I don't feel like a veteran. Am I?

PV2(P) Ethan McGee — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 11:22:23 -0400

I'm currently going through the med-board process. I've been in the Army since June 2018. As part of the delayed-entry program, I didn't ship out to reception until August 2018. In November, during black phase, I broke my hip in training. I started the med-board process in April 2019. On paper, I am a veteran. However, because I didn't graduate and become MOS qualified, I don't feel like I deserve to be called a veteran. Do I?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jun 21 at 2019 11:37 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 11:37:09 -0400

PV2(P) Ethan McGee You have done more than the rest of the United States population. Do not think of yourself as any less of. You are still a Veteran who had something bad happen that prevented you from completely other items. DO NOT embellish. That, sir, is the worst thing you can do. Be proud of how much you accomplished. If someone asks, "Are you a Veteran?" Be proud, and say, "Yes".

Response by LCDR Keith Trepanier made Jun 21 at 2019 12:42 PM

LCDR Keith Trepanier — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:42:30 -0400

The only person who can answer that question is you. I know people who served their entire enlistment but don't feel they deserve the title because they never deployed. Others have deployed but don't feel they did enough to deserve the title compared to others. As you said, on paper you are a Veteran. How you want to use that title is up to you. If you don't feel comfortable using it then don't. If you want to use it in some instances but not in others that it fine too. Your average person really doesn't care one way or the other.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 21 at 2019 2:04 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:04:33 -0400

You are a veteran in every sense of the word. Let no one say otherwise.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jun 24 at 2019 1:53 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:53:56 -0400

Everyone's going to tell you something different, and you know what...their opinion, and $20 might get you a steak dinner.

The way I see it, you didn't quit or do something stupid (like illegal) ; you got injured...it happens, and that's why the training isn't anything to scoff at. You signed up, showed up, and apparently gave it all you had. I'd be proud of that...many people don't make it through the front door.

Now, it's about focusing on what really matters-what's next? Each veteran had a day when they handed in their spurs and became a civilian...trust me, there's plenty out here to apply yourself to, have honor for, and take pride in. Don't let yesterday define you, because all that really matters is today, and what you do with it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2019 8:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 20:44:23 -0500

You are a veteran if you completed IET plus 180 days at your first duty station

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2020 8:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 20:39:52 -0400

Sorry, you are not a Veteran. You are a prior service member and you did more for your country than most. You swore an oath and that in itself takes courage these days.