Do Military Retirees (specifically over 20+ yrs) share a stronger bond when compared to bond with other veterans of their specific service?

GySgt John O'Donnell — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 16:50:09 -0500

As a Marine I share a special connection with all those that have earned the title. "Once a Marine, always a Marine" was ingrained in me from the moment I entered the Delayed Entry Program, and I am proud of the camaraderie I share with my brother and sister Marines from every era. In my opinion, the "Marine" connection can be tangibly compared to siblings of different age groups being raised in the same house, young or old, they are family forever.
That said, now that I have been retired for just over 3 years now, I have enjoyed the pleasure of multiple interactions with many fellow retirees from all branches of service. During these occasions I always feel a surreal intangible connection as if I'm meeting a long-separated twin brother/sister whom was raised in a different household but lived the same life. To me this connection goes beyond the esprit de corps I share with my Marine family. No matter the era, occupation, background, rank...this "kinship" is more powerful than can be explained. Even on Rally Point I sense this connection. Have other "Retirees" felt this? And if so, how can we use this "bond" of loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice to a greater means for the betterment of our Nation, not just with words...but with action?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 7 at 2016 4:55 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 16:55:15 -0500

I have made many friends with USMC veterans and have several USAF and a couple US Navy veteran friends but the vast majority of my friends [outside RallyPoint] are Army veterans and currently serving Army soldiers GySgt John O'Donnell.
Most of my veteran friends are my age or older and we share common interests such as love for flag and country and a common faith in Christ.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 7 at 2016 5:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 17:00:56 -0500

I am a social hermit.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 7 at 2016 5:42 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 17:42:21 -0500

I am proud to be called an Airman...always have and always will. Just as you are proud to be called Marine. However, I have many friends from other services and although we pick at each other, we share a bond that can never be broken and unspokedly we all understand that. I agree with you on the kinship. It is a brotherhood that goes beyond uniforms and specific missions. It is a kinship forged through similar but different experiences as we all walked in voluntarily to a recruiting station of some kind whether it be enlisted, academy, ROTC, or OTS and signed up willing to give the full measure and that bond cannot ever be broken. Together we can offer a lot through mentoring younger men and women on service, integrity, and excellence...because we have all lived it.

Response by SGT Joseph Clark made Mar 7 at 2016 6:52 PM

SGT Joseph Clark — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:52:36 -0500

The strongest bond will always be with those that fought together.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 6:57 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:57:12 -0500

I was thinking about this very topic just this past weekend, GySgt John O'Donnell!! I guess great minds think alike.

Seriously, though, I was contemplating the difference between being a veteran and being a retiree. There's something special about being a retiree. No disrespect to non-retiree veterans, but I spent most of my adult life in the Army. That's a game changer, IMHO. And I continue to serve as a DA civilian. I hope to make my entire career consist of nothing but military service and service to the military. And I guess there's something to be said about that.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 7 at 2016 6:59 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:59:39 -0500

Kind of with anything. a longer shared experience would mean a potential to find more common ground. I have found out I am closer to Marines that I have actually served with than Marines that the only common factor with thenm is retirement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 7:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:06:18 -0500

I believe it's a common ground that all Retirees have. They are all retired, I would say a majority are Sr Grade so hence another bond. So to me yes there is a intangible there. I have numerous friends that are retired military (all services ranging from E-7 to O-6). I'm the only one that is still serving (at least for another 72 days). The advice and mentoring I've gotten from them is outstanding, and a down to earth no BS way of doing it. Regardless of service we all have so much "common ground" from deployment stories, leadership stories, etc it's like a family reunion when we get together. Yes we do have the service rivalry that is pretty vicious lol, and apparently draws a crowd when we commence "festivities". I have 1 friend that is the only retired Navy amongst us that usually bears the brunt of it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 7 at 2016 7:17 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:17:00 -0500

Only if someone from another service is around. Then the inter-service rivalry jokes fly and the civilians are confused.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 7:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:25:33 -0500

I believe it depends mostly on the individual. In general I would say yes. We can only speak for ourselves. For me the combined 11 years I served RA and AR will be part of me forever. My comrades I served with I will never forget, although most of the soldiers in my era of service went our different ways when we got out.

