What did you do in the days and weeks afterward when you left the service?

2016-02-18T18:48:20-05:00

RP Members, Connections, and Friends one of those Questions that was lost in RP Outer Space, but still a great question.

What did you do in the days and weeks afterward when you left the service

Did you take a vacation?

Do you remember where you were when you left the service?

Did you immeidatley start going to school, look for a job, draw unemployment?

How did you feel?

I drew unemployment and starting looking for a job right away, while attending College immediately - I was married and had to get going!

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 18 at 2016 6:49 PM

2016-02-18T18:49:46-05:00

I went to HELL, I mean the VA

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 18 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-02-18T18:50:20-05:00

I tried to heal mentally and emotionally.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 18 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-02-18T18:55:50-05:00

In June 2008, I took my wife to Williamsburg, VA on our way to eastern Tennessee to attend a medical school graduation for a relative who had gained an additional medical specialty of Internal medicine COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I had nausea, fevers, and chills and was disoriented when we went to teh graduation ceremony. It was interesting afterwards at a reception at the relative;s home where 30 internal medicine doctors were diagnosing me and offering recommendations for treatment. Turned out I had diverticulitis.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 18 at 2016 6:57 PM

2016-02-18T18:57:50-05:00

I transferred to the Reserves in Boston Ma on Friday & the following Monday I was a Freshman at Boston College after 3 years of active duty. I called all the Jesuits "Sir" , saluted all of the ROTC Cadets, called all of the women "Ma'am and when called on in class I would stand at attention and answer "Sir" or "Yes Sir" ..finally after a few weeks it sunk in my head that I was no longer in the Marines but it was a challenge.

Response by MSG Wally Carmichael made Feb 18 at 2016 6:58 PM

2016-02-18T18:58:41-05:00

I felt awesome when I separated. I retired after 25 years of service.

When I left the service I had one boy going into the service and still had a 5 year old and a 15 year old at home. And I was married, and still am married to a wonderful woman.

I did absolutely nothing for about 3 months. Well, that's not really true. I took my boys to school, came home and got my workout in or went surfing, for my workout. Then I either answered some emails for my online health and fitness business, then either did some stuff around the house or took my lady to an early lunch and maybe walked on the beach or went to movie. The day was ours until it was time to pick the boys up from school.

I did that for about 3 months and then got a call to go do one of the many jobs I did when I was on active duty. But my life is still very relaxed. And I still have my business I operate from home. It's nice to be in a situation where I don't have to rely on an employer. I work because I want to, not because I have to. It's my goal to bring family back together by showing them what I've done to set my family up like this.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 18 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-02-18T19:03:38-05:00

I had 90 days of Terminal. I went to Base Education twice a week and took every CLEP, DSST, and Excelsior exam I could. I knocked out about 80~ college credits before I started my new job as a government contractor.

I grew my hair out to about 3.5" which was the longest it had been in 8 years. And just decompressed.

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Feb 18 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-02-18T19:08:10-05:00

When I started terminal leave I took two weeks off then started working.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 7:14 PM

2016-02-18T19:14:57-05:00

School, Gym, Blog.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-02-18T19:18:23-05:00

Sir, in June 1972, I was discharged from MCB 29 Palms. I drove to the Colorado River and swam across and back. I was quite a distance downstream by the time I swam back. I then drove to Pasadena, Texas where I would live. I took a couple of weeks off to go see my Fiancee. She ended up breaking off the engagement, which was mostly my fault. I started working as a chemical plant operator and going to college. Being kept very busy helped me adjust because I did not have time to dwell on things.

Response by SGT Ben Hilger made Feb 18 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-02-18T19:33:53-05:00

Slept in... Lol

Response by SPC Napoleon Ebarle made Feb 18 at 2016 7:57 PM

2016-02-18T19:57:28-05:00

About 6 months after leaving, I was invited to work as a consultant with the Philippine government. At the time, President Aquino's administration was one year old after the People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos in 1986. My uncle introduced me to the Director of the of the National Bureau of Investigation who then hired me as a consultant (The NBI is the Philippine version of FBI). There, I supported joint operations with the then Naval Intelligence Service (now NCIS), the US Treasury Department (Secret Service), the FBI and other US Embassy staff. From there I went on to the Office of the President. I worked there through 3 administrations (President's Aquino, Ramos and Estrada) working at the Presidential Commission on Good Government, the National Security Council, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of National Defense. Concurrently, I was also supporting US activities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia (under President's Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush Jr.).

I never thought that a 71L could go as far as I did. Because I am a US citizen, I could only be granted a contractor appointment. It was very interesting work, particularly during the Aquino years when there was a coup attempt every several months or so.

I now live a sedate life, by comparison: no more 95 hour work weeks...just 40-50 hours during 71L work. Four children and 2 grandchildren...so far.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Feb 18 at 2016 8:03 PM

2016-02-18T20:03:33-05:00

I was medically retired due to cancer. So instead of going to Iraq like I was supposed to, I had my own battle at home. I spent a lot of time at Walter Reed Medical Center (the original one). I lost my left thumb to the cancer. Being ambidextrous, I had to learn how to do many things again. I already suffered PTSD and it came back on me with a huge bang. I was in hell with the VA not having the care I needed and declaring me unemployable.
Once I was 5 years clear of cancer, I turned my world around and started helping fellow veterans. I joined the VFW, DAV, AL, but I found my calling with AMVETS. They treated me as a fellow veteran and respected me for it. That's what I have been doing since, and I love it.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 18 at 2016 8:13 PM

2016-02-18T20:13:31-05:00

I became a Navy spouse. Then, after a near-miss throat punch to a LT(jg) who couldn't stand Marines, I got a "real job" --one that I could use as an excuse to avoid the spouse-related functions. Started learning civilian and grew a goatee. The facial hair lasted about a year. Basically, I assimilated.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 9:00 PM

2016-02-18T21:00:11-05:00

Two months looking for a civilian job.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 18 at 2016 9:12 PM

2016-02-18T21:12:54-05:00

I took over 60 days Terminal leave and toured Civil War Battlefields. I grew a beard. Started working as a Pest Control Inspector 3 weeks before my terminal leave was up.
And I smoked as bit of weed to see what I'd been missing. Ends up it wasant nothing.

Response by MAJ Anne McGee made Feb 18 at 2016 9:15 PM

2016-02-18T21:15:36-05:00

I exited active duty at Fort Hood and did community theater while I looked for a job. My first job was as a Sales Rep at KKIK Radio - the start of my sales career.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-02-18T21:31:39-05:00

I am about to go through this in April of this year. I am transitioning to Washington Army National Guard. I will am and will continue to look for work, there is no time to sit down and enjoy a break. I will be looking for an entry level corporate job and will start working my way up.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 18 at 2016 9:57 PM

2016-02-18T21:57:54-05:00

I met a pretty girl 11 days before I went on terminal leave.... I ended up marrying her 4 months later, staying in Massachusetts another year and a half, and have been happily married to her for 29+ years....... Meeting, and marrying her was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 18 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-02-18T21:58:11-05:00

I had 119 days of terminal leave. I did some traveling and moved to AZ.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Feb 18 at 2016 10:18 PM

2016-02-18T22:18:26-05:00

Got a job! Isn't that what you are supposed to do? Also went back to school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-02-18T22:28:36-05:00

Sir, I will let you know in 25 years...

