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This thread is primarily for those of us who were medically retired against our wishes....
I had 18.5 years in and was medically retired. I was beside myself with grief, anger, frustration, guilt, betrayal,.......... the list is endless. I was always going to be a 30 yr man and even then I was going to retire kicking and screaming. I mean, I have a 24 yr old tattoo of a Bradley fighting vehicle on my arm. Serving is all I wanted to do. To get to 18.5 and NOT cross the finish line really tore me up inside.
My question is simple....How did you handle the transition? Are you still having a hard time with your feelings or have you made your peace? If you are willing, please share for the welfare of the group.
I had 18.5 years in and was medically retired. I was beside myself with grief, anger, frustration, guilt, betrayal,.......... the list is endless. I was always going to be a 30 yr man and even then I was going to retire kicking and screaming. I mean, I have a 24 yr old tattoo of a Bradley fighting vehicle on my arm. Serving is all I wanted to do. To get to 18.5 and NOT cross the finish line really tore me up inside.
My question is simple....How did you handle the transition? Are you still having a hard time with your feelings or have you made your peace? If you are willing, please share for the welfare of the group.
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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I retired this July 2014 with (20+ yrs), not the medical retirement as I had originally planned out to do and not the way I had envisioned. The primary reason I decided to retire was due to some ongoing medical issues. I felt "combat ineffective", I could no longer provide my best effort to Soldiers in my unit and it was gut wrenching. Even though my mind was able to process daily business from simple to complex, my body couldn't keep up. My leadership could see I was operating at 50% or lower, but still giving 110%. I am sure I could have pushed it further, I mean because I was already doing that anyways, putting my health more at risk, telling everyone I was ok, you know the "I'm just getting old" line.
Part of the other reasons to retire, I could no longer help make changes in the organization to make it better and I didn't have the drive anymore. It took every ounce to perform at 100%. A fellow RP member described it best "I eventually felt that it was time to think about MY morale and MY happiness. I chose to retire". I also had to think about what was best for the organization, so I had to pass the torch.
Did the whole ACAP thing, did the resumes, the job interviews, did all the right things trying to land a job while I was on transition leave and even after my final out date, still nothing, no job. I new it wasn't going to be easy but damn. So going back to college is the next step. My college credits I did have, no good, thanks to a school losing its accreditation, you adapt an overcome. If the VA decides, one day this century, I am eligible for CDRP and what I get for retired pay, I may just say thats enough for me, and just roll with the punches. I've accepted in some way and its still a struggle but I promised myself I will meet the sunrise everyday.
Part of the other reasons to retire, I could no longer help make changes in the organization to make it better and I didn't have the drive anymore. It took every ounce to perform at 100%. A fellow RP member described it best "I eventually felt that it was time to think about MY morale and MY happiness. I chose to retire". I also had to think about what was best for the organization, so I had to pass the torch.
Did the whole ACAP thing, did the resumes, the job interviews, did all the right things trying to land a job while I was on transition leave and even after my final out date, still nothing, no job. I new it wasn't going to be easy but damn. So going back to college is the next step. My college credits I did have, no good, thanks to a school losing its accreditation, you adapt an overcome. If the VA decides, one day this century, I am eligible for CDRP and what I get for retired pay, I may just say thats enough for me, and just roll with the punches. I've accepted in some way and its still a struggle but I promised myself I will meet the sunrise everyday.
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG (Retired) Garza, it takes courage to perform an honest self-evaluation. I commend you for that and for taking the "Hard Right". You are a good man for it. Keep your head up. And, look forward to the next adventure.
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SSG (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino and SFC (Join to see), thanks for the honest feedback, its the little things that keep me going
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC (Join to see) is at Landstuhl. You all did a great job patching us up when we got medevaced thru there. In early 2008 it was a madhouse! Please pass along my regards to the old timer staff and a job well done all around.
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SFC (Join to see)
Will do. Know whole heartedly we feel that it is our honor to help our Wounded Service Members.
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After 35+ yrs I still have times where I’m upset with the Army’s decision to retire me.
With a lot of work, help from friends and faith...you literally just have to move forward.
Like you I had every intention to be a 30yr man...I come from a very long line of military service.
It’s my personal belief that NOTHING happens WITHOUT a reason...keep that in your back pocket and...Drive On!
With a lot of work, help from friends and faith...you literally just have to move forward.
Like you I had every intention to be a 30yr man...I come from a very long line of military service.
It’s my personal belief that NOTHING happens WITHOUT a reason...keep that in your back pocket and...Drive On!
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ALL sometimes the unit bimbos were luck if they could poor a good cup of java. Remember that you did your best and you are marching on. Feel free to contact me for suggestions as after 32 years in uniform and seven Army civilian years they did nothing for me either!!
Mu Head is up high as I always like you did your very best. Hooah!!
Mu Head is up high as I always like you did your very best. Hooah!!
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Mark, thank you very much for your nearly twenty ‘good’ Years of military service in an MOS that you Loved. Seek assistance with the VA to seek not only a job in sane field plus seek assurance to join in the counseling that the VA provides to help you and others in a one on one or group therapy setting.
You gave a big Hooah from me for what you accomplished for yourself and your fellow Solduers and Civilians.
You gave a big Hooah from me for what you accomplished for yourself and your fellow Solduers and Civilians.
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