Back then electronic communication wasn’t as good as it is today; there were places like telephone cities and stuff like that. Who knows? If I went the distance I probably would still be in contact with some of them.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 7:25 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:25:56 -0500

I think the only difference between any vet and a retiree that I see is that I might run into the latter when visiting the base.

As others have clearly said, I thinks vets have a respect for each other that bonds us.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Mar 7 at 2016 7:28 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:28:29 -0500

Absolutely & I come from an all Navy family where just about all of my uncles and cousins were in the Navy & each has said the Marines have a very special relationship with each other that they don't have. I think it is just having the title "Marine".. Our Battalion XO at Parris Island tried to explain this special relationship among Marines that other services don't have but it went over the top of my head. He said "You now have earned the title "US Marine" something no one can take from you and you will have it for the rest of your lives"..Others do not have this Esprit de Corps, that Marines have"..and some salty, old Jarheads like me believe we will have it if and when we go to heaven..& are assigned guard duty there. I have lots of guard duty experience but not sure that will be enough to get me into heaven.. ?? So I'll have to wait and see on that one..

Response by SGM Robert Speakman made Mar 7 at 2016 7:37 PM

SGM Robert Speakman — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:37:23 -0500

I think so

Response by TSgt Anthony White made Mar 7 at 2016 7:41 PM

TSgt Anthony White — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:41:50 -0500

I think there is a special bond with retirees, no matter what branch. But also I think there is a stronger bond amongst retirees, those that have done the same career field (any branch). I'll us my field of aircraft maintenance for example, we lived the same life basically, early morning launch's, late night recoveries, scorching heat of the summer, blistering cold of the winters. We lived on the flight line. That bond is strong. And I think each one of us can understand that bond.
I would also say there is a bond with vets too, they might not have made a career out of the military but they did serve right along with each and every one of us.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 7 at 2016 8:04 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 20:04:21 -0500

Not Particularly I think. Respectfully CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R) 21 Yrs.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Mar 7 at 2016 8:38 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 20:38:12 -0500

I agree that there is recognition, acceptance, and respect between retirees. And I also sense recognition, acceptance, and respect between all veterans. As many others have said, when you put on the uniform you join the family. The difference is something like, retirees are my brothers and sisters, and veterans are my nephew, nieces and cousins. We all love and care for each other, but there is a difference in the bond. It's not really a good analogy, so I hope you all will be kind and read between the lines to sense what I am saying.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Mar 7 at 2016 10:09 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:09:50 -0500

Retirees have more time to bond and gain more stories and experiences...we can spend longer talking about the military than most people want to hear!!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 7 at 2016 10:21 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:21:48 -0500

GySgt John O'Donnell - I believe retirees are, definitely, in a "special group." Sure around 10 November, we can all celebrate our heritage. But for those that put in two decades(+), regardless of service branch, chances are greater that you've slept in the same mud with those retirees. Retirees can celebrate a kinship defined, not by the uniform you've worn but rather, by the proverbial time you've spent in the barrel. Hand salute, Gunny!

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Mar 7 at 2016 10:25 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:25:39 -0500

I always feel a connection between me and my fellow retires. But I must admit hanging out with a fellow chief,well it just doesn't get any better then that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 10:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:44:22 -0500

I honor my prior service Marines who are serving in the Guard and Reserve. I give them the respect that they are 'once a Marine and always a Marine' as well as Soldier. I honor the USMC as well and i realize they are not the Army but their diversity is good. We, the USAR and the Army National Guard Reservist (Speaking as a 22 year veteran of both the Guard and Reserve) share a lot in common and respect the differences too. I acknowledge all who have served from WW2 and on. We are all on the same team, same fight. I also give credit to the Active Component and Reserve Component Retirees and retirees from all the services- Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, NOAA and any other uniformed service I have not mentioned.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 7 at 2016 10:49 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:49:59 -0500

