How do you deal with the Military being your past life?

I was on active duty just 6 of my 72 years. That doesn't seem like much, does it? It is.

I'll never be the man I was then, but who is regardless of whether they served or not.

The truth is that I didn't think much about it until a couple of years ago when I learned that veterans were getting a raw deal from the government in general and the VA in particular. I didn't need anything from them. I've always prided myself on being independent. But, I heard a call and couldn't not answer it.

I joined the VFW and the American Legion and got involved.

It was like coming home.

I was a soldier. Hell, I am a soldier. Damn, it feels good just writing that.

I'm raising money for the Marines at Pendleton, helping feed and clothe young families while their spouses are deployed. I'm trying to help raise funds for an Iwo Jima memorial to come to the base. I visit the VA hospital. And, I'm looking for more ways to help.

I'm not looking for a pat on the back. I'm saying this only to encourage others to follow me. There's a need. It's greater than I can fill. You're needed too.

My reward is already paid. I feel like one of you again...

After I retired, I missed the army. I don't think of it as my past life, it is still part of my life, just another part.

Brother you are by no means alone.....I was 47 when I retired back in '13 after 26 years and still felt I had a lot to contribute to today's Army....unfortunately for me, I had grown too "old", with too much TIS and TIG for Big Army to pick up for MSG, I watched as those I had trained passed me by and others that had about the same TIS as I had TIG got promoted over me, even as my NCOERs still were 1-1's and I was among the best....some of us just seem to have gotten left behind....I live vicariously through my middle son now and am trying to mentor him so that he can/will surpass what I accomplished in my career.