How has being stationed overseas or long-term deployed changed your outlook?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2015 01:50:01 -0400

Some of your high school class still lives in the same town they were born in. Their idea of "travel" is crossing the county border. Military service takes us all over the globe. I was stationed for over 5 years in Germany and 4 years in Okinawa in addition to several deployment to the sandbox and Turkey. These experiences have affected my life drastically, mostly for the better. How have your overseas experiences changed you?

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 24 at 2015 2:50 AM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Sun, 24 May 2015 02:50:38 -0400

It's a scary world out there.

And the US does not stop at the beach.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 24 at 2015 5:22 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 24 May 2015 05:22:45 -0400

It gives you an appreciation for what we have in the US, especially after going to a third world sh!t hole like Somalia. Its bad enough we have the "haves" and "have nots" in our country but if everyone could live among the "have nothings" for a time, they'd never hopefully complain again.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 7:09 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2015 07:09:37 -0400

Yup. I was almost xenophobic when I got deployed to Bosnia. I stayed on the base almost the whole time except when the CO ordered me to day a day trip to Tuzla. Had a blast. I was further enlightened when I got orders to Korea. I had more Korean friends than American after I decided to enjoy myself.

That said, after three trips to the Middle East, I think that I know what region of the world I am never returning to voluntarily.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 24 at 2015 11:14 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 24 May 2015 23:14:28 -0400

Love this picture, Flashback to the one in Adak, 1500 miles to Vladivostock, 1800 miles to Anchorage. I joined to work with Radio's and I got to do that along with Crypto Equipment. Travel was an added bonus. If you don't want to travel, Don't join my Navy, it is what we are all about. Loved Hawaii, Adak, West Virginia, London, DC, Dodge (Diego Garcia) and 2 Westpacs for all kinds of different reasons.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 24 at 2015 11:30 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Sun, 24 May 2015 23:30:11 -0400

My military service has taken me to all, but four of our 50 states: ND, SD, WY and MT. It has also taken me to: Iraq x 2, Kuwait x 2, Korea x 3, Germany x 3, Ireland, Wales, England, Czech Republic, Laos, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Phillipine Islands, Guam (UST), Wake Island (UST), and Canada. Got to Mexico x 2, and France x 2 by myself. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Always keep my Passport and shot record up to date.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 1:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 01:15:41 -0400

It has made me apprecaite being in tge United States more and it open my mind about different cultures in this world. In a way it has nade traveling and reading abkut history one of my favorite hobbies.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 1:28 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 01:28:22 -0400

Definitely makes me appreciate what we have in the US, stationed in Germany and deployed to Kyrgyzstan. My first 3 years in has been one hell of an adventure, seen multiple cultures, people from all walks of life. I feel more enlightened from the experience thus far and look forward to the next 17+ years

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 1:57 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 01:57:39 -0400

After spending almost 5 years in Germany and visiting other countries in Europe as well as being deployed to Afghanistan my outlook has remained the same. I was fortunate enough to experience Europe as a kid while my dad was stations overseas. Knowing what is out there beyond North America almost makes you crave the chance even more of seeing first hand the different cultures and all the history that we used to read about in school. I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 25 at 2015 4:23 PM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 25 May 2015 16:23:24 -0400

It makes it easier to grasp what people are talking about when they mention "first world problems ". It also makes you value the things you have or take for granted here all the more.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 21:31:40 -0400

I most definitely agree with all these comments. Living overseas creates an extensive broadening of one's views and appreciation for practically everything that is often taken for granted by those who lack the experience. Having that perspective, in my opinion, can make you a better citizen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 21:49:16 -0400

Being stationed in Germany at 18/19 years old was the greatest thing ever. I loved the old structures of buildings and everything you really don't get to see in the states. Also traveling over there was amazing. Round trip airfare from Germany to Ireland for 89 Euro isn't to bad. I'm going to try to go back out there when my daughter is a little older to be able to experience different things.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 10 at 2015 3:31 PM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:31:56 -0400

My deployments and OCONUS assignments have made me appreciate how good we have it in America.

Response by MSgt Anthony Youngblood made Feb 17 at 2016 11:28 AM

MSgt Anthony Youngblood — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:28:43 -0500

Being assigned to NATO/SHAPE and having the distinct opportunity to live in Belgium for six years was a highlight of my career and life. Before living in the economy of Europe and away from most of the influences of the USA, I was the only American in my village, my only experience was during deployments where I mostly concentrated on the mission and would venture out every so often. Afterwards, I found myself drawn more into the local culture and try to become a local.

One time in Budapest, Hungary, I was sitting on a bench waiting for the rest of the crew when a Midwest couple came up to me and asked for directions somewhere. Must have been the German newspaper I was reading, so in my worst Hungarian accent in broken English, I sent them on a treasure hunt through the streets to where they wanted to go. At that moment I realized that I was finally European living the dream. It was my ex-wife that made us move back to the states because she missed the shopping of America. I should have sent her back and stayed, I'd still be there.

I tell all the Airmen to put in for an overseas assignment and go experience another culture, it definitely makes you appreciate what we have here in America that much more. Those are memories nobody can ever take away from you. I will be back one day.

Response by PO3 Ronald Show Jr. made Nov 24 at 2017 1:33 AM

PO3 Ronald Show Jr. — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 01:33:50 -0500

They've given me a greater appreciation for life back home. Having to deal with uncertanties while being deployed overseas seemed to ramp me up a bit. Especially when your in a combat zone where things can go south very quickly.