What defines your service?

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:15:37 -0400

I am speaking tonight at an event and I'm looking for some input from fellow service members. A lot has gone on over the 15 years of war, but the question I have is what defines our service? Is it the wars? Is it things like PTS and TBI? Is it the brother/sisterhood that stems from war? I'm hoping to share different points of view with the audience so feel free to add your thoughts.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Oct 13 at 2016 8:19 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:19:46 -0400

The determination, dedication, and sacrifice from the many. This is true for all services in my 30 + years of exeprience.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 8:19 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:19:55 -0400

Compassion, excellence.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 8:25 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:25:39 -0400

Sense of family and camaraderie, pent up frustration about injustice and wanting to make things right, and competition to be the best.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 13 at 2016 8:38 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:38:53 -0400

You could fill hours just talking about DUTY.

While we receive and have the duty to follow orders from those in our chain of command, we fight and sacrifice for those on left and right. It is with that duty that we fulfill our obligation as Soldiers to the chain of command and also to our fellow service members.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 8:52 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:52:56 -0400

Our 3 values: Honor, Courage and Commitment. Even in a time of mourning (ie rates), we still stand tall and proud for what we have accomplished in our careers.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 13 at 2016 8:54 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:54:48 -0400

For me, it's the Brotherhood. Feeling like you're a part of something bigger than yourself is a very humbling experience. Feeling like you are a part of history as you carry on the customs and courtesies of those who came before us. Becoming a Marine was the best thing I've done in my life and every day I put that uniform on was a blessing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 9:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 09:17:07 -0400

how you carry yourself and how leaders look to you for leadership, train the soldiers, soldiers will train you.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 10:01 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:01:46 -0400

The people both ours and theirs, personal relationships and impact.

Response by PFC Clint McGill made Oct 13 at 2016 10:55 AM

PFC Clint McGill — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:55:27 -0400

I believe it is the brotherhood. Being able to say that you were a part of something as great as the United States military, The lasting friendships you make with the people you serve with, and knowing that you gave up so much to volunteer. None of us were asked to serve we did it out of free will knowing that the ultimate price could be asked of us and knowing that we would pay it for the man next to us without hesitation. That is something very few people can relate to.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 13 at 2016 11:02 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:02:58 -0400

To fulfill your selfless duty regardless of why you signed up.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Oct 13 at 2016 11:44 AM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:44:11 -0400

Knowing that you are serving something greater than yourself. Not everyone is meant to wear the uniform. It takes a special group of individuals to lay their life on the line and defend something so great. it also great serving along side the greatest bad-asses in the military who looks at you not only as a soldiers but as your second family regardless no matter what boundaries that separates us.

Response by LTC Daniel Rickett made Oct 13 at 2016 1:24 PM

LTC Daniel Rickett — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:24:13 -0400

Selfless service in duty performed with honor among the best warfighters the world has known.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 1:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:44:46 -0400

Effecting change, for the better, in at least one person's life knowing they are going to do the same when they move on. Leaving a section (team, squad, department, etc) better then how I received it. Living the Core Values the best I can.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Oct 13 at 2016 2:29 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:29:57 -0400

This is a tough question. Personally I think it's two things. One is the experience I gained from the military - it's different for everyone but it no one can take it from you. Only I know what I did and how I conducted myself and the reasons why. The other thing would be knowing for one reason or another we know we are able to step up when others may not not knowing if we'd be called upon and under what circumstances. Whenever I meet another veteran it's the first thing I think of.

Response by SPC Joel Butler made Oct 13 at 2016 3:07 PM

SPC Joel Butler — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:07:27 -0400

For me, it's certainly about the camaraderie...looking to your left and to your right, knowing that those people have your back.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 13 at 2016 4:12 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 16:12:47 -0400

The absolute trust you develop with your unit,have never felt it again,will never feel it again,the Bond,the Brotherhood.

Response by SGT Robert Williamson made Oct 14 at 2016 9:12 AM

SGT Robert Williamson — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 09:12:49 -0400

To me, my service was defined by Honor and every aspect of the word. Simply put, putting others before myself. From my battle buddies to American citizens to foreign civilians. Since I was a kid all I ever wanted to do was save lives and prevent evil from creating tyranny as well as terror. My service allowed me to do that. No matter the governments reason for being there, every soldier has their own reason. That was mine. Now as a veteran, I have subconsciously taken the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained through my service and have applied it to my character. I still just want to save lives and help improve the lives of others. One thing we all (as soldiers) have in common is that we want to save the innocent and kill or at least bring justice to the bad guys.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Oct 14 at 2016 10:56 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 10:56:38 -0400

SGT Ben Keen, in CSM Michael J. Uhlig's response he mentions DUTY. SGT Robert Williamson refers to HONOR. That sounds awfully familiar to me! Look at General Douglas MacArthur's "Duty, Honor, Country" speech that he gave to the USMA Corps of Cadets in 1962. Perhaps there are a few pearls of wisdom within that may help you with your presentation. Best of luck. I know you'll do well.

