To stay, or not to stay?

I got out at 9 years and have always felt that I made a mistake in doing so.

I run into people in my new line of work everyday that served at one point or another. Most left service before they hit 20. Without fail, everyone over the age of 40 who left service before 20 years has stated that they wished they would have stuck it out. Every single one.

I did 8 and got my EE Degree while active duty. When I got out (1985) being Active Duty was looked at as not much better than a dishwasher at Denny's (not sayingthat's bad). I also had 4 kids and ZERO money. The ONLY time I regretted getting out was when Desert Storm 1 started. I felt a little guilty then with all my traiining, etc. Since then, I have been a design engineer on mostly military aircraft and feel I have contributed much more in this role to the overall betterment of any service member than if I would have stayed in. I think it's about contributing, not just doing 20. I don't feel less American because I got out, quit ethe contrary. Just don't quit, in or out. Always look to contribute!