Does anyone have a hobby that they feel has helped them since their separation from the military? I make jewelry.

TSgt Pennie Snyder — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:21:08 -0400

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 7 at 2015 2:21 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:21:44 -0400

I read and go camping to help me escape.

Response by TSgt Pennie Snyder made May 7 at 2015 2:21 PM

TSgt Pennie Snyder — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:21:50 -0400

My husband collects postage stamps and Cast iron mechanical banks. I feel that having a hobby has made our retirements from the Air Force much more enjoyable for us. Wondering what hobbies everyone else has to keep them "sane" as civilians.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 2:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:26:34 -0400

draw, paint, sports, gym. Need the creative output & the physical output. When I'm not doing one of those things my mind runs about 1million MPH.

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made May 7 at 2015 2:30 PM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:30:29 -0400

I teach and I coach now for a career....which, especially the coaching, has helped me a lot to help fill that team and comradery void.

In terms of other things I do, I do video editing, Photoshop, fishing, hunting and really any type of sports.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 7 at 2015 2:43 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:43:39 -0400

School, in a graduate program. Also riding my Harley

Response by SSgt Edward Mueller made May 7 at 2015 2:45 PM

SSgt Edward Mueller — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:45:48 -0400

I've been going to college for the last four years, and raising kids. There wasn't much time for hobbies. Now that I'm done with college, I need to find a job. Once I have a job, I think I would like to take up fishing, camping, plinking, & other outdoors stuff again with the boys.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 7 at 2015 2:56 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:56:21 -0400

My GI Joe & 12" Action figure collection. Though some think it actually makes me look insane.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 3:10 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:10:46 -0400

I work out as my goal is to be semi-sexy in my retirement :)

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 7 at 2015 3:17 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:17:21 -0400

I make Beer... and that does help to keep me sane.

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made May 7 at 2015 3:19 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:19:34 -0400

I had to give up doing mechanic work due to R.A. so I needed a new hobby. I switched from Hot Rods ( Shoe horn big motors in little cars) to Hot Rod Computers as in overclocking and upgrades. Never had a class on pc's and learned all on the fly. I bought my first pc and took it apart on the master bed then wife walked in: "What are you doing?" I told her I worked on F-15 and F-16 aircraft so how hard could a $500 pc be. lol Go figure everyone near me brings me pc's to laptops to work on or as spare parts.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 7 at 2015 3:31 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:31:08 -0400

I recently took up painting. I kind of get in a zone and the hours fly by. I also like to read. In some cases, working on any fairly complicated task helps. I'm like several people that have already mentioned their brains going 100 mph when they aren't occupied.

Of course, I also enjoy spending time with my family. That always helps.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 7 at 2015 3:44 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:44:25 -0400

Same hobbies pursued while serving, I enjoy cooking, airsoft, working out, reading, and pretending I'm a Power Ranger.

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made May 7 at 2015 4:05 PM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:05:29 -0400

I know it says when you got out, but I believe you need hobbies while in as well to stay sane, mine are playing Magic the Gathering and a game called Dice Masters.

Response by MSgt David Heil made May 7 at 2015 4:27 PM

MSgt David Heil — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:27:16 -0400

I started building and flying remote controlled aircraft in 1979 while active duty. I have continued ever since and now build and fly giant scale military fighters from World War II. Minimum wing span I build is 80 inches. I concentrate on planes from the period 1939 - 1945. This P-47 has an 82 inch span and weighs 26 pounds. It took 3 years to build and is patterned after the aircraft flown by Lt Col David Shilling, USAAF, who flew out of RAF Boxted in the UK. Lt Col Shilling survived the war and was killed in an automobile accident in 1957.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 7 at 2015 5:11 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:11:35 -0400

I make plaques for the military. Woodworking keeps me sane and allows me to continue to contribute to the military.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 5:32 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:32:00 -0400

I will tell you In 1 year six months ten days 7 hours and 44 mins to retire.

Response by SSgt Rose Ferguson made May 7 at 2015 5:44 PM

SSgt Rose Ferguson — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:44:17 -0400

Training service dogs for military veterans for different reasons. I rescued my dog but she rescues me frequently.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 7 at 2015 5:52 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:52:51 -0400

I ride or work on one of my bikes, or I build horseshoe art, or I shoot, or work on/restore cars.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 7 at 2015 6:10 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 07 May 2015 18:10:51 -0400

It's funny but you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a therapist's office. Just sayin'.....

Response by A1C Durward Scott made May 7 at 2015 7:05 PM

A1C Durward Scott — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:05:47 -0400

I like playing my Martin HD28 acoustic/electric guitar or my Gibson ES335 Electric guitar. I am the sound tech at the church I attend and have a 16 track and 24 track recorder. I record music and Sunday Sermons. My wife and I also operate the Community Food Pantry in our small town. That keeps us pretty busy.

