Entire Family Enlists in Navy
BLITZER: From Alabama today, there's an extraordinary story about one family and service. It began when Brandi McIntyre, just graduating from high school, expressed an interest in joining the U.S. armed forces. We'll have Brandi and the rest of her family tells us what happened next. Brandi, pick up the story. Tell us what happened.</s>BRANDI MCINTYRE, U.S. NAVY: Well, I decided before high school was out, I wasn't too sure what I was going to do with my life. And I decided that I wanted to go into the military. And I wasn't too sure what branch. And my dad and I, we got together. My dad was recently -- he was in the Army, and so my dad presented with me, why not the Navy? And so, I visited with my chief -- she's my chief now, Chief Chun (ph). We sat down. She came to our house. She sat down and told me about all these different opportunities. And I decided that it was right for me.</s>BLITZER: All right, and then your brother, Jamie, let's let him pick up the story. Jamie, tell us what happened next.</s>JAMIE MCINTYRE, U.S. NAVY: Well, I -- she signed up for the Navy, and then we met at her graduation, met a recruiter there. And they said they had a nuclear program, nuclear engineering, nuclear power program. And it seemed like a very good idea also, with the educational opportunities and the promotion of rank and different things like that.</s>BLITZER: So, you decided to enlist yourself in the U.S. Navy.</s>J. MCINTYRE: Yes, sir, I did.</s>BLITZER: Jamie's 19. Brandi is 18. All right, let's bring the story now to the father, Kerry. What happens when you hear that both of your children are now joining the Navy?</s>KERRY MCINTYRE, U.S. NAVY: Actually, sir, it was pretty much not my idea also. I helped them out. As far as trying to choose a branch, Brandi and I searched several different branches to try to find which one was the right one for us and for what she wanted to do. And the Navy just fit the bill. And so, at that point, we met with the recruiters. And everything looked really good. The programs were there that we all needed and asked for. And the night she graduated, I met with a recruiter that night. And I said I really do miss the camaraderie, because I was in the Army. And I would really like to serve again, be a part of something bigger than I am.</s>BLITZER: So, you're 38 years old. You're a little old to join the Navy, aren't you?</s>K. MCINTYRE: Actually, yes, sir, that's what I thought. And the recruiter, he said, no, you know, they're taking your prior service. I said, well, I've been out for 13 years. I'm 38 years old. I'm an old man in those respects. And so, he said, no, they're taking prior service. I said, would I have to go back through basic training or anything like that? And he said no. And I said, well, I really want to talk with you more about that. And so, I went home and talked to my wife, and from that point, it stalled a little bit.</s>BLITZER: But eventually you decided to do it. Let's bring in your wife, Angela. Angela, you're 37 years old. You've got your husband and your two children now telling you, we're going to join the Navy. What do you decide to do?</s>ANGELA MCINTYRE, U.S. NAVY: Well, actually, I met with Petty Officer Dutton (ph). And she explained -- was explaining to my husband about the benefits that the Navy had. And she mentioned that, even at my age -- I'm 37 -- that I could join also. And it's something that I had thought about years ago, but the kids being little, I didn't want to, you know, have to leave them. But now that all three of them joined and I found out I could join, too, I was -- I'm really excited.</s>BLITZER: But you're the mother, Angela. Are you nervous about your two kids -- forget about your husband right now -- but your two kids serving in the U.S. military at a dangerous time like this?</s>A. MCINTYRE: Well, I've talked to several people, and that's been brought to my attention, you know, several times. But I can say this. It is going to be one of the safest places, because they're looked after 24 hours a day, and I feel real good about their careers.</s>BLITZER: I suspect the U.S. Navy is going to love all four of you very much. And I want to congratulate all four of you for service to the United States.</s>BLITZER: James, Angela, Kerry and Brandi, what a lovely family indeed. And we'll have a new meaning to the phrase all ears. We'll explain in our picture of the day. That's coming up.