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 18 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-02-18T22:47:16-05:00

I took 88 days terminal leave. I had retired to So.Cal where we had been living, so didn't have the added stress of having to move. I continued job searching and networking. Also took some family road trips/vacations to Vegas/Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Mt Rushmore, trip up the coast to WA State to visit relatives while camping along the way. My three kids were on summer vacation so it worked out perfectly.

I remember feeling so relaxed that i could do what i wanted, when i wanted and didn't have to answer to anyone except CinC House of course..lol. At the same time i was also apprehensive about getting a job in a timely manner with having a family of seven at the time (wife's parents living with us). It ended up working out quite well, my retirement date was 30 Sep and i was hired by CSC about two weeks later. The year of preparation paid off, I felt almost giddy with relief.

Response by MSG John Melville made Feb 18 at 2016 11:24 PM

2016-02-18T23:24:53-05:00

I retire out of the Army from Hawaii and returned to my home town of White Pigeon, Michigan. I returned to Michigan out of family necessity, not freezing my ass in the Midwestern tundra. The one winter I lived there, we had 71 inches of snow accumulated on the ground.

I took about 30 days off and then drew stir crazy. Jobs were scarce and my military skillset was not relevant to the local community. I also thought that being a veteran mattered. It did not.

I started to apply for jobs everywhere and anywhere. I found the water shallow and the local pay scale lower desperately low.

I applied for several federal jobs, which were very few in Southern Michigan. One day I received a call that started out with "Congratulations, you have been selected for...." and I thought, oh no, another credit card offer. And then the other shoe dropped. You have been selected for the DA intern program. But I am too old to be an intern. However the job was a GS-7/9/11 fast track promotion and I took it. Life has bee good ever since.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-02-18T23:52:48-05:00

What did you do in the days and weeks afterward when you left the service?
I continued looking for work as I did when I was on my terminal leave; plus I enjoyed my ‘vacation’ and spent lots of time with wife, kids and dogs. I went for multiple interviews with so-called ‘military friendly’ employers, only to be told I was over qualified. I believe the biggest issue was what media has painted, military, retired, and individuals in their 50’s – they make everyone believe all military has PTSD, if your retired you don’t want to work hard and if you’re in your 50’s you are not in good health – while some military members do indeed suffer from PTSD – they shouldn’t assume all do, not everyone that has retired wanted to or wants to remain that way, not all of us baby boomers in their 50’s are in bad health (for those of us in the military we had to pass PFT’s 1-2 times a year – hell we are in better shape than most civilian police officers) As the months went on my savings dwindled (military retirement pay is nothing compared to active pay), and I had to apply for and receive unemployment. As I was coming upon the end of my unemployment (6 month mark), I found a job opening with Amtrak – they were actually military friendly.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 19 at 2016 12:26 AM

2016-02-19T00:26:38-05:00

Went to work....

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Feb 19 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-02-19T07:09:22-05:00

Buried my father who died 6 days after my retirement date. The last thing he ever watched on tv was a DVD of my retirement ceremony. As an Army veteran he wept during the flag folding ceremony.

Response by MAJ R. Andrew Hoskinson made Feb 19 at 2016 7:13 AM

2016-02-19T07:13:11-05:00

I went straight to work in my civilian career. Heck, I was still technically on active duty (terminal leave) the first month of my new job!

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Feb 19 at 2016 7:21 AM

2016-02-19T07:21:56-05:00

I was in Okinawa, Japan when I retired. I came back to the United States to finish out processing at Camp Pendleton, CA. That took about 7 days. After that, I spent 45 days at my father's house selling stuff I had in storage, applying for and receiving my 90 day visa for Thailand, VA exam for disability, and visiting family that I had not seen since before leaving for Japan. As soon as I received my notification of disability from the VA, I boarded a plane for Thailand. Once there, I found a house to rent, outfitted said house, got married, applied for and received the Marriage Visa, bought a motorcycle, and finally bought a car. Once I was settled, I started tutoring and became the handyman for the neighborhood. All of the above paragraph was done in 3 months!

Not too stressful financially, I had made sure that I was debt free before retiring, and had saved some money. It was very stressful mentally, however. The not knowing if my Marriage Visa would be approved because of some paperwork SNAFU. Trying to learn some Thai. A language so tonal that you can say a word 3 different ways and it means something different each time. I can now understand more than I can speak. Finally, the BIG step, getting married for the first time ever. The only way I kept sane through it all was with the support of my wife and my father-in-law.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Feb 19 at 2016 9:09 AM

2016-02-19T09:09:32-05:00

After my retirement ceremony, I went halibut and ling cod fishing for the weekend. Then after about a month, my wife asked me if I was planning to get a job or was I planning to just "drink and fish". I asked her if "that" was an option and she said an adamant "No"! So I called a friend and long time mentor who was hiring near where I lived. Within a week, I was employed as a contractor supporting a DoD program. Three and a half years later I converted to a government civilian position. I guess if you count it all up, I have been serving my country since I was 17 years old. 34 years and counting. I intend to continue serving my country until I retire.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Feb 19 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-02-19T10:11:27-05:00

I was in the police academy

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 19 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-02-19T10:11:35-05:00

Took 1 day off and went to work for my private sector employer. Never looked back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-02-19T11:23:29-05:00

I wanted to go to school, but my wife at the time sure wasn't going to work - so I had to work. I managed to get a decent job, and while totally submerging myself into that so I didn't have to deal with the issues I had. It wasn't healthy to work 70 hours a week, but better than booze.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Feb 19 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-02-19T11:44:05-05:00

The next week I went to work as a Civilian employee of the Department of the Army, stationed in Japan.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Feb 19 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-02-19T13:04:02-05:00

Hey Col, I moved to San Antonio (still here) and remodeled the house I bought when I came back from Japan (1956). I drew unemployment at the time. My father-i-law retired the same time so he helped me paint. I put in wall to wall carpet, central air and bought new stove, washer & dryer and Refrigerator. House payment was $85.00!! Did not go to work until my unemployment ran out.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 19 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-02-19T13:16:56-05:00

Well sir, I had amassed two weeks of terminal leave, so I took those two weeks as a vacation. After those two weeks were up, I found a job and worked for a year or so and then started school. Coming back to the Chicago suburbs after living out West for a few years took some readjusting to say the least.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 19 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-02-19T13:44:23-05:00

Looked for a job. Took two jobs to make ends meet (service station mechanic and machinist) before finding the one that lasted 23 years and set my career on its lifetime course.