Response by Maj Joseph Osborne made May 7 at 2015 7:20 PM

Maj Joseph Osborne — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:20:28 -0400

I'm still looking for one! I'm hoping to get into woodworking (furniture building) within the next year.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 7:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:20:33 -0400

Does drinking count?! JK. My hobbies are reading about history, visiting historical places, or just traveling!

Response by MSgt Ediberto L. made May 7 at 2015 8:39 PM

MSgt Ediberto L. — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:39:08 -0400

I did dabble in treasure hunting with a metal detector I had acquired at one of our local pawn shops. Fun, but not as lucrative as I had imagined it would be. Needless to say, i never did find Captain Morgan's buried treasure. Whole lot of pull tabs/junk. LOL! :)

Response by SSgt Marshall Franklin made May 7 at 2015 9:50 PM

SSgt Marshall Franklin — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:50:17 -0400

I am writing a book.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made May 7 at 2015 10:55 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Thu, 07 May 2015 22:55:06 -0400

Work

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 12:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 12:18:05 -0400

I've gotten back into my music production, personal training with friends, and getting my own lifts back up to par.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 3:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:13:38 -0400

Nope. Probably should though.

Insanity is pretty fun, too.

edit: I'm not being honest. My hobby is to obsessively learn everything I can about a hobby that I can't afford to participate in, then feel a deep disappointment and resentment about myself for making too little money, until the new obsession comes along.

On the list so far:
building computers
airsoft/paintball
Autobiographies
board games
camping/fishing
specific video games (repeat offender of Galactic Civilizations 2)
science-fiction books

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 8 at 2015 3:30 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:30:02 -0400

I love aquariums and blacksmithing. Thinking about getting a decent telescope next. I love astronomy and astrophysics.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made May 8 at 2015 3:34 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:34:20 -0400

music playing guitar writing songs singing put on shows at va hospitals also drawing and painting

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 3:54 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:54:24 -0400

I pedal a bunch.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 7:53 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 19:53:44 -0400

Woodworking. Post 9-11 GI bill has even helped me develop my skills.

Response by Capt Scott Gerardy made May 9 at 2015 12:40 AM

Capt Scott Gerardy — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:40:25 -0400

My wife would say my hobby is to collect hobbies. I find so many things interesting and I think I can do them all. Most recently, I restarted recurve archery, guitar lessons, acrylic painting and learning Italian. It seems the more free time I have, the more things I try to fill it up with (and the more stuff to buy). The triathlon team I am a member of even does a pretty good job of keeping me motivated to get/stay in shape.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 9 at 2015 12:51 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:51:58 -0400

Yes, I drink beer, ride my harley, work around our house, and I still work (sorta).

Response by Sgt Branden W. made May 9 at 2015 11:11 AM

Sgt Branden W. — Sat, 09 May 2015 11:11:14 -0400

Metal detecting. Takes my mind off of life for a while. 1825 large cent.

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made May 9 at 2015 5:24 PM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:24:38 -0400

I go skeet shooting always loved the range lol

Response by A1C Michael Reedy made May 10 at 2015 1:53 PM

A1C Michael Reedy — Sun, 10 May 2015 13:53:36 -0400

I build scale electric vehicles and joke with them.

Response by SrA Paul Jones made May 10 at 2015 11:10 PM

SrA Paul Jones — Sun, 10 May 2015 23:10:27 -0400

Myself and a couple family members restarted the family tabletop gaming company from the 80's. We've since published a tabletop rpg and are working to improve it for a 2nd Edition as well as get some supplementary projects together.

That's in addition to school and work.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 11 at 2015 5:01 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Mon, 11 May 2015 17:01:05 -0400

Yes. I learned by watching u tube then went online and bought the gear. It took me 14 months to clear my land. That was my not so cool, cool down period.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made May 11 at 2015 6:30 PM

MSgt Roger Younce — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:30:47 -0400

I started my own photography business.

Response by SSgt Matthew Lopez made May 12 at 2015 12:39 PM

SSgt Matthew Lopez — Tue, 12 May 2015 12:39:24 -0400

Going to the range with an ar-15 I parts built, makes me remember the 3..maybe four times I had to qual with an m-16. Also have a .40 cal berretta same styling as the m9 I used to qual with.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made May 12 at 2015 6:11 PM

MSgt Roger Younce — Tue, 12 May 2015 18:11:51 -0400

Started my own photography business.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made May 13 at 2015 8:12 AM

SFC Walt Littleton — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:12:58 -0400

Fully retired now and have a few. My motorcycle was my stress reliever. Since I moved to NC living by the water I traded my bike for a boat. Both provide me with peace.

