Military Life

[J from O]

Ok, friends. This Blog is not meant to hurt anyone feelings or make anyone feel not worthy. God loves us all the same. But I thought it might enlighten those of you that don't come from a military background. This is what your son, your daughter, your husband or your wife will experience. The greatest life of all. Enjoy!

When a Military 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 the new “Retiree” knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.



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

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 the new “Retiree” throws the uniforms away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know that the very bearing of a military retiree speaks of what he was, and what in his heart, he still is.



These are the burdens of a career in the Military - you will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see, or choose to ignore, and you will always 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 past “Military” life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.



When you leave the Military service you will have had the responsibility for more dollars worth of valuable property, equipment and the lives and welfare of more people during your career than 99% of civilians will have during their entire life!

When you “retire” from a Military Career, in your heart you will never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known!

This is the part that many may not understand. Please believe me when I say that I just want you to understand where your sailor is coming from and going.

NOW! Here are a few “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.

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.



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.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...

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’d better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...


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 their life'. . .

[carols_kitchen]

Thanks for this great post! I cannot wait to share it with my sailor son. He has already expressed part of that feeling in saying "shipmates have your back."