Response by SGM Lee Doyle made Feb 19 at 2016 3:44 PM

2016-02-19T15:44:20-05:00

I started to work at Eighth Army G-1, MWR as Chief Engineer Cable TV in Yongsan overseeing 26 CATV sites throughout Korea

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:22 PM

2016-02-19T17:22:28-05:00

The first time I got out after 9 years enlisted service I immediately went to work full-time at a job I had been working occasionally on some weekends. No vacation, no break.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-02-19T20:41:40-05:00

When I first ETSed before rejoining, I did nothing for 2 months. Then me and the wifey decided to leave California and move to Texas due to cost of living site unseen. We loaded the car and sold everything else. It was liberating. It was like a reverse manifest destiny adventure. It took us 10 days and we were in no hurry. Made lives out here and never looked back.

Response by PO2 Tom Hamby made Feb 19 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-02-19T22:36:54-05:00

i worked job to job while bumbing around the country for a few years

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 1:20 AM

2016-02-20T01:20:52-05:00

I was waiting to join my NG unit and I was actively looking for a job. I wanted to take a vacation but I have kids and they take up my time. I was in Savannah GA when I left active duty. I wish I had stayed on active duty I miss the military but not some of the stupid stuff we had to put up with, last minute orders that have to be done by 1700.

Response by SSG William Rhodes made Feb 20 at 2016 1:58 AM

2016-02-20T01:58:03-05:00

I registered in college to finally at a minimum to obtain an associates degree! unfortunately, A few month after also had to hire an attorney after a misdemeanor assault due to My PTSD!

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Feb 20 at 2016 8:41 AM

2016-02-20T08:41:13-05:00

Even though I had wanted to take some time off my new job wanted me to start the following week. I final out processed on a Tuesday and drove to Texas where I started my new job where I have been for 20 years now the following Monday.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 20 at 2016 8:46 AM

2016-02-20T08:46:11-05:00

Get a Job, Took me a couple months until I found my "In". Neighbor that I admired and influenced me to join (Not outwardly though). I thought he worked for Sprint and you had to apply to them, turns out he worked for H.L. Yoh and he explained that Sprint was a Contract to Hire company. You had to Hire on with a Contracting Company and Sprint would hire you as a contractor and watch you for several months and then you would apply for an Opening that they had but would only select from their Contractors. Interesting System.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Feb 20 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-02-20T09:21:03-05:00

I move back to Alaska because my wife was still active duty. We to time to see both sides of the families for thirty day. When we arrived at Fort Wainwright first priority was to find a place to stay and get the wife singed in. Once we got a house I started looking for work right away. I had a job inside of three weeks.

Response by PFC Michael Robert Lawrence made Feb 20 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-02-20T23:21:15-05:00

Went to find a job. Had trouble keeping them, asthma don't fire off as bad now.
But fresh out of military seamed like everything set off my asthma.

Mentally I was quit dejected... I was bitter, angry. Pysical pains went , however, I went from beaming with pride to feeling lower than earthworms. I am part Miamiya, many esteemed warriors in my clain. .. so to be laid low by injuries.
Was a mental burning cynder.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Feb 21 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-02-21T10:29:20-05:00

While still on terminal leave, I started working for the fire department that I had been volunteering for my last 4 years in the Army. It was a temporary position but lead to being hired on at a larger department here in Colorado, which I still work at and will retire again at 55 years old. (5 years from now).

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Feb 21 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-02-21T11:33:30-05:00

I found a temp job at an arcade/adventure center, until a better paying job came along. I got my job with the railroad and enlisted in the Air Guard at the same time.

Response by PO3 Lee Oliver made Feb 21 at 2016 6:42 PM

2016-02-21T18:42:06-05:00

It was a long time ago, almost fifty years, but I remember it well. I played a round of golf on the afternoon of my discharge, then set about applying for GI Bill educational benefits. I soon found out that the $100 per month benefit would not support a family of three, so I went to school by day and worked by night for the next three years.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Feb 21 at 2016 9:17 PM

2016-02-21T21:17:47-05:00

decompressed, hung out with my sons, until I started PA School.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Feb 22 at 2016 5:04 AM

2016-02-22T05:04:07-05:00

I was on terminal leave in New Orleans and was hired immediately by Lockheed Martin. Received active duty and contractor pay for about a month. Been working there since 1999.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-02-22T09:46:40-05:00

The plan was to take a few months off to hunt. I didn’t make it that long; I spent about two and a half months on the top of a mountain, and it was time for me to rejoin civilization. The first 5 to 10 years out, I missed being in very much, missed the rush that we all feel in some situations. Now… I still think of it time to time. Rally Point helps a bit; even though the threat has changed and technology is better, it’s interesting to see some of the problems our soldiers face today are ones we wrestled with way back when.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-02-22T13:14:41-05:00

will find out in September when I go on terminal leave! 20 years is over!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-02-22T13:56:19-05:00

I also drew unemployment, continued to send out job applications and network. But the most notable thing was that I took advantage of not having to get up for PT. I slept in for about two weeks. Afternoons were busy, but my mornings were for personal PMCS.

Response by SFC Charles Strader Sr. made Feb 22 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-02-22T14:47:58-05:00

i looked for a job

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Feb 22 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-02-22T14:58:28-05:00

I forgot to say I threw my B4 bag in the trash! No more TDY'S

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 22 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-02-22T17:34:11-05:00

Grew a Vandyke, got my ear pierced...those two were things I couldn't do at home with my parents before I joined at 17 and couldn't do for another 26 years so I just thought what the heck. Reconnected with family and three months later, went to work again...too young to stay home. I took the three months to gear down and totally switch gears, becoming fulltime Dad and husband again...I wasn't ready to go to work right away.

Response by SSgt Jamie Ritter LeBlanc made Feb 22 at 2016 8:58 PM

2016-02-22T20:58:43-05:00

All I did was breastfeed because coincidently I was MEBed 5 weeks before my due date.

Response by SCPO Carl Wayne Boss made Feb 22 at 2016 10:10 PM

2016-02-22T22:10:40-05:00

When I got off Active Duty in July of 1976 after Vietnam, I returned Home to Arizona and re-immersed myself in Community Service by re-joining the Local Volunteer Fire Dept. as a Firefighter/EMT... I also volunteered as a Reserve Deputy Town Marshal and became fast friends with the Town Marshal.

We became a Team & worked together on the Fire Dept. Rescue Truck & as an Ambulance Drive/Attendant Team. The Marshal was also a Certified Mortician and I became his Mortician's Assistant. Between the working for the Town's Volunteer Fire Dept., the Town Marshal's Office, crewing the Ambulance and working as combination Morticians and running Funeral Services... the Town Marshal and I kept very busy.

