although I might be biased because I heavily considered the military and decided not to specifically because it didn't pay well enough.
I'm sure some do for money, but I think that is overblown by people who simply don't understand why someone would want to serve. I can also tell you that most of the people in it for money are in and out, but the people who stay long term have reasons other than money.
Edit: And again, correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'm pretty sure there are lots of different kinds of people in the military. Your family has a culture of serving, and lots of outside opportunities it sounds like, and that's great. But there are lots of people who join up who didn't have the same opportunities they had.
Do you think it's dishonorable for them to serve in part because they didn't have access to money for college, or a good job?