I discovered I had a talent I didn't know I had. My wife had a very old dresser from her grandfather that was stuffed in an attic. Someone had painted it pink and it was falling apart. First I took it completely apart, stripped it to bare wood, treated the wood and put it back together. Now I seek out old treasures and do the same thing. Miss the service every day!!!

Here are some pictures. Of course I had to add the biker babes. And yes I had to pay them to take picture with me. Getting old s%ks.

Response by SSgt Michael Bergen made May 20 at 2015 12:29 PM

SSgt Michael Bergen — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:29:35 -0400

I'm a beekeeper, and that is incredibly fun. It also pushed me into carpentry and gardening. It's less a hobby and more of a money maker haha.

Response by SSgt Michael Smith made May 20 at 2015 1:03 PM

SSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:03:47 -0400

Even though I ETS'd many years ago, I have always found ways to volunteer and continue my service. Special Olympics, VFD/EMT, H4H, and my current passion is serving with Team Rubicon as WV Field Operations Coordinator. TR crosses all years of Veterans and either continues or brings back the camaraderie we all miss. Fishing, mountain biking, and spending time with my Marine Veteran son also top my list.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 20 at 2015 3:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:16:20 -0400

For various reasons, we need a constant in a sea of variables to pull and push us in the direction destined for us. Those who do not have that constant will be lost until they find theirs.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 20 at 2015 10:55 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:55:52 -0400

I work 14 hours a day most of the time...so I guess that makes my primary hobby working LOL.

Other than that, SCUBA diving, and teaching others to do it, rifle building and shooting, reading, fishing, or just plain chilling at the beach....until about September, then my Sundays are pretty much football, barbecue & beer.

Response by Lt Col Ben Beeson made May 21 at 2015 12:16 AM

Lt Col Ben Beeson — Thu, 21 May 2015 00:16:47 -0400

I took up the bagpipes and about a year and half later, I joined a pipe band. That keeps me looking forward to the part of the day when I am not working in my second career. ;-)

Response by SSgt David Love made May 21 at 2015 6:56 PM

SSgt David Love — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:56:03 -0400

I was into computers while I was in, anything electronic really, turned into a really nice career.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 7:07 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:07:57 -0400

I've really gotten into obstacle course racing. Did my third Tough Mudder and training for a GoRuck Challenge now. Brings back a little of the camaraderie and warrior spirit you might have lost after active duty.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Jun 1 at 2015 8:28 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:28:32 -0400

I grow gourds, carve them into nightlights

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Jun 1 at 2015 8:51 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:51:23 -0400

My goud carvings

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Jun 1 at 2015 8:56 PM

SPC Angel Guma — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:56:56 -0400

Learning languages and computers.

Response by SSG Linda Holt made Jun 1 at 2015 9:20 PM

SSG Linda Holt — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 21:20:10 -0400

Is this a necklace that you made? It's very pretty. Do you sell your jewelry? I tried my hand it awhile back but, I didn't sell anything. Other hobbies that I enjoy are gardening, dog rescue (not sure if that's really a hobby) and photography. They help me feel relaxed and give me a sense of purpose.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 8:59 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:59:21 -0400

I complain about civilians and enjoy my pool and hot tub.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 11:51 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 11:51:17 -0400

Yes, but nothing that requires as much skill as what y'all have posted... I build customized computers, work on my Windows server and try to find new ways to leverage my network. Then there is the PC gaming... :)

Response by SGT Alexander Hildenbrandt made Jun 2 at 2015 4:07 PM

SGT Alexander Hildenbrandt — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:07:24 -0400

I went into business for myself and it has helped me to focus and spend time with my family. Other than that fishing. LOL!

Response by SSgt Tamita Kea made Jun 4 at 2015 11:15 PM

SSgt Tamita Kea — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 23:15:12 -0400

Since I've gotten out, it's been tough for me to find employment, so I've gone back to school to finish what I've started--getting a degree in Healthcare Administration. I'm also doing work-study as well, it's pretty interesting. Other than that, I read and do house-wifey things!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 7 at 2015 9:14 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:14:48 -0400

I ride a motorcycle. Though to me it's more than a means of transportation or a hobby. It's a way of life!

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Jun 7 at 2015 9:35 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:35:06 -0400

golf

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jun 8 at 2015 12:16 AM

SSG John Bacon — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:16:34 -0400

I Build and repair Computers.