We were either responding to emergencies, on Patrol or doing Traffic Enforcement, or helping the deceased into the next world. In my spare time I also drove a School Bus for the Fire Chief, who was also the Superintendent of Transportation for the Local School District.

I began taking College Classes to get further training and State Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer, an Emergency Medical Technician, Criminalist and Fire Investigator. I continued taking college classes for over 10 years until I got my AAS degree in Fire Science, Bldg. Inspection & Code Enforcement.

I was released from Active Duty in July of 1976 and immediately affiliated with the Local U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Unit and remained in one Reserve component or another until I had 37 years of Service and was required to retire as an E-8.

As it worked out, I ended up working a dual Career track in the Fire Service, working for several different Fire Departments in various capacities and as a U.S. Coast Guard Reservist with significant responsibility in a local Unit called The U.S. Coast Guard Colorado River Patrol for 10 years and 10 more as a Recruiter with U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Office Phoenix.

Both "tracks" developed into very lucrative & rewarding Careers. Now that I'm retired after 46 years in the Fire Service to date... as I look back I was able to do a lot of good and help a lot of people and I had the opportunity to work with a great number of really exceptional and dedicated people and I Miss all of them terribly, I wish them Luck and hope they're doing well!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2016 10:17 PM

2016-02-22T22:17:20-05:00

First time I was tossed due to DOPMA. No job, no insurance, needed surgery bad. Got VA to do it. Filed for unemployment but with a 6 week lag before you get any benefits, I had a job lined up and went on from there. Went reserves and when I retired from that, I went to Costco and bought the Arnold Palmer golf clubs which I knew would always be better than me. Think how I was handled sometimes affected how I treat people because I know the feeling.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Feb 22 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-02-22T22:25:55-05:00

I was in a coma for a week of it, and I can't remember what I did for a few years after I had come out of it.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Feb 22 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-02-22T22:52:24-05:00

Cleared post,do they still say that now?Nov.1968 Fort Polk LA.went back home to Boston,Mass where everyone spoke like I do,drank too much had problems adjusting but with the help of my wife and family got straightened out and retired after 44 years at a public utility company, compared to some of these other posts I've been blessed

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Feb 23 at 2016 9:02 AM

2016-02-23T09:02:36-05:00

I had a plan to attend college, but that was in January....I got out at the end of October. I went to the State Employment Office where a nice lady told me I could collect unemployment for 90 days and did the paperwork immediately. With the money I saved and the wife's job, we got by. I had bought a lot in town in a new subdivision and this other couple wanted a double lot and made an offer I could not refuse and double my money. I attended on the old GI bill in 1978. I received a monthly pay check and was only had to pay $75 a quarter at the community college, plus books which averaged about $7. I could pay my tuition and get my books out of my first check. The next several paid my rent, bought my gas, and I still had some left over to put with my wife's income to pay for everything else. After getting my AS, I moved on to a private college which cost me a whopping $360 a quarter. I could still pay for my tuition and buy my books from my first check, but I didn't have as much left over the month. I went to college the year round so it cost me $1080 a year! The cost of college rose quickly after I graduated. I got lucky and one of my instructors was the local Superintend of Schools. He offered me a job 8 months before I graduated. I retired from that system just a couple of years ago. Seems like everything just fell into place.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 23 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-02-23T14:46:22-05:00

I was medically retired in November of 1988. The Cold War had ended and there was a mad rush to cull 2 million Sailors out of the Navy. I didn't actually get out until April 1989. I moved to England with my English wife and quickly got a job and settled into a civilian life. I found it quiet. Very quiet. I was not used to going without being grabbed for a last minute job here and there and it took some getting used to. We missed the hustle and bustle of the USA and soon moved back, landing in Florida.

Response by SSG Wally Lawver made Feb 24 at 2016 9:11 AM

2016-02-24T09:11:29-05:00

Got drunk,fished, then got a job.

Response by PO1 Glenn Colby made Feb 24 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-02-24T10:20:45-05:00

I got out a in my first tour without a plan and went back to my parents house at the age of 21. About a week living back at home, I was ready to go back in. Unfortunately, that was 1993 during the drawdowns, so I did reserves for three years and was able to come back in the Navy. I am glad I did.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Feb 24 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-02-24T18:20:49-05:00

It was rough, I won't lie. The Army has a transitional program. I was involved in Recruiting and was not near a flagpole. I believe I tried 3 or 4 different civilian jobs before I settled into real estate. I hope that the services have a better and improved version now of transitioning for ETS Soldiers and Retirees alike...

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Feb 26 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-02-26T10:53:19-05:00

I got medically retired after 14 years. I passed go and went directly to vacation status.

Response by 1SG Keith Jamison made Feb 28 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-02-28T17:02:34-05:00

The family and I did some traveling to a few states while on Terminal leave. When I officially retired I started a technical course at Central Texas College (Killeen) and went to work in Austin. I also continued to work my disability claim which was a two year process but turned out successful. Life is good! Every day I think about my time on active duty; the greatest years of my life...no matter the good, the bad, or the ugly.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Mar 5 at 2016 11:00 PM

2016-03-05T23:00:24-05:00

Retirement is not normally a surprise. Build your plan and then work your plan. I have retired once from the military and now the second time from civil service. I think I have the T-shirt and will not try for another. When I retired from active duty with 21 years, I took a 7 day vacation on terminal leave and then started work with a contractor. Planning is important.

Response by CPO Bill Canada made Jun 16 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-06-16T10:49:10-04:00

My truck, camper and boat were outside the front door when I retired. I ignored the civilian recruiters, walked past them got in my truck and I went fishing. I still am and do not regret that decision one bit.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 21 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-06-21T19:29:25-04:00

Vacation, school(associates), more school(bachelors), and a job during bachelors. Never unemployment or welfare. I work for a living.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 7:50 PM

2016-06-21T19:50:04-04:00

Took a few months off. I have to be honest I was lost didn't know how to handle an unregimented schedule LOL. Went to work in the Personnel field with a major Port Facility. Worked there for 4 months and just wasn't what I wanted to do. So I gave my notice. Worked various jobs for the next few years, until I got interested in Harleys. That was my calling, the rest is history.

Response by SSG Chad Carruth made Jun 21 at 2016 9:29 PM

2016-06-21T21:29:27-04:00

I was medically retired from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. I spent all my time at doctors and fighting with the VA LOL

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jun 21 at 2016 10:35 PM

2016-06-21T22:35:57-04:00

i used my terminal leave while starting to work my civilian job. We chose to have my wife stay at home with the kids and I needed to make some money to make it work out okay.

