Posted on May 17, 2015
LTC Gavin Heater
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Have you ever had a co-worker refer to your service specifically, and call into question your loyalty to the company, your service to the nation or even your patriotism? I had an instance ten years ago where an otherwise mild mannered older female co-worker called me a traitor. I approached her, asked her why, took the steam out of her argument, and explained why this was not the case. We never really got along again. I imagine this was prevalent amongst Vietnam Veterans, but this was the first and last time I experienced it. So...what are your examples?
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Responses: 19
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Edited >1 y ago
I was called out in a meeting by my "supervisor" (I use the term loosely because he was a complete dickhead) and he told those present that it's a good thing I was deploying at this time (2005) so the company could save money by not having to pay my salary. I just sat there in utter disbelief at what I just heard, trying to come up with a snappy comeback. My eventual response was, "There are some people who defend the flag and some people who wipe their ass with it. I know where I stand. Apparently I now know where you stand!!"

"Oh, you misunderstood what I meant" was his response as he tried to backpedal for the next 5 minutes.
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LTC Gavin Heater
LTC Gavin Heater
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Quick witted retort on your part. Sad that his opinion was likely not unique.
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Capt Retired
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I was told I shouldn't be paid as much as I was because I already had retired pay from the military. They included my boss who was a retired Army major.

At the time I was a gray area retired Reserve who was waiting to age 60 to draw pay and medical benefits.

I will refrain from repeating my comments to her.
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Capt Retired
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Yeah, I noticed that
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LTC Gavin Heater
LTC Gavin Heater
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I am still Gray Area myself. My Boss thinks he should get back at least 10 hours a week more from me than when I was on Reserve Status. I often comply, but because I want to versus I have to.
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Capt Retired
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My one boss bragged that he gave me two weeks for annual training without charging me vacation. I was not paid for those two weeks. I reminded him that what he did was required by law. It was my shortest ever civilian employment. But, my exit did not involve the military requirements.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
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I’ve heard that before and it is BS.
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SPC Charles Brown
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Was told that my military service not worth anything because all I did for 9 years was suck sergeant's. My response, let the fight begin. Fortunately this comment was made at a party and not at work or someplace public. I lost a tooth, broke 3 fingers, and wound up with a black eye. His damage was somewhat worse than mine. Never make a comment about the military service that you won't be able to defend after it is made.

Was I right or wrong doesn't/didn't matter to me. I stand up for my service, my brothers and sisters in arms no matter which service they are in.
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LTC Gavin Heater
LTC Gavin Heater
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I think your actions sound appropriate considering the audience and the circumstance. Too bad you had physical reminders of this ridiculous challenge to your service.
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SPC Charles Brown
SPC Charles Brown
>1 y
LTC Gavin Heater

As we who have served know, somethings are worth fighting for, no matter the painful reminders we walk away with.

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca

On that night he let his bulldog mouth overload his chihuahua ass and I shut him up at both ends. Still waiting to get my boot back from him. lol
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
>1 y
Violence never solves anything...but sometimes is sure makes one feel pretty good! To bad you broke bones on his face.
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PO2 Skip Kirkwood
PO2 Skip Kirkwood
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I disagree. I've seen lots of issues resolved by violence - international as well as interpersonal. It is the business that we military folks are in!
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