Response by SFC Chet Crowell made Jun 8 at 2015 8:33 AM

SFC Chet Crowell — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 08:33:54 -0400

Photography has helped me immensely. I photograph a great deal of sunrises and sunsets. It's therapeutic for me.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 29 at 2015 9:57 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 21:57:35 -0400

Photography. It gives me a sense of peace.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jul 30 at 2015 11:39 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 23:39:16 -0400

oil painting

Response by SPC Joseph Jones made Aug 1 at 2015 2:22 AM

SPC Joseph Jones — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 02:22:28 -0400

I goto the shooting range on a weekly basis and work out every day but sunday

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Aug 26 at 2015 5:59 PM

COL Randy Alicea — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 17:59:08 -0400

Ammo, guns, range time, hunting and fishing are my new hobbies.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 9:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:34:53 -0400

Yes lifting weights has been my constant in a sea of variables.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Aug 29 at 2015 6:52 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:52:24 -0400

I make canes for people and the wife does bead work.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Nov 1 at 2017 6:17 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:17:03 -0400

Well I collect guns and it's not my fault I always pay people exactly want they want for them. Yes I do tend to make a little profit on the ones I sell. Don't ask how much.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 1 at 2017 6:24 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:24:42 -0400

Sgt Snyder if you made this necklace you are a very gifted artist and craftswoman.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2017 1:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 01:33:44 -0400

I have actually started a non profit for veterans. here is the link.
http://www.outsidethewire.org

www.downrange.org

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Nov 10 at 2017 7:51 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:51:39 -0500

People who come out of the service have absolutely no idea how much money they can make from their hobbies and military jobs. My gunsmith came from the Army Advanced Marksmanship Unit I was wounded in action in Vietnam and over the years I have lost the strength in my left hand and he built a special tactical racker for my Combat Commander and while I don't want to be mean about it he can scratch build you a 1911 for less than you pay for a Kimber Pistol.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 10 at 2017 8:23 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:23:33 -0500

I love wildlife photography, especially birds.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 12:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 00:27:33 -0500

I think I have too many actually! Thought about putting some aside for a time! But can’t really seem to.

Artist
Photographer
Agriculture rancher
Poultry
Building inventions
Building a business
Repurpose used wood
Build stuff
Traveling
Rafting

Just a few things :)

Response by TSgt Pennie Snyder made Nov 16 at 2017 11:41 AM

TSgt Pennie Snyder — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 11:41:35 -0500

More pictures of my hobby. Would love to see photos of yours? Recently entered the Louisiana State Fair exhibitions for jewelry and one first place with the picture below of the agate slice cabochon beaded with the oak leaves and oak leaf earrings. I love this hobby, keeps me stress-free. Be sure to click on one of the photos and scroll through to see all 6.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2021 9:39 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:39:12 -0400

I like that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2021 12:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:22:59 -0400

I think I would go mad when I make that necklace.

Response by LTC Dave Leppanen made Oct 19 at 2021 1:03 PM

LTC Dave Leppanen — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 13:03:12 -0400

Playing music - keyboards, trombone, laptop. Curling.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Oct 19 at 2021 1:29 PM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 13:29:37 -0400

Besides reloading my own ammo I dabble in leather work. Mostly holsters for various hand guns and rifles, belts, wallets, purses, 3d pictures (elevating the leather giving it a 3d look.)

Response by TSgt Teresa Escarsega made Oct 19 at 2021 6:30 PM

TSgt Teresa Escarsega — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 18:30:28 -0400

That's so beautiful.

Response by TSgt William Kaelber made Oct 25 at 2021 1:54 AM

TSgt William Kaelber — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 01:54:37 -0400

I crochet.
Blankets, scarves, hats. Stuffed creatures and what not

Response by Kiorroy Roy made Sep 16 at 2022 8:07 AM

Kiorroy Roy — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:07:46 -0400

I have several hobbies which lighten my state of mind. Of course, they are all different, but this is good: it quickly distracts from bad thoughts.
I really like photography :)
I like to photograph nature and people. Sometimes I take photos of animals, but it doesn’t turn out so well yet, I am still an amateur in this .

I also do a little more with computers, helping to restore them. This is the main activity of my brother, well, it is also a good distractions.

I also like to buy new things. I like jewelry the most, every time I buy a new thing, I feel special. I buy wholesale jewelry https://www.jewelrybund.com/2-wholesale-fashion-jewelry, so it turns out cheaper, I can afford more.

These three activities help me to have fun and feel alive.

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Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 27 at 2024 1:42 PM

1SG John Millan — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:42:21 -0500

I teach basic handgun shooting and shoot recreationally. I gave 4 dogs qnd 2 pasture pet donkeys. I do home improvement religiously. VFW, USMC League, Mason, Shriner, politics and church.