Response by 1SG Margarita Brunke made Jun 21 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-06-21T22:38:19-04:00

I was medically retired after 33.4 years. Could and can not work, and seeing myself all of the sudden feel worthless I played video games (somethings f that was not interested in doing) and drank, close myself from the world. Did this for about 10 months. Until my doctor told me I needed a service dog, got a puppy of 8 weeks old and started to train him and educate myself on service dogs. When We tested out, we receive lots of complements on how well we worked that we started to help train veterans with their dogs to become service dog and test them. Now tomorrow will be 3weeks that my service dog passed away unexpected so kind of been in a rut for now

Response by SPC Shawn Wilbur made Jun 21 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-06-21T22:38:42-04:00

Drove home

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 21 at 2016 10:49 PM

2016-06-21T22:49:02-04:00

Well, I haven't crossed that bridge yet COL Mikel J. Burroughs. In fact, I will be re-enlisting for another 5 years come 5 July! When that is done with, I'll be at 20 and we'll see what happens from there!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 22 at 2016 6:39 AM

2016-06-22T06:39:58-04:00

My usual, go to work, help at local conservation club, help youth at church.

Response by SGT Brian Wall made Jun 22 at 2016 7:46 AM

2016-06-22T07:46:04-04:00

I kind of lucked out due to the fact I was in an internship and my unit allowed me to stay on active status while still doing the internship.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 22 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-06-22T10:20:46-04:00

In the days after I left the service, I started my Terminal Leave. I was in panic mode. After applying for 2 solid months I still haven't snagged employment and I had another month before my daughter was to be born. Once I landed a job, I started looking for housing so I could set up my government move. 2 weeks before my actual EAS I helped deliver my 2nd daughter. I didn't take an actual "vacation" for another 7 months when I took my family to Disney World during a long weekend.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Jun 22 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-06-22T10:32:53-04:00

Sir, my plan as of now (still waiting) is to take about 30 days of vacation to golf in places that I may never get the chance to again later.

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made Jun 22 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-06-22T10:59:29-04:00

I couldn't draw unemployment. I made too much money. I was hoping to start at the VA but was unsuccessful. It was a rough go since I retired. But I took 60 days of terminal leave before my actual retirement.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jun 22 at 2016 11:06 AM

2016-06-22T11:06:27-04:00

Waited a whole month to get a haircut. Didn't shave for 4 days. Didn't PT for 3 days.

Response by SPC Benjamin Hartog made Jun 22 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-06-22T11:40:21-04:00

I hitchhiked to Pittsburgh, Penna from Ft. Hood, Texas following my discharge from active duty on July 11, 1968. I was in full uniform and experienced absolutely no obstacles on my trip. My uniform was a passport to obtaining rides from many motorists who were traveling East. Several even invited me to visit overnight with them and as a consequence I did not arrive in Pittsburgh until August 1, 1968. I did not have a exciting homecoming. My family lived elsewhere and I had no friends or associates in Pittsburgh. I travelled to Pittsburgh primarily to attend school. All the colleges and universities in that city had open enrollment policies for Vietnam veterans (I served in the 9th Division). I immediately secured unemployment and afterwards I submitted several college applications. I eventually selected Point Park College which was a small liberal arts institution located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. I was a full-time undergraduate by Sept 16, 1968. In the meantime I met a young coed named Cathryn who introduced me to the "Hippie" lifestyle which I adopted wholeheartedly. My transition from the military to civilian life was smooth and uneventful. I did not experience a sense of alienation or maladjustment. I was happy and proud that I served although the anti-war movement was in full bloom at Point Park. I was totally embraced by the college community and I developed many friendships which to this day remain alive and well. Cathryn helped facilitate my assimilation into campus life and I was on my way to a long period of psychological and intellectual emancipation. I certainly took complete advantage of my new-found freedom, unfettered by the authoritarian mindset of the military, particularly by overbearing and arrogant NCOs and condescending and imperious officers.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Jun 22 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-06-22T12:16:05-04:00

Stopped shaving and slept in.

Response by PO2 Jason Boettger made Jun 24 at 2016 10:18 AM

2016-06-24T10:18:18-04:00

The day I left, I had my future wife's red Honda Civic. I loaded it up with my stuff, and drove home. Wouldn't you know I got a speeding ticket in NJ. Ugh. Anyhow, I had only a week off before I started a job with BankBoston in their customer service center. This started a string of one year jobs over the next two years. I finally landed an IT job in November 1999. Since then I've worked for 4 different IT companies. My recent was a 10 year job with EMC. In Feb, I started a new job that I hope to be the job I retire at.

Response by Capt Vickie Adams made Jun 25 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-06-25T14:22:03-04:00

I retired from Chanute AFB in IL. I was a single parent. First thing I did was take my son to Disney World. He started school in September. I started looking for a job. After that I bought a house. I also filed with VA for compensation.

Response by TSgt Ted Fritchlee made Jun 26 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-06-26T11:09:38-04:00

Retired 31 July 2001 after 20 years and began my new private sector career the next day. No regrets and I enjoy what I do. I had planned and prepared about a year in advance for that time. I can't emphasize enough the need to prepare to be successful.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 28 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-06-28T00:35:35-04:00

I WAS OUT PROCESSED AT FT DIXS NEW JESREY AND I MOVED BACK HOME TO WASHINGTON STATE WHERE I ATTEND COLLEGE FOR A YOUR TIME AND GOT A JOB AS A MANAGER IN A GAS STATION. THAT WAS BACK IN 1990 AND NOW I A WAS BUILDING AIRPLANES THE 777 AT BOEING SINCE I HAVE HAD 3 SURGERIES ON BOTH HANDS AND ELBOW I HAVE CHANGED INTO WORKING IN A TOOL ROOM.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 18 at 2018 4:24 AM

2018-09-18T04:24:31-04:00

My last duty station was Hickham AFB, HI. My car was shipped from Hawaii to the West Coast. A friend of mine that I used to work with at Hickham AFB was stationed at Travis AFB, CA he brought Me to Oakland to the port and where I picked up My car. I took about three Weeks just traveling across the United States and seeing as much as a Could. I drove from California to Massachusetts. Visited Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, San Diego to include the zoo, Disneyland, Knots Beery Farm, Death Valley, the Painted Dessert, Old Route 66, Grande Canyon, Messe Verde National Park, the Colorado National Monument just to name a few of My stops on the way. Even stopped at Whiteman AFB, MO to visit one of the guys I worked with at Hickham AFB, HI Within one week of arriving home I was working on the Falmouth (MA) Police Dept. within three months went back to college. (I already had two years) and 2 years later received My BS degree. Shortly after that I went to the Sherborn (MA) Police Dept and one year later got married. One year after We were married We bought a house where We have now lived for 40 years.

