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Posted on Jan 1, 2015
Do you ever miss Christmas for military obligations?
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In 7 years of active duty, I missed 2:7.
As SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS reminds me that USMC stands for U Suckered Missed Christmas! If you missed Christmas, how many did you miss? Post your response in ratio form like I did above.
It's the little things that we do without....the large and the small sacrifices that make us appreciate it so much more. Thank you for all the Christmases you missed.
As SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS reminds me that USMC stands for U Suckered Missed Christmas! If you missed Christmas, how many did you miss? Post your response in ratio form like I did above.
It's the little things that we do without....the large and the small sacrifices that make us appreciate it so much more. Thank you for all the Christmases you missed.
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 10
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5/22 Chrismas missed. Honestly, however, missing Christmas is just a small piece of the picture when compared to anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and other significant events or the more important numbers of total time away from family. For example, I have been physically away from my wife of 19 years about 22% of the time (little less than 5 years), my 13 year old daughter 35% of the time (4 1/2 years), and my 11 year old daughter 30% of the time (3 1/3 years). Christmas is one day, months and years away add up over time and, especially with young children, can never be made up.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
That probably brings a tear to many of us Sir. That is a serious break down of lost time...and you are still with your understanding family. There is hope for the rest of us. Thank you for your time away. I hope you always recognize he ones at home working 23/7 365 while we are away. We often take all the credit and couldn't of done it without their help. That's a lot of time away. I'm guessing you bought a home and decided to keep her in one location with the kids (providing stability most likely) then PCS, every two years to travel with you? That is a tough decision....for both of you.
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2:3 Christmas 3:3 thanksgivings 3:3 New Years But a lot people have missed a lot more!!!
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SSG (Join to see)
I've spent Christmas in Kuwait, Qatar, Afghanistan, Italy, and Hawaii so far. The Army has been good to me :-)
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SSG(P) (Join to see) It was all worth it. Bosnia, Iraq, Liberia, Kuwait, Qatar, England, Republic of Srbska, and Croatia. The "garden spots."
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2:4
Once while at MCRDSD and the other during deployment. Although during deployment I was lucky and spent it with my unit (versus being attached to another at the time) which was great.
Once while at MCRDSD and the other during deployment. Although during deployment I was lucky and spent it with my unit (versus being attached to another at the time) which was great.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Sergeant in four years? Congrats...and thank you for your service as well as time spent away from family...those little things can turn into big things...missed. Ie. First steps, first words, and even someone passing. Thanks for your input @Sgt Martin Valenzuela
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3:22 for me. I have been very lucky.
Locations: Camp Hansen,Okinawa
Abuja, Nigeria
USS NASSAU underway in the Persian Gulf
Locations: Camp Hansen,Okinawa
Abuja, Nigeria
USS NASSAU underway in the Persian Gulf
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
You have indeed been fortunate... LCDR Jamie Galus Thank you for the 'other' separations you have had to endure.
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COL Roger Lintz
Yes. I was deployed to Bosnia and TDY in Germany over Christmas. Luckily this was during my BK period. (Before Kids)
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I've missed 2/3. In 2012, I was on deployment. This Christmas, I was on 24-hour staff duty here in Korea.
I feel fortunate to have spent Christmas 2013 with my family. My recruiter told me I would NEVER be with family for holidays, so he was 1/3 wrong! ;)
I feel fortunate to have spent Christmas 2013 with my family. My recruiter told me I would NEVER be with family for holidays, so he was 1/3 wrong! ;)
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SSG(P) (Join to see), this is my 29th Christmas since joining the military....I have missed 9:29.
I've spent at least one Christmas in each of the following countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Germany, Bosnia, Hungary.
I've spent at least one Christmas in each of the following countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Germany, Bosnia, Hungary.
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Yep, missed it twice in the past 4 years...2011 I was in Kyrgyzstan and last year was Afghanistan.
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In 4 years of active duty I missed 4 of 4. I entered boot camp on Dec 15th. The first one was hard. After the next Thanksgiving, just another day in the life of a Marine.
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