Response by TSgt Mike Graham made Oct 16 at 2016 3:57 AM

TSgt Mike Graham — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 03:57:22 -0400

Being the son of a retired First Sergeant made me realize at a young age that there was nothing more important than honor to one's self and to one's country. The commitment to be nothing but the best in whatever you do secures your place among great men and women that have preceded you. And for such there is no substitute.

Response by Erika H.S made Oct 16 at 2016 7:49 PM

Erika H.S — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 19:49:26 -0400

Just I am who I am and how I feel

Response by CPT Earl George made Oct 18 at 2016 7:20 AM

CPT Earl George — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:20:34 -0400

The fact that I gave of myself life so many others regardless of branch of service, time of service or MOS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 7:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:27:35 -0400

SGT Keen: You touched on a lot of it my friend. I believe there are several quotes that truly define our service in a short sentence.
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." - Albert Pike (1809-1891)
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G. K. Chesterton
And finally, "The future of our Armed Services and the future of this country will be integrally linked with how we take care of our Veterans." - George Washington

Good luck in your talk! - Top

"A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple that comes back to you!"

"The future of our Armed Services and the future of this country will be integrally linked with how we take care of our Veterans." - George Washington

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G. K. Chesterton

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made Oct 18 at 2016 7:40 AM

MSgt Jeff Greene — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:40:27 -0400

It's more than the brother/sister hood. It's love of country and the desire to serve. Some people join for the benefits (education, full time employment, travel, excitement, etc). The rest of us join because we believe that our freedoms are worth fighting for and we are willing to die if necessary to defend those freedoms. Many of our comrades have done just that and we owe them gratitude and the willingness to make the same sacrifices if need be. I would go back in uniform today if asked and I've been retired for 25 years.

Response by Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns made Oct 18 at 2016 7:48 AM

Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:48:58 -0400

What defines my service are the lessons that I learned during my services. The lessons that now shapes my personality, my profile and my politics. Lessons like the true meaning of life, the real importance of self, how the mind truly works and the wisdom that comes from war.

Response by SrA Chris Hunt made Oct 18 at 2016 9:22 AM

SrA Chris Hunt — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:22:07 -0400

For myself I would have to say the bond you form with others that have "been there". Running into someone twenty five years later and being able to pick up again like it was only a week ago that you last saw each other. There is nothing better than the brotherhood and bonds that form from service together. The honest feeling of service before self and knowing without a doubt they have your back and you have theirs.

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Oct 18 at 2016 10:42 AM

PO2 Gerry Tandberg — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:42:16 -0400

As a non-combat serviceman, I'd say this was a period in my life of maturing and learning to work as a team member. My grade-point average was less then stellar when I joined the Navy as a 17 year old. The Class A schools provide an excellent knowledge base as I became proficient in the practical theater. I also learned to respect the knowledge of senior NCO's, and in return I was given responsibilities that instilled pride in myself, team members, and what we accomplished.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Oct 18 at 2016 10:54 AM

SFC Derrick Graves — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:54:45 -0400

I think my service was defined by "Providing The Strength" as a military recruiter to ensure the organization had a foundation of young raw talent to be groomed as future leaders in the National Defense effort of the United States!

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Oct 18 at 2016 10:57 AM

SSG Wayne Wood — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:57:42 -0400

This may be late and there have been a lot of good comments, but for me it all boils down to the fact I made a difference - no matter how small a part I played. Ronald Reagan, in 1985 made the statement, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.” With all due respect to my brothers and sisters in the Marines, the same thing can be said, more or less of all who serve in uniform, be it military or even policemen or firefighters.

Some of us were called upon in our service to do great things, often we were called upon to do the most mundane and often inane. But just by getting up in the morning and putting that uniform on we made a difference - no matter how large or small - just by being there and being willing and able to do what we were called upon to do to protect our way of life.

That's something you don't get in many vocations - and for me, it made all the crap we put up with worth it.

Response by CPL Greg Fiory made Oct 18 at 2016 11:51 AM

CPL Greg Fiory — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 11:51:44 -0400

It's the willingness to give up all your freedoms to protect other people's freedoms. As well as the brotherhood/sisterhood that bonds everyone together.

Response by Dale Gill made Oct 18 at 2016 12:15 PM

Dale Gill — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 12:15:46 -0400

After many years have passed, I still find that service members have a special place in decisions I have made, and will continue to make.