Response by SPC John Parmenter made Sep 18 at 2018 10:15 AM

2018-09-18T10:15:28-04:00

Bought a pair of hush puppies that didn't need spit-shined or laced. Bought a pair of "Buddy Holly" glasses which wouldn't have been approved by Uncle Sam. Prepared to go to college.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Sep 18 at 2018 10:46 AM

2018-09-18T10:46:53-04:00

I was in Montgomery, Alabama, had some terminal leave to take, and already had a job lined up to go to. So my transition was fairly seamless. I felt excited about the future.

Today's job market has significantly changed. If you don't have a degree, file for you VA benefits and get started. If a degree is not practical in the short term, look for an industry certification that lines up with your MOS/specialty and take/pass the test. Be sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are aligned. Don't expect your military service to be immediately perceived as a beneficial trait; get on board first and then shine.

Probably the most important: keep up with your existing personal network. If you don't have one, get busy building one. It's not easy. I'm not talking about LinkedIn connections or Facebook friends. I'm talking about people who know you. Make time for them. See if you can do something for them first before asking them to do something for you. Good luck.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 18 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-09-18T14:22:37-04:00

Great question COL.
I ran back to school and started working on a Masters. After an interview with the Department head, I applied to ultrasound school.
Why I did not run back into the Navy after ultrasound school, I do not know. It just did not cross my mind. But, after three civilian compassion training classes, I am a new man. No longer telling fat bodies to get off the dam phone and get to work.
Have a great day COL.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Sep 18 at 2018 6:09 PM

2018-09-18T18:09:18-04:00

The first time I was in Germany... I was without work for 6-months as a dependent of my then active duty ex-wife! No one there to tell me of my benefits to their fullest beyond the new ACAP which had a lot to be desired if anyone remembers its early stages in the early ‘90s. The second time, I was medically retired, almost a blessing, but, not, because it was pre-9/11, so yet again, nothing was in-place as it is today to assist the troop and ACAP although it had improved, had a lot to be desired, because of the level of experiences of the personnel running, and the PEBLOs doing their best in providing you an idea of your future, based on the outcome of the PEB. You had a 10/90 chance of being retired, depending on your issue, unlike today where I believe they are more for the troop and understanding of a lot of what some of you have/had gone through with research and science!
I was stationed at Buckley AF base and live in Parker, CO. The PEB gave me 21-days, 14 of which was to clear at that time. I chose to sell back my maxed leave since I found a job that would start the Monday after I was retired (3-days later).

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Sep 19 at 2018 3:53 AM

2018-09-19T03:53:42-04:00

Medically retired because of a back injury, that has, sadly kept on giving every day since. For a while, after the medical board, I was trying to figure out whether to have the spinal fusion or deal with the pain, so I was in a pretty depressing spot for a while.
Now, I think back at the ongoing back pain... when that was the ONLY pain, and I'm thinking , "Oh yea, good times... I could get up without sounding like Rice Crispies getting a serving of milk, the Arthritis hadn't shown up yet... didn't have Fibromyalgia... and I wonder how I could have thought all that was so bad!
If there is anything that cronic pain teaches you, its that you are a lot stronger than you thought, and you gauge your days on how bad the pain is in the morning. Some days are really good, some days are not so good, but you know, if you can get your ass up and keep moving, anything is possible, after all, I made it thru Parris Island, how bad could anything else be?

Response by CPL Michael Peck made Sep 19 at 2018 5:00 AM

2018-09-19T05:00:26-04:00

I left service right after my third deployment and went back home to Alaska. Took a year off to to spiritually and mentally find out who I was. I collected unemployment and took the journey into the VA. I totally felt lost not waking up to go to morning formation. I started school about 6 months but I missed the service.

Response by SrA Mandy Snyder made Sep 19 at 2018 5:49 AM

2018-09-19T05:49:03-04:00

Husband kicked me out because I was pissed he spent all my money. He took the last 2k out of our account closing it. I lived in my borrowed car, waited tables, tempt as a bud light girl, jager girl, and few other silly talent model gigs. I lost everything. I couldn’t say goodbye to his kids I helped raise. But I made it through. It wasn’t easy sometimes very ugly. That’s just one page in that stupid drama of coming home to be a civilian.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Sep 19 at 2018 1:45 PM

2018-09-19T13:45:35-04:00

When I left the service, I had this overwhelming sense of freedom. I did a lot now that look back:

- I joined a baseball league
- I joined a vollyball league
- I got a job installing alarm systems
- I started College
- And then I joined the National Guard

Response by SPC William Richardson made Sep 19 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-09-19T14:03:54-04:00

I open a gas station right after I got out then went back to old job and did both for a year then found another job and work there for 29 years

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Sep 19 at 2018 2:26 PM

2018-09-19T14:26:07-04:00

I remember it well. I found a job within a couple weeks. I also started evening college within about 6 months. I didn't get a vacation for 3 or 4 years because I joined the active reserves and my employer counted my 2 weeks training as my vacation.

Response by Sgt John H. made Sep 19 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-09-19T14:45:29-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - When I was discharged from the Marines, we moved back home. I had a wife and baby boy to feed so I found a job and enrolled in college. We couldn't make it on part time pay and the GI bill so I began to look for work. I heard the Sheriff's Office was hiring...applied and began my Law Enforcment career..

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Sep 19 at 2018 4:26 PM

2018-09-19T16:26:15-04:00

Went to school and worked full time, almost immediately.
Tried doing that for 2 years with some success.
As a side note.
One of the few things that the Army told me when I left the service was go see the Pennsylvania State Unemployment Office for help with employment. I was a 31M20 at the time that was a "Radio Relay and Carrier Operator, Signal Corps. Now it is different. I had some hopes that my training would have some application in the civilian world.
The veteran's clerk I met with looked at my information. Reached up and pulled a dusty, decrepit 3-ring binder off the shelf. Shuffled through it for a few minutes. Looked up at me and said, "Nothing that matches your MOS is on the books. I asked,"Do you mean at this time?" "No, your MOS is not something that translates to civilian life"
I was dumbfounded. I knew enough to think that maybe the phone company would be interested. He said he looked and NADA!
Long story short. I finally saw and ad in the paper. AT&T Long Lines. I figured, no harm in trying.
AT&T gave me 3 years credit on the PAY SCALE for my service time.
How many lives did this clerk and others screw up? I know of at least one other. Probably hundtreds of others. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Sep 19 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-09-19T17:03:47-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I had second thoughts. It was one thing to go from the civilian world to military, but reentering the civilian world? More of a shock than basic training (which wasn't a shock, sorry SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL ) Never have fully adjusted.

Response by Sgt Vance Bonds made Sep 19 at 2018 5:32 PM

2018-09-19T17:32:20-04:00

Spent time in VA Hosp Palo Alto.

Response by SrA Alvin Cook made Sep 19 at 2018 7:24 PM

2018-09-19T19:24:03-04:00

I left the service to become the fulltime caregiver for my Father who had dementia and other medical issues. He was aware of his situation enough to state he did not want to be in a care facility and asked me if I would take care of him as it was too big a burdon on my mother. Though I planned to complete my twenty his care took presidence over my career.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-09-19T20:53:30-04:00

Geat question Col., to which I have no response since I have never been in !!!

