Medical retirement, should I be proud to be Retired?

I felt the same way when I was initially placed on the TDRL, and subsequently Medically Retired. I was planning on a 30 year career, but it was not to be.
Be proud of the service you were able to render to our country, as there are many who think the freedoms they enjoy are free. We all know that it is from sacrifice by the few of us that do serve, that we are a free nation. Stand Tall Sailor!

You're damn sure should be proud! I retired at 20, but don't let the years get you down. You served proudly and gave it your best.Welcome to retirement and you have 100% of my respect shipmate.

I too was medically retired, with fewer years than you, and struggled for quite a while with the same questions. Fortunately, I was under the care of an incredible colo-rectal surgeon who told me that I had no reason to be ashamed or feel guilty for not completing my "20". He said the system is there specifically for servicemembers like me, who become "unfit" for active duty through no fault of our own. For me... he would say (even to this day) that I got the really "short end of the stick".

Thank you for your service. Being proud is one thing, which you should be. Terminology is another. The question is, do you get retirement benefits? If not, you are medically discharged not retired. Does not mean you can't be proud to have served.

Hi, Michael! Retiree is retiree, regardless of the source. Once you are retired, you are a Navy Retiree, so go ahead and wear that hat. The Navy made the decision for you to retire, not you, so be proud of your service and continued service to veterans.

Mr. Little,
I find myself in the same quandary.
I served 7 1/2 years, was going to make it a "career", but in the middle of my tour, I started getting sick.
They thought I had a stroke, because of 1/2 my face went numb, lost my eyesight and gait was like I was drunk.
They rushed me to Queen's Hospital in London where they gave me a primary diagnosis of a demyelinating disease of the brain. They sent me to an Air Force hospital for a spinal tap ( they were unable to drawn any cerebral spinal fluid ), so they Medevaced me to Bethesda Naval Hospital.
To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I am a 100% Service Connected Disabled Veteran. I thank GOD every day I got sick while I was in the Navy, for ONE of my Rx's cost $18,000 a year. I was on that script for 5-6 years before I had 7-8 Heart attacks at 45 over one weekend!!!! Dummy me, I thought I was having heartburn....So I drive myself to the VA, describe my symptoms, and they call a code on me! Five minutes later I was in the heart lab......
It pains me that I could not fulfill my life to the Navy.
I still think about it every day, the good, the bad and all the inbetween ....
But I AM proud that I did serve. I only wish I could still serve.
Sorry for rambling on.......
Thank you for your Service Sir!
God Bless you and your wife, and God Bless the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Anybody that serves and survives should be proud and content, regardless of the circumstances, as long as one served honorably. Arlington Cemetery and many graveyards all over the World and USA are full of people that didn't survive, and made the ultimate sacrifice. So to live and be able to tell about it is an achievement to be proud of. All gave some, some gave all.

I was in for less. I am 70% service connected and Honorably Discharged. My team was the best in the wing. I am DAMN proud. This pride isn't measured by a calendar. Neither is valor, dedication or honor.

What does the DD214 say? You a screw up? I really doubt it - so be a retired VET! You did your job to the best of your ability. Not your fault you get a med retirement. Just be glad they are taking responsibility for the way you are now. Get out and enjoy life after service.

If you are medically retired then you are retired. The only people that piss me off are the guys who put in four years that claim there retired.