sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

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.

These 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 stand by you no matter what the crowd does.
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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 your 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 ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will smile and nod their head at this.
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A veteran - whether active duty, retired, served one hitch, 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'.

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you for your service to our country and defending the freedoms we enjoy.

Sarge69

Ashrunner Loc: Redmond, Oregon

Great post, Sarge69.

I entered service in 69, retired from service in 92. Best 22 years, two months and two days of my life.

DakotaJW Loc: N. Dakota

And an honor to be in yours! USAF-1960-1981.

Jusoljoe Loc: Texas

Amen to all of that. Best wishes! AF - 1955 - 1975

Joe

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Thanks for your service & same to all other vets as well.
USAF 1965-69

Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

Semper Fi

Morrisdh Loc: Pisgah Alabama

Thanks Sarge. The service was the first home I ever really had.
Got some good training some education and as you said met
a lot of friends. 1967 thru 1976 took a little trip to Nam too. mdh

RTO

Nikonfan70 Loc: Long Island

Thanks Sarge,

The service taught me what honor is all about and how to be accountable.

krispix Loc: London - UK

Sarge. Do your thoughts extend to those who served outside the USA? Those of us who did can still empathize with your sentiments. (1963 - 1977 Casevac'd and medically discharged).

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

MOST CERTAINLY. A veteran is to be honored without country ties. A veteran is a veteran no matter where he or she served their country.

Sarge69

Graveman Loc: Indiana

1971-1994 (USAF/USAR)(Viet & Desert Storm) I still find myself, when in the woods, picking out the best places to place a defensive force. Old habits die hard.

Duane D. Loc: Kalkaska, Michigan

A sincere thanks Sarge. The Navy was my first home as a 17 year old kid and beginning of a learning experience and something you never lose. I also extend my thanks to all military for their service. Also to my son that has served his country for 8 years in the Navy and continues to serve today.
Duane D.
1955/1958

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Tell your son ' Thank You ' as I know he's defending my freedoms. On a line as a previous post - I hardly ever take the same route to the store twice in the same week. Drives the wife nuts.

Sarge69

lathropski Loc: Boise, ID

Thanks, Sarge69. Great post. It was an honor to serve and it is great to be on a forum with so many who have.

Dar
USN 1971-1995

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Thank you to all, no matter which country you served in.
Cheers!

Navy 1960 - 1980