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Sep 19 at 2018 9:17 PM

2018-09-19T21:17:06-04:00

A few years before retirement, all I thought about was relaxing for a year after I retire...maybe get a part time job and live the relaxed life. That was my thought process as I was obviously getting anxious to retire. In reality, 5 months prior to my retirement, I was searching for another full time job! Hmmm, something wrong with that picture. I lived near Jacksonville, Florida at the time. I did not start going to college and using my GI Bill until 2 years after I retired. It felt great retiring and having that extra pension coming in. Once I started using my GI Bill, life was good and I was getting my undergraduate and grad degrees...

Response by PFC Timothy Ahern made Sep 20 at 2018 9:42 AM

2018-09-20T09:42:05-04:00

Pretty much went around like a lost puppy for a while because I actually had trouble readjusting to civilian life then started to find a job

Response by SGT Marika Waiters made Sep 20 at 2018 2:16 PM

2018-09-20T14:16:47-04:00

Since I left the military in Germany, and my separation date turned into a charlie foxtrot, I found myself unemployed with a son to take care of; so I took a job on post at the bowling alley. I got out after Desert Storm, during the whole "everybody get out quick" era. I knew I was sick already then, but I had to rally myself because I had a child. Originally I was going to live with my mom in Germany and look for work in Munich, where she lived; but come crunch time, she reneged, so I stayed in Ansbach where I'd been stationed and worked for AAFES until I got remarried 2 yrs later. Life sucked on AAFES pay, but with the help of my fiancée, we were able to remain in my off post apartment & still eat. It wasn't a fun time at all. I can't say that I look back to those days with fondness.
I really wanted to be a lifer. It was my goal when I joined up. I wanted to be a SgtMaj, like my dad had been. But when I came home from the war, I was a complete mess. Tired all the time, for no reason. Depressed, in pain all the time, just an overall feeling of inexplicable malaise. After an unintentional near OD of pain meds (I took them to be able to sleep), my chain of command gave me an (illegal) ultimatum: get out on a hardship or they would forcibly separate me. My CoC hated me anyway because I was always getting them busted for illegal orders/behavior (no, I wasn't the unit narc; these people were elbow deep into some SERIOUS illegal maneuvering that was costing troops' careers, & really messing up people's lives!) I was too tired at this point to fight, so I took the hardship - which really turned into an actual hardship. So my separation from the military basically just sucked.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Sep 20 at 2018 2:28 PM

2018-09-20T14:28:41-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I went into being a grocery clerk for several years and decided I didn't like the hours, so I went to college and got my teaching degree.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 20 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-09-20T17:31:11-04:00

I went to work while still being on terminal leave

Response by SGT Beth Day made Sep 20 at 2018 5:33 PM

2018-09-20T17:33:49-04:00

When I got off active duty, I hit the last day of the "Christmas Drops". My hubby and I loaded up the Triumph (that took five minutes lol) and headed to Florida for a delayed honeymoon. Then back to Kansas. I missed the military and about 18 months later joined the Guard

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Sep 20 at 2018 5:34 PM

2018-09-20T17:34:53-04:00

Stationed at Ft Ord CA - now-ex was reassigned to teach ROTC in MO - soo got a Financial Hardship disch - visited home a couple of days - headed out for MO - started unemployment and got to be a stay-home Mom to our adopted son for about 6 months - then started college. Really, in the first few months, there wasn't time to miss my uniform, and I SO enjoyed actually having time to get to know our son (adopted in Korea) - but when the ex left - oh my. I tried to reenlist, but was told I'd have to give my sons to someone else and redo Basic - which meant my ex would take them away, sooooo that was out. I'd only been out 16 months. I SERIOUSLY missed the Army - the income - comaraderie - friends - support network - and ya know what? 40 years later I still do. I HAVE to say tho, every damned time I walked out the front door, I reached to make sure I had my cap on LMSO

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-09-20T18:12:51-04:00

I left the service and got discharged at Fort Bragg NC, a long way from Guam. I had to drive my MGB to Bayonne NJ to ship my car to Guam, then catch flight from JF Kennedy International Airport to Guam. Funny at the airport I tried to get a beer, and I was denied and told I wasn't old enough to drink alcohol, being 22 years old, even in class A -uniform.
The first month home, all I did was catch up with all the home cooked meals, and tried to make amends with my father, then worked at a mechanic shop owned by a retired Navy Chief, as a parts expediter.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Sep 20 at 2018 6:24 PM

2018-09-20T18:24:38-04:00

I went to college to go back in as an officer. Kids came along so I became a cop and after almost 15 years wounded by a drug dealer. Work as a community support specialist for wounded warrior project.

Response by SPC Allen Schott made Sep 20 at 2018 6:37 PM

2018-09-20T18:37:48-04:00

ETS out of Ft Hood, went home to Connecticut, applied for my old job at P&W Aircraft. found that they laid off about half of the work force. Went on unemployment for about a month. found a City Planning Aide position at City Hall. Also reported to my local National Guard Company (early out to join them) and started College the next semester.
I felt relieved, also that I was lucky to have a great PMOS and in a position to help my fellow soldiers in personnel matters.

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Sep 20 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-09-20T18:46:13-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, got a job at a new C&W Bar across the street from the San Diego Arena call the Mustang Club as a bouncer and also taught to the Cowboy wanna be's, Urban Cowboy had been released and everyone wanted to learn how to Two Step. LMBO

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Sep 20 at 2018 7:41 PM

2018-09-20T19:41:32-04:00

My retirement on 1 March 1980 was nowhere near the traumatic experiences of TSgt Dawn Premock. She is a strong woman with integrity and character that few can achieve.
Nevertheless, I retired from the 525th MI Group at Fort Bragg after declining the E8 promotion given me in August 1979.
My family and I stayed in Fayetteville while I attended Fayetteville Technical Institute with a strong focus on computer programming--which is ancient history for computers now. I was a full-time student for a year-and-a-half until I decided to go back to work to better care for the family. I applied for a job with the USPS and landed a job in the Computerized Forwarding System; that department that handles changes of address for everyone in preparations to move.
While working at the Post Office I then continued to teach guitar and play professionally at Country Clubs, bars, weddings, etc. When my two sons insisted on leaving and moving to Oklahoma to live with their mother I soon asked for a transfer to Arizona and got the main post office in Tucson. Within two weeks, I was on the way to Tucson via Harley. After the sale of our home, my wife Elizabeth loaded up a 52' rental truck and drove cross-country to Arizona.
After a month of resting and recuperating from a bad virus, she flew back to Fayetteville to get our personal van, load it up with our remainder of belongings and drove cross-country once more by herself.
I retired from the Post Office in September 1995 and saddled up for Breckenridge, Texas; after my wife had gone before to work with a sister and brother-in-law in a convenience store just built. We stayed in Texas for only two years before a job offer came to Elizabeth as a manager at an Ace Cashing facility in Little Rock.
Five years later, she retired along with me and moved to Louisiana where we remain to this day.
As for missing the military? Yes, I do. I miss the jumping, the camaraderie, and focused objectives, but I've finally retired again after working in the banking industry--both in Little Rock and in Monroe, Louisiana. I still salute the Colors whenever possible and use 'sir' and 'ma'am' in everyday speech because in the South it's expected.
I've written 16 or 17 novels and a bushel-basket of short stories with some sales.
Now, it's work on the computer for Church-related topics, stories, and communicating with others--as I'm doing at this point.

