When Veterans Retire

When a good Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder.  We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.  We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, the longing will remain. 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.  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 he 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.

(Submitted by Tom Brown)

Comments

[Shirley Tillman]

These articles brought tears of sadness and joy to my eyes, as I read the affects of military lifestyles for these soldiers. I too know the hardship of looking for honest, justifiable work after serving in the military. I have tried many jobs as well and find that there are many positions that do not support or appreciate an honest days worker. It is my experienc that military life is separated from the civilian world when it come to obtaining a job and keeping the job. Do not feel bad when you have to leave job because of dishonesty. Soldiers should never loose who they are by becoming what the civilian world want them to become. By the grace of God we are Soldiers and will always fight injustices. Keep up the Good fight. I have returned to school to get my masters degree in psychology in order to help the after affects of military life and seek to be employed after my studies. I plan to be finished in no less than 2 years. This is my way of becoming part of the solution to the after life of a soldier who has served her country for 27+ years.

[Dave]

Having been retired for almost 15 years now I can only agree with everything written here. I was a soldier, I am a soldier and I will always be a soldier! You can never get it out of your blood

[Brandon]

Wow, reading this makes me wonder about getting out. I feel as if I have already done my time. Its been very rough. I have not however even been close to retirement but what you were saying about leaving job because of dishonesty just hit me that it may be the case when I apply myself to a carrer of the same as my military experience. I know I will always never forget those who helped me in the Navy. Good blog though thanks for helping me realize that there will be dishonesty in civilian life. Its like if there is dishonesty in the military someones life is on the line is one reason it does not happen. Thanks again.

[Dave Weisenburg]

I can relate to what all you feel and are saying. After retirement. I am Medically Retired. After just short of 20 years. I could not do my job in the Army and I can not obtain a job on the out side.
I thought that I could handle being retired, I earned it, I gave my whole life to the to the military. It is all I knew how to be and do. I loved the tight bond that we all share. I loved putting on my uniform. Then when it came time to hang it up and store my Dress Greens with all my hard earned awards on it. I felt like I was putting my life in box that can never be opened again.
I really thought that I could handle it, make friends and create new bonds and memories with other men my age. I found out differently. Do after I say what I did for a living and that I am Med. Retired, they just say oh and walk away. The bond and friends that we had in the service, is all we have or will ever have.
We are a different breed than those that have not served. Our dedication,way of thinking,way of comunicating,and presenting ourselves. We are totally one of a kind. I have found it impossible to make friends because I have nothing in common with other men my age. So, I just do my best to survive with just my family and my dedication and service to God while doing my best to stay out of wheel chair. Heres to all of you. And a salute to go with it. Thanks for serving.

[Rayvonb]

This could not have been stated any better. I've been retired since 2005. I worked in the family business 2.5 years and now for another government agency. There is nothing like active duty. This blog brought tears to my eyes. I'm going to pass it around to all my old military buddies, because it says what I was just thinking. Thank you!

[Rayvon Bufkin Sr.]

I am so glad to have read these words;so glad that someone had the insight to look within and feel the old attachments to long ago friends. I've kept these feelings within for a long time, thinking that ai alone felt them, that maybe I was too sentimental, too emotional. It is a releaf to know that I am not alone, that many others feel these attachments that have not snapped across the years. Thanks for sharing.

[Ray Inabnitt]

I've been retired for almost 8 years. After 20 good, but long and hard years, I actually found the grass isn't greener at all. I've seen so much of the same BS as stated by the others. I don't see how the civilian world gets a damn thing done. It seems you have to take charge, and only if they don't become "offended" or "threatened by your ability to do shit they never would accomplish in 5 years. Think twice before you retire. I'd rather spend another year or two in Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti or Somalia before playing with these "children" out here.

[Ambrosio Silva]

If you are retiring or ETS'ing, I will be happy to speak with you are talk via email, regarding your disabilities. I served 30 years and just retired again from a state service organization,where I worked as a counselor, filing disabilities for veteran or their dependents. I also filed appeals when veterans are denied there claims. There is alot that you are not told, that all vets should know about filing for disabilities, also what you need to do/know prior to your retirement or ETS. Email me and if yoyu need some tips I can call you. Good luck in this "other world".

[Ambrosio Silva]

there should have been their. My email is csms42@aol.com

[Carl C]

What can I say, each and every word rings true. There is no life like that of military service. Knowing you are working for something bigger than yourself. Knowing each and every day you are protecting the freedom our forefathers worked so hard to establish. The comfort zone we have within the military ranks is not fully recognized or understood until we step away. Until we have to work in the civilian sector where it seems we work for one purpose, and the greater good is to see how much money you can make for the stock holders. I had visions of having a second career that matched my past, but after 13 years, six different jobs, I have come to realize you cannot go home. Thank-you to all who serve and have ever served our great nation.

[Jim Grono]

Tom,
You put this into words very well. I have thought the same things many times, and it is true.

Leaving the military is a big choice, but that doesn't mean it is a bad one. I never thought the fellowship of being military was as strong as it is, but that is because I saw it everyday in the military. In the real world, it is apparent when vets meet. There is no good explanation for someone who doesn't know it.

Jim

[HMC Judy Shuck USN (Ret.)]

Well said Tom Brown! I retired in September 1999 after 21 years of service. So here I am almost 7+ years later & the day I left active duty seems like yesterday. I to have found that I miss the comradarie that I had with my fellow Chiefs. But we can't turn back.

Retirement is a time to move forward in our lives.
Personally I have found joy in selecting a job where I can continue to serve my community & my country - just in another way, & in another uniform.

What I found was that I didn't just miss the people. I missed serving others. So I am now in my 5th year serving in my new career in Emergency Medical Services as both an EMT and regional Mass Casualty Preparedness Coordinator (paid position).

I encourage my fellow veterans to strongly consider a second career as either a paid responder, or a volunteer in Emergency Medical Services and in the Fire Service.Volunteer & career agencies around the country are struggling to fill their ranks. You can help solve that problem!

Being involved in fire & EMS is a great way to get to know your community & it will give you that sense of purpose. It can even make that pain in the butt job seem more tolerable.

So tomorrow evening I will be back in a uniform, standing "duty" pulling 13 hour shift on the ambulance with a volunteer rescue squad. I will see an average of 8 calls in 13 hours. I will consider my duty & privledge to care for the citizens of our community knowing that along the way I will care for fellow veterans, families of active duty & reserve servicemembers, and the occassional active duty service member.

Finding a new way to serve has given me that sense of purpose that I missed. I hope you find the same!

Still Serving - Judy

[Bill C]

After 20 years of service and a 40% VA rating I find it difficult to find suitable work.
I keep hearing how company after company is Veteran freindly, all lies! I have applied for positions with many of these so called veteran freindly companies to be denied employment. They have had me file for ADA (American'd with Disabilities act0 onlt to have there coorporate flunkies decline it. It is a Scary world after retirenment, but I just keep looling and applying!
Once a soldier always a soldier!

[Rudy Gibson]

I have just landed my dream job. I work for the state and help disabled veterans find employment. I will also help regular veterans. It took me awhile to get here (twelve years) but I know the feeling of not knowing where you are headed or what you are going to do.

[Tom Hopkins]

This is to Rudy Gibson, what state do you work for? The rep I had to help me was nothing but discouraging and really provided no assistance at all. I am retired and am having a very hard time finding suitable work that will pay more than $6 an hour. I am looking to relocate to find something suitable.