Posted on Feb 9, 2015
SPC Michael Stanko
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In the civilian world do you let people know that you have been deployed or what you have done in the Military. I often find myself telling people that I have been in the Military but I tend to not go into much more detail than that unless they start asking questions. I have people that I have worked with for almost six years that have just found out that I was deployed. What have you done?
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Responses: 38
CPT Jack Durish
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Why shouldn't you tell?

This isn't the Vietnam War. We kept everything quiet because the loonies would stalk our families if we knew we were in Vietnam. They would send fake death notices and harass them. None of that is going on now, is it?

Maybe people need to know that someone is still going in harm's way. The news media isn't saying much about it. It might embarrass someone if people knew too much. Maybe We the People have a need to know.

Maybe you need to talk it out. Warriors have been internalizing their experiences as long as there have been wars. They make excuses. They want to protect loved ones. They're ashamed of some of the things they did to survive.

Internalizing issues is never good. Many people explode when they keep things hidden. Some even hurt the ones they've been trying to protect. Their actions cause far more damage than their words.

Think about it...
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MAJ Brigade Logistics Officer (S4)
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If someone asks, I'll generally tell them I deployed to Afghanistan. I rarely go into more detail than that unless I'm with other vets (at a VFW meeting, for example).
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MSgt Steve Miller
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When I first got out and for a few years that followed I wore one those retirement hats!  When it wore out I did not replace it, and I most likely never will.  Home Depot know as the 10 percent off makes a difference in GP with much as I buy from them.  TailGate Bar & Grill knows.....best chicken wings around, and I accept their discount, but that's it.  I don't tell people anything.  It only starts up the near 3rd degree question session.  I find it easier to keep my lips zipped.  
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