Posted on Sep 5, 2015
Medical retirement, should I be proud to be Retired?
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I've served the Navy for the last 13 years. I live, breathe and die Navy. My wife and I meet in the Navy.
After going through my multiple deployments of Detainee Operations. I am going through a MED/PEB. They are going to find me somewhere from 30-100% disabled. According to my PEBLO and Navy Safe Harbor representatives Medical Retirement is going to happen, because of my "Combat" injuries, their words not mine.
Should I be proud to call myself a retiree? Is it stolen Valor to wear Navy Retired hats and shirts? I work as a Veteran lobbyist, is it ok to use the title USN(ret)?
This may all sound dumb, but I'm struggling to accept any of this and I didn't join the Navy for a Medical retirement but to retire after 20 years.
Thanks for the help!
After going through my multiple deployments of Detainee Operations. I am going through a MED/PEB. They are going to find me somewhere from 30-100% disabled. According to my PEBLO and Navy Safe Harbor representatives Medical Retirement is going to happen, because of my "Combat" injuries, their words not mine.
Should I be proud to call myself a retiree? Is it stolen Valor to wear Navy Retired hats and shirts? I work as a Veteran lobbyist, is it ok to use the title USN(ret)?
This may all sound dumb, but I'm struggling to accept any of this and I didn't join the Navy for a Medical retirement but to retire after 20 years.
Thanks for the help!
Retirement
Navy
PTSD
Disabled Veteran
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 113
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You did what most people wouldn't have, fate, decided for you what would happen, but as long as you tried, there is no fault in it. If you get discharged honorably, then job well done! The difficult part will be accepting you medical limitations and moving on.
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Its not stolen valor to wear a Navy ball cap or T-shirt. I understand your feeling about being medical retired due to myself being medical retired myself in 2004. The only difference is that I had served for 24 yrs. But at my retirement I didn't get the letter from the president of the state governor. I was finally retired from the Navy in 2008, when they removed me off the medically retired. I was medical retired at 60%. Once when though the VA it was raised to 80% and this year became 100% disabled. Make sure you go though the DAV, before you are discharged, they can make sure, that you claim everything.
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I think I see your dilemma. Using the term "retired" has never been reserved for just those who did their 20 years. While I do occassionally put the "ret" after my name on some documents, I never wear a hat nor t-shirt that mentions it, as I believe that some non-20-year veterans did more than I did in my 20, and might see it as a divider between us. We are all proud veterans, nothing more, nothing less. As well, I've never seen anyone more impressed with a retired veteran than any other veteran. It's all in your head brother. I am always sad to see a brother leave the service that would like to stay on and serve our country. I wish you success.
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As a retired CPO, I will say one thing about this, RETIREMENT IS RETIREMENT. The Navy is medically retiring you due to combat injuries, and that gives you all the rights and benefits as a retired. Don't sell yourself short. You have served your country with honor so if you want to wear a ball cap with NAVY RETIRED on it, you wear it.
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Yes, you should be proud to be a Navy retiree regardless of the reason! Using USN (Ret) is most appropriate.
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You served and sacrificed, be proud.
Also, regulations provide special consideration for the children of deceased or 100% disabled veterans for entrance to the service academies (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy).
Also, regulations provide special consideration for the children of deceased or 100% disabled veterans for entrance to the service academies (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy).
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If you are medically RETIRED, you my friend are retired. There is no shame in that, you di d what you were suppose to do and through no fault of your own you are going to be medically retired.
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Absolutely. Earned Honorably and affected by circumstances that you couldn't control. So wear that Navy Retired ballcap with pride
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Per what you explained, you have given this country most of your life and served with great honor, ld say wear that hat with pride shipmate, you have earned every letter on it and l am personally proud to call you shipmate, you have gone beyond the call of duty and still give more!
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