For the VETS on here...

[First Sgt]

Thought some/all of the VETS on here might be able to relate to this...


When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.

1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.

2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

T hese are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.

Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

NOW! Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.

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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd's ass that left you behind.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take you r drink away when they think you've had enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out OF THEM...for using your name in vain.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
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A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or reserve- is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The Government of the United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life'. . . and military wives are as much veterans as their spouses.

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you Veterans.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Dal1Celt]

Will be fully retired 1 Dec 09. Start Transitional Leave mid Aug 09. After 22 years, I can't think of anything else that I've done in my life besides the Army.

"VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed..."

KOREA says that statement all to well....

Brother, thank you

[C9H13NO3]

All true statements. I'm not retiring, but I EAS in August. I'm gonna miss it.

[msgt/ret]

Even though I retired in 1991 I have found a way to “Still Serve” as a volunteer at the local Retiree Activities Office on base. It feels great to help fellow retirees and to provide a liaison with current active duty people.

[archer51]

I've been off active duty since 94, but will always be AF until the day I die.

[walvord]

+1 and perfectly said.

[TomEgun]

We always seem to find ourselves in a crowd - no matter where I go I can always pick a vet out of the crowd to BS with and talk old times even tho we never served together our experiences are always the same... Airborne all the Way..Sir

[Rcher]

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you Veterans.

And thank you for posting this. How true it is.

[Paco]

That was great, thanks for sharing and for all of you for serving.

[rolyat63]

Will be fully retired 1 Dec 09. Start Transitional Leave mid Aug 09. After 22 years, I can't think of anything else that I've done in my life besides the Army.

"VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed..."

KOREA says that statement all to well....

Brother, thank you

Good post!

You never forget your first Soju experience!!!

[rhinokrk]

Not retired, and left in '02.

Funny how I don't remember many first names, but when Gardner, Wilson, or Brockway call I know who it is before they say their name. I'll talk to them for hours, and when my close friends here at home it'll last for an 1/2 hour at most.

Nice post thanks,
Semper Fi.

[ELCruisr]

In the last year I've had some pretty serious talks with two recently seperated vets. It always started with "How well did you handle returning to civilian life?". The answer was "Well, it wasn't easy...." and went on from there.

[JAT40]

The one thing I miss the most is how my Marine Corps buddies would watch my back!!
Semper Fi Marines, Semper Fi.
Thanks for the post.

[Skysoldier]

Amen Brother I retired in 2005 after 26yrs in the Army. I would Go Back In A Heartbeat!!! Being a Civilian Sucks

[rstickle]

"VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed..."

KOREA says that statement all to well....

Brother, thank you

Two tours there, thanks for the reminder!