Blake, do not buy into the Real Man BS of the Military.
That is kind of a bunch of Huah Horseshqt we just tell ourselves and those tolerant or silly enough to listen.
Guess I can talk some some sheet having done some time as a troop and O-type . . . but while I had some fun, and still have a shiny pair of shoes to show for it . . . (finally wore all my old boots out) . . . Some days (actually many) I think the Salvation Army does much more Service and Good for USA than the US Army. Goes the same for the jarheads, squids, and flyboys. (But I still think pretty well of the Coasties
)
Like said above -- Fireman (or even better Paramedic) on a small volunteer fire department (did that for a couple years, too) Now THAT is some real service. Or help the Sally's (Salvation Army) -- they even run Rehabs. Lotta good stuff that does a lot of REAL Service.
As far as your girl --- If you hear any more, expect less and less over time. If you do not feed it, it will find a new source and target.