GySgt John O'Donnell I would say yes, absolutely.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 7 at 2016 11:31 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 23:31:10 -0500

GySgt John O'Donnell "Twenty" is a long time. Anyone who has done their 20, is entitled to respect. So many people say/,used to say, "I would have my twenty years in if I had stayed". Yep, they just do not realize how long twenty years is, and the stress and turmoil in a person's life during that 20!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 11:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 23:37:55 -0500

My uncle served in Vietnam and later went on tours of Cam Rahn Bay years later. I am not sure what unit he was from. He was a Signal Officer with a unit out of Camp Pendelton. I have been at Camp Tellega if I am spelling it right. He was a 2Lt or 1LT then deployed to Vietnam in 1965 or 1966. He was one of the first to fly in by C-130. He served his 1 year and got out as CPT in 1969. He was spit upon by stupid-druggie hippie types when he came back. He was upset about that. He later became a Superior Court Judge in San Francisco. He passed away in 2008 just before I deployed to Afghansitan.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Mar 8 at 2016 12:13 AM

SFC Derrick Graves — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 00:13:37 -0500

The author's comments regarding retiree camaraderie has much merit. For me as a retiree I feel it goes back to the one common denominator that we (retiree's) share as a group which would be the "oath of enlistment". I remember when I enlisted in 1980 and processing thru the MEPS and there were personnel from each branch assisting ever individual thru the medical/administrative with the exception of the small amount of time that was spent with the counselor for each branch towards the end of the day. But what was memorable to me is when every person that was enlisting that day went into a big room and there was an officer standing at a podium and you looked around and saw all these individuals knowing some were going into other branches, but the officer never singled out a specific branch of service. He gave us instructions that we all would repeat after him together the "oath of enlistment" into the Armed Forces. Then once we all went into active duty to our specific service we had to recite that same oath every time to reenlist for another term of service. As retiree's we've had the unique privilege of repeating the oath on average 4 times or more in order to obtain retirement eligibility (including medical retirement) from the military not the individual service. As I look at a copy of my retirement orders it has the following: You are released from active duty and, on the date following, placed on the retired list. The people of the United States express their thanks and gratitude for your faithful service. Your contributions to the defense of the United States of America are greatly appreciated (I would assume the same wording applies to orders from each service)!
Which makes us a unique small percentage of men and women who endured the sacrifices of family and physical harm to ensure the American way of life continues to lead the way for the rest of the world to follow. Now with that said I think a lot of what I've written above is overshadowed by the pride that is instilled in each of us to represent our individual branch of service (which is complicated more by someone who has served a term in two services) through years of indoctrination and historical traditions. My thanks to each of my fellow retirees for their service-:)

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 8 at 2016 9:09 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:09:56 -0500

I run into other retirees while on the road all the time. We almost always have a short conversation. It is anotger level of brotherhood.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 5:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 05:09:28 -0500

I think a part of the retiree bond is that unless the retiree is very old, like a WWII era retiree, the chances are good that your time in service will have overlapped with a portion of the other retiree's time in service. So you have a common frame of reference.

Response by CDR Dan E. made Mar 10 at 2016 11:16 AM

CDR Dan E. — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:16:33 -0500

Well said, Marine. I concur with everything you described. I will have to give some thought to your question about how to leverage this bond into a greater cause.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 10 at 2016 11:47 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:47:59 -0500

What I notice is being a 32 year guy is whenever I talk with a one and out from my generation, there doesn't seem to be much to talk about except what it was like when we first got in. It isn't a respect issue for me, just limited subject matter.

Response by CMSgt Scott Haskins made Mar 10 at 2016 3:22 PM

CMSgt Scott Haskins — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:22:08 -0500

I strongly agree with this. It has been 3+ years since I retired. I am in commercial sales and I run into a lot of 30 year retirees in my job. Regardless of branch of service there is an instant connection. Although we wore a different uniform we faced the same challenges when it came to dealing with the responsibilities we had as senior leaders. I don't get this same feeling when dealing with people who have never served.

