My granma always said that she didn't get to finish school and she really wanted to go, but she was dirt poor and only had 2 dresses to her name and was so ashamed and when she became old enough, she dropped out. She went to work for people in the neighborhood doing whatever they needed. Carrying water, I think she said she got .25 for each bucket.
From my "spolied" brat perspective I just didn't understand. I hated school and thought she was lucky because she didn't have to go. Boy what little did I understand... 
My grandpa went to work full time for the railroad when he was 13 and like your dad, joined the service when he was 17. When I was 13 I was teasing my hair, talking on the phone 24/7 and chasing boys. I think I made my bed about once a month and that was when mom forced me to change my sheets. 
Sometimes I think I missed something by growing up in the age of conveninece, but my mom 
allowed me to enjoy my childhood as long as I could. She always told me that once it's gone, it's gone.
You are correct that there are not alot of positive role models out there and unfortuneatly the parents are number one. Don't get me wrong my family is chocked full of disfunction, but I always had someone chewing my ass when I would veer over onto the wrong path.
Brooke