What has been the most challenging part of your retirement?

Change. Not having the usual same ol same ol crap. Having to pick out clothes (if I could go to work in ACU's I would...be cheaper on dry cleaning), and adjust to knowing I have to be a person I haven't known in over 20 years.

Civilians

I miss being part of the "real military". I hit MRD with the National Guard in great shape just before 9/11 and saw all the units mobilizing over the next several years. Most people tell me I'm lucky with that timing. I wanted to really be part of it. I am very active with military youth organizations and veterans and military associations. Still not the same thing! I am still (14 years later) in great shape and feel have I had a lot to contribute. As I stated in another post, I think it wrong to end it all abruptly. I think that retirees (especially RC grey-area) should voluntarily be accordied some form of participation status.