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Posted on Nov 26, 2014
SPC Joseph Fisher
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I have always wanted to join the military and when I finally was able to I only served 15 months before getting discharged from the ARNG because of a knee injury. I at times think that I am not worthy of a Veteran title knowing that many of you spent 20 plus years serving your country. So I just wanted to get the members perspective on this topic. And as Always I thank you for your service...
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Responses: 24
1SG Steven Stankovich
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15 months, 15 years, 35 years... SPC Joseph Fisher, you stepped up, took an oath, and served your country. That is something to always be proud of and something that I am sure every member of this site is also proud of. Only 1% of our population serves out Nation. Be proud to be part of that fraternity.
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GySgt Thomas Beran
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Look you intended on serving the whole time and got injured. Nothing to feel guilty about. If you were kicked out after a year because you did something wrong that would be different.
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SPC Joseph Fisher
SPC Joseph Fisher
11 y
Yes sir, I fully intended to fullfill my obligation.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
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Look how many senior leaders are saying you're a veteran.
There's your answer ;)
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
11 y
Yeah! Michelle has a new picture! We miss you kiddo!
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What are your thoughts on a member serving just over year?
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SPC Joseph Fisher. I've seen enough troops . . . volunteers and draftees . . . fresh out of training . . . in country . . . become WIA / KIA within a few days . . . so it is not a matter of the time served . . . it is a matter of conscientiously doing your duty to best of your ability. Whether cook, accountant, logistician, LRRP, or fire base officer . . . doing your duty makes you a veteran. Warmest Regards, Sandy
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Edited 11 y ago
You stood, up, raised your hand and swore to defend this country. That's more than 99% of this country can say. Injury or not, deployment or not, you are part of the few, "The proud few" SPC Joseph Fisher. You are among family here.
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Sgt Packy Flickinger
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I'd say your knee can't wear the title but the rest of you can. ;) Feel proud in calling yourself a vet.

Dang knees, seems they get to most of us sooner or later. Most people sidelined in boot camp was because of knees.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
11 y
I am an absolute freak of nature. I was mechanized, cav, and lived in the dirt. Ran thousands of miles and got put through the wringer. The only thing that held up were my knees. Now that I am done, they are starting to hurt. I agree though, our knees are not fans of serving our country.
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Sgt Packy Flickinger
Sgt Packy Flickinger
11 y
Excess synovial fluid aspiration. The thought of it makes me cringe like a spinal tap TSgt J.D. Hall Go easy on what's left of them.
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PO1 Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist
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SPC Joseph Fisher I don't think many will say you are NOT a veteran - unless the knee injury was self-inflicted. My question is: have you gone to the VA for followup and rating for your injury?
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PO1 Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist
PO1 (Join to see)
11 y
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas The key is to get an advocate - be it DAV, VFW, Ameican Legion, etc. and apply for disability thru the VA!
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SPC Stephanie Oanes
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You're still a veteran. You stood up, raised your hand, and said an oath. You also made it through BCT and AIT as well! What boils my blood, is some people who make it through the first few weeks of BCT and get kicked out, and still think they're a veteran. To me, you're not on veteran status. I didn't spend 20 years in the Army, I did 8 and had to medically retire because of my back injury, but I'm still a veteran. (feels so weird saying that!)
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PFC Zanie Young
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SPC Joseph Fisher, I served just under 2 years and earned the title "Veteran". As a lot of folks are saying, "If you survived Basic Training and AIT, you are one of the few". I had a bum leg in AIT myself, and the job I had while waiting for my leg to heal and my orders to be cut was to "process out the quitters". You didn't run into people like me, so you qualify as one of the few. So don't think of yourself as unworthy. You are one of us!
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SPC Joseph Fisher
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Edited 11 y ago
Thank you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever that may be.
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