Response by SFC Raymond Davis made Oct 18 at 2016 1:27 PM

SFC Raymond Davis — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:27:33 -0400

when I came home from vet nam it was like the world had changed and I did knot fit.
there was no PTSD then the VA had no clue I was not happy with army so I got out and had 7 jobs in six month . in ten month I was back and on my way . with my wife and army frends I got back
be me.and 20 yr later my grand son went to iran and boom it back now the VA new what too do and it working SFC Raymond Davis

Response by CPO Zack Lindsey made Oct 18 at 2016 2:31 PM

CPO Zack Lindsey — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 14:31:37 -0400

Well I went thru and looked at a lot of a few of the other replies and I like the majority of the rest of my brothers and sisters be them ARMY, MARINES,AIR FORCE, COAST GAURD NATHIONAL GAURD active duty or ret. It is the feeling we all get from not just serving that branch we are in but the HONOR yes it is or should be ( that is what I tell my son ) there is a bit of difference in are thoughts on the matter anyway the honor of serving are country and protecting your brother on your left and right cause you know they are doing the same, And when we all out in the crap none of us. Have time to think or even care about the crap going on back home cause than your family at that time is right there with you, and all of you are the SAME GREEN if that is the camo scheme of or maybe ACU OR IT MIGHT BE BLUEBEERY anyway you im certain get my drift. And if a. Lot of companies worked the same way. Well never mind all I can. Say if I could I would still be in serving this great COUNTRY YEA WE ARE HAVING A HICK UP, BUT IT CAN BE FIXD

Response by MAJ Seth Goldstein made Oct 18 at 2016 4:26 PM

MAJ Seth Goldstein — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:26:18 -0400

It has to be the mission while being forward deployed. It's the major leagues for service members.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Oct 18 at 2016 11:14 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 23:14:54 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner. What defines your service are the men and now women who you served with. Last Summer the unit I served with in Vietnam held its 50th. Anniversary of deployment reunion. There are so many people and intangible feelings they just can't be explained. Over 1,600 troopers and wives showed up. I saw men I hadn't seen in 50 years, in my case the common greeting was, I thought you were dead. I had a prosthetic eye made up with pour Regimental patch on it. outrageous to be sure and hundreds of people had to have a picture of it…Next year will be 51 years…The rest of the Army sucks.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Oct 19 at 2016 2:56 AM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 02:56:40 -0400

My particular opinion is that in an all volunteer military y'all were willing to serve your country's needs and show that you value it enough to put your very life on the line for its interests. Then add the affects that your service had on you and how you felt about whether or not it was worth it to you afterward.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2016 8:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 08:37:31 -0400

I should've joined right out of high school ('88), but kept finding real or imagined excuses not to. It wasn't until I was laid off from my civilian job (and, by fortunate coincidence, the age of non-prior service enlistment for the Army was temporarily moved from 35 to 42) that I finally took the plunge. I reported to BCT at the ripe age of 41, literally old enough to be the father of most of the other recruits. I think I was a motivational figure: never went to sick call, passed every APFT, led most of the ruck marches... The 18-yr olds were probably all, "Well, hell, if grandpa can do it..."
I love the brotherhood, talking to vets from other periods. We are family, regardless of branch, era, skin color or religion.

Response by SGT Linda Burgess made Oct 19 at 2016 9:32 AM

SGT Linda Burgess — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 09:32:46 -0400

It's the word service...the missed family events, the moving, the experiences (good and bad) a civilian an only dream about, trying to stay warm in 0 degree temps and trying to stay cool in132degree temps, eating something called food by indigenous people that we toss out or kill at home, enduring weeks at a time with NO hygiene, wearing something that makes it more than apparent you are a foreigner, trying to put on a gas mask "because the frequency of a sound" alerts you and you haven't worn one since Desert Storm, it's meandering through the warren of questions and "submit this form" that VA has, it's watching people you served with die from disease that are known about from exposure to Agent Orange or radiation or anthrax shots or any other of the myriad of dangerous items, it's trying to explain to the surviving family their loved one would not have regretted volunteering.
Hope this helps.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2016 10:46 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 10:46:35 -0400

I think, without a doubt, it is the brotherhood. The sense of working together toward an important mission and the comaraderie that develops is hard to replicate elsewhere. I've heard it/read about it from WWII guys. There is an instant bond when you meet a fellow vet.

Response by SPC Barbara (Crocker) Carlson made Oct 20 at 2016 4:45 PM

SPC Barbara (Crocker) Carlson — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:45:49 -0400

The brotherhood/sisterhood of being a part of the military -- regardless of whether in active war time, combat, etc. Even Vietnam Era and Cold War engendered 'esprit de corps'

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2016 5:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 17:51:36 -0400

I tell you what man, this is one of the best questions I have ever read. I don't think anyone can just come up with a out of the back pocket answer for this. Regardless of what anyone would contribute to this answer brotherhood and sisterhood and is at the top.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 8:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 08:43:24 -0400

It's combat for me to be honest. The brotherhood is tight when your in but as you ETS it means nothing

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 25 at 2017 5:54 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:54:53 -0400

I'd like to reiterate what the other fellows said! Well done guys and gals!