Response by SFC James Himes made Mar 25 at 2016 9:39 PM

SFC James Himes — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 21:39:25 -0400

As a side note there is a similar situation when talking about combat veterans and those who never were in a combat zone. Though I volunteered for an assignment in country during 'Nam and also as a logistics for Desert Storm the military had other designs for me. Did 22 years and always will have that small nagging question in the back of my brain of never having been in combat.

Response by SGM Robert King made Mar 29 at 2016 7:23 AM

SGM Robert King — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:23:00 -0400

There is a connection. I see and talk to big majority of guys I worked with who are retires. Most of them are Senior grade from E7 to O7. We get together once a month for Breakfast and average around 21 guys who show up. We were a tight unit and still are tight in retirement. I am blessed to be a part of it.

Response by GySgt Steven Hedges made Apr 12 at 2016 4:00 AM

GySgt Steven Hedges — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:00:51 -0400

it is another BIG commonality

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 15 at 2016 11:12 AM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:12:44 -0400

I would say yes because the military is something that you made a big part of your life compared to those who did 4 and got out. As a severely disabled Veteran I feel a stronger connection to fellow Veterans like me because we have more common ground beyond volunteering to join at point in our lives.

Response by SSG William Jones made Apr 23 at 2016 6:15 PM

SSG William Jones — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 18:15:09 -0400

Your comment about "Once a Marine..." made me think about an Army saying that I saw: "SINCE 1775 - There are no ex-soldiers. Our title is earned, never given... and what's earned is yours forever."

Response by 1SG John Mohon made Jun 9 at 2016 2:40 PM

1SG John Mohon — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:40:30 -0400

I'm in the "grey area" retired reserve and rarely get to see any other veterans. Once a year, my buddies and I go to Tahoe for a weekend, or we all link up at the Bn Ball, but besides that, I probably only communicate with 3-4 folks on a regular basis. That being said, I feel that MacArthur said it best, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." I think that if we have done our jobs properly, trained our replacements carefully and have contingency plans in place when we retire, we are but a ripple in the water and quickly displaced by the greater body of water. Although it sometimes feels like we weren't appreciated, I think it means the opposite - that we did a good job and our subordinates can handle things just fine.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:03:04 -0400

I feel a bond with all currently serving, honorably-discharged veterans, retirees (active or Reserve component) They all chose to serve and be subject to deployment (whether or not they actually did)!

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jun 17 at 2022 6:14 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:14:48 -0400

I'm Just A 4 Year Enlistee In The USAF,
But I Feel A GREAT Connection And Love For My Fellow Vets.
I Can't Completely Explain It Because It's From Every Part Of My Heart And Soul.
A Love The Air Force & Everything Having To Do Our Military Forces.
Although Retired For 2 Decades + 2 Years,
I Live In A Proud Air Force Neighborhood;
About 3 Miles Down Craig Blvd Is NELLIS AFB, Here In Vegas...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 17 at 2022 7:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:01:46 -0400

I appreciate any veteran who did their job well and had pride supporting others and killing the enemies from REMFs to killers. My respect goes to people who are driven by values and always did the right thing. The highest respect goes to warriors who understand what it means to cover the retreat of the unit.

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Jul 17 at 2022 1:01 AM

MSG Brenda Neal — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 01:01:03 -0400

I do see that being a retiree does change how I interact with veterans. Not from my part, however. The common questions asked are years in, MOS and where you were stationed. Combat veterans always have my respect for what they faced no matter how many years in. When I tell other veterans I'm retired I get a sense that they feel they are less for not staying in themselves, telling me the reasons they are not. Being female, I feel a bond with others who have retired, perhaps it's intimidating that I did chose the military for a career and I attained the rank that I did. My second career was homesteading my 160 acre ranch with cattle barons all around me looking to see how I would fail. I didn't. I hung my Retired Army MSG banner on my gazebo and my cows were resting all around me. They raised Angus for profit. I raised longhorn for pets! I just had to brag a little :) I pioneered a lot areas for women during my career, so it was fun to watch the country boys trying to act tough!