Service member spotlight: reap the benefits Published June 6, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Staff Sgt. Kristin Ott, Marine Aircraft Group 49 career planner, is the joint base's featured service member of the week. Ott hails from Boyertown, Pa. Q: Why did you join the military? A: My grandfather was in the Navy during the Korean War and we would always hear his stories growing up as kids. I looked up to my grandfather and decided to follow in his footsteps. I spoke with a recruiter and decided the Marines provided the best opportunities for me. Q: What is your job and what is its impact on the mission? A: I am the group and site career planner for MAG-49. Career planning impacts the mission of the Marine Corps and MAG-49 because I am charged with screening and retaining the best qualified Marines the Corps has to offer. Q: Do you have any past or current family members in military? A: My great-grandfather served in the Army during World War II. My grandfather served in the Navy during the Korean War. My cousin is a recent graduate from West Point and will be attending flight school in hopes of flying Black Hawks. Q: Who most inspires you? A: My grandfather has always been a major inspiration to me and continues even though he passed in 2003. I am also inspired by individuals who dedicate themselves to selfless acts and are compassionate and driven to help better the lives of those that are less fortunate. Q: What is one thing you'd like your fellow service members to take away or understand about the military? A: Military is give and take. You get what you give. Put in the effort and you will reap the benefits. I also encourage fellow service members to take advantage of the benefits offered while serving - such as tuition assistance - before those benefits no longer exist.