Medical retirement, should I be proud to be Retired?

I made it to almost 35 years and now I'm a 100% disabled retiree. I am proud of my service and thankful for my retirement. Like you, I would have stayed longer if they would have let me. Be proud Sailor.

Yes, just like everything else we are required to do. Its called: "Personal Responsibility"

I fought the medical board for four years. Finally after I had to have surgery to have five vertebra in my neck fused (from a combat related injury) I gave in, but submitted the paperwork (with recommendations from two O-6s and one O-7) to stay in until my 20. They didn't even look at it and retired me with 19 years. I get retirement pay, but only about half of what I'd have got with 20. Be careful what you agree to and what you sign. But if the Navy wins and medically retires you - be proud! Wear the Navy Retired hats and shirts. You served your country! And that is more than a great majority of Americans can say.

I was involuntarily, medically retired at 19 years. I wanted to stay, but... If you received orders that state "retired" - yes, you should be proud. You served. That is more than the majority of Americans can say.

PO2 (Join to see) Yes, you earned the title retired. In your case through service connected injuries, but retired you are. When you obtain your retired identification card it is no different than a length of service retirees card. You have pride in your service and that pride should carry over. I understand, more than I may be willing to acknowledge, the loss you feel of your career not ending at 20 years of service, but you served with honor, were injured with honor, dedication to mission, and will be retired with honor and dignity. It's not dumb at all. In fact it is a cycle of grief over the loss of your 20 year career. Were the hat or shirt, you earned it. Have your email say USN (Ret) you earned that too.

Bro, you either need to pick your head up high or hang it low and push....do lots of them. You are a Vet in every sense of the word. You didn't decide the Navy wasn't for you, your medical condition decided you weren't fit for the Navy. You are part of an exclusive club....less than 1% of America has served, and that number drops to those who have made it to retirement. You're a Sailor and your oath of enlistment doesn't stop the minute you take that uniform off. Trust me. I was med boarded with less than two years to 20. It's a hard pill to swallow, but look at the uniform fondly. I even put it on time to time to remind me I did good, where my heart lies, and that's it's not over. Now my job is to mentor others and make their lives better or help them through the med board process if I can. The struggle is real, but the reality is so much better.

PO2 (Join to see)

Congrats brother! Be proud! I am sorry you were unable to reach your personal goal of reaching 20 years, but things happen that are out of our control! Be blessed brother and wish you nothing but success in all that you do after you get out!

I think the answer is a resounding yes, PO2 (Join to see). You may not have served 20 years, but you certainly gave more than "just" time to the Navy and the defense of our country. Kudos to you, thank you for your service. I say, wear those retired Navy clothes, the hats, the T-shirts, and the title proudly!

Yes, be proud you earned it, thank you for serving!

I'm confused. Unless you are wearing medals that you didn't earn or claiming an affiliation to schools you never attended, how could this be Stolen Valor?