Response by CPT Dave Brest made Sep 20 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-09-20T21:00:22-04:00

I was engaged to an English woman, so a week after I left the service, I was married over there. I began a teaching job there in the UK for ten years

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Sep 20 at 2018 10:00 PM

2018-09-20T22:00:47-04:00

Made mistake after mistake. Got divorced right before I retired. Moved in with a Sugar Momma. Came to my senses and moved back where the ex and kids were. That wasn't the plan, but that's what happened. Long story short, moved in with the ex, got remarried and then found a job at a convenience store, then delivered bread, then workman comp insurance company, then metal fabrication. From there I went to work in the CBRN world and have been with it ever since! 18 years now.

Response by SFC Roger Senatore made Sep 21 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-09-21T11:11:05-04:00

I had a job lined up with Diamondback Tactical before retiring; never missed a payday. Compared to the Army, at first it was like a vacation, but that didn't last long. I was quickly promoted higher and higher up the food chain until I was practically never 'off duty.' Cell phones turn us all into workaholics!

Response by SFC Rick Lewis made Sep 21 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-09-21T12:12:26-04:00

Had a job lined up as Deputy Police Chief in a small SC town. That lasted a month, and the last ten years have been a heck of a ride!

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Sep 21 at 2018 1:11 PM

2018-09-21T13:11:45-04:00

Flew from Tachikawa to San Fran and separated out of OART. Flew to Milwaukee, WI where my wife greeted me. We drove from Mitchell to Fond du Lac, WI for dinner at her parents. Over the weekend we moved to Dubuque, IA and went straight to work

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Sep 21 at 2018 1:18 PM

2018-09-21T13:18:42-04:00

I hope I don't get anyone mad. But I got lucky with the Plt Sgt I had at the time. He sat me down right after the holidays on 2013, and told me...SSG Hernandez, I don't have anything for you. Do you have anything pending? I responded nope. No awards to turn in or counseling, just gotten done taking my last PT test and weapon's qualification a few months back. So, he replied back saying, go home brother, you don't need to come in anymore, and I'll talk to the 1SG and Commander.
I think I came in twice to work from Jan to May, to receive retirement award and start clearing. I already interviewed for the job I'm currently holding right now.
Here is the funny part, and I know this wasn't part of the question. As I'm walking out of my former unit, a car pulled up, and a guy asked me where the MEPS station was because he had an appointment to take the ASVAB. Huh? Is this some kin of joke? Hahahahaha!
I retired on Jul 31, 2013...12 Aug 2013 I started working. I still keep in contact with my former Plt Sgt and always been grateful to him because he didn't have to do that. I mean, how many of us get or got lucky like that? Really.

Response by SFC Jason Evans made Sep 21 at 2018 1:53 PM

2018-09-21T13:53:55-04:00

Grew a beard

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Sep 21 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-09-21T15:53:37-04:00

I didn't know what to do with myself, honestly. I've been around the military my whole life. When I got out, I had a hard time dealing with civilians.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Sep 21 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-09-21T15:55:33-04:00

Once i retired i decided to take some time off and go to school (i was already going while on active duty). Also once i started to look for employment, i applied to a contracting company called Academi (formerly known as Blackwater). I was accepted and went to training for a contract in Afghanistan (as if i didnt get more than enough the last 2 times there). Also i finnaly graduated and went to work for Wells Fargo. Now i work for DOD as an Army Civilian at Stuttgart, Germany. All that in 4 years since i retired. Not bad.

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Warner made Sep 21 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-09-21T17:09:08-04:00

Within a week, I had enrolled to start College five months later, found and accepted a job with a good company, started joining local veterans groups, and met my future wife. All in the first week.
It all planned out, and 49 years later, I have a BSEE, MSME, and PhD, finished college, am a member if the DAV, American Legion, a member of Vietnam Veterans of American, and been married next month, for 49 years, to a great woman, mother and wife.

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Sep 21 at 2018 7:26 PM

2018-09-21T19:26:59-04:00

Stressed a lot, did not like being around Civilians, started to try to go to College, but their was a complete lack of maturity in most students, re enlisted

Response by SGT Denny Espinosa made Sep 21 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-09-21T19:36:25-04:00

I didn't find a job right away so I accepted an offer to do volunteer medical work in the 'bates' (slums) of the Caribbean islands. Divided my time between working, working out, and scuba diving. After 6 months I returned to the mainland, got a job, and became a working stiff.

Response by CMSgt David Allen made Sep 21 at 2018 7:53 PM

2018-09-21T19:53:19-04:00

I retired from the Air Force at Tyndall AFB Florida, and while on terminal leave was hired as a script writer and photographer, and later took a votech landscaping course. After a year I was hired into the civilian service. I was pleased to be a civilian again. I was fortunate that I didn’t require unemployment or other assistance.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Sep 21 at 2018 7:54 PM

2018-09-21T19:54:35-04:00

I had a job in my former trade as a welder waiting for me when I got out Was on 2nd shift in Avionics shop so I had time to job search before my EAS

Response by PO2 Stetson Fadden made Sep 21 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-09-21T19:57:21-04:00

I thought I would take a month off and do nothing ….that lasted one week ...I had to get out of the house and go to work first job was a ware house there in fla.…..

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Sep 21 at 2018 8:05 PM

2018-09-21T20:05:22-04:00

I started looking for a job the day I got home, and was working by the end of the week.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Sep 21 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-09-21T20:19:56-04:00

I had terminal leave and other benefits that gave me June to EOM November before I officially retired. I went back home and enjoyed driving my new Buick Rivera faster than I could on the island, (25th ID), I was stuck on for four years. I did get a job right away at an upscale store to update my warden since I had more uniforms than civilians. I worked on my post graduate degree and remolded our house with my wife. I felt on top of the world and very encouraged for our next chapter. That was Texas in fact, I applied, tested, and was offer a PD position. I turned it down because I realized I didn’t want to give up on my PhD. After officially retiring, I taught high school for the next 15 years and then took a GS13 job for the next four and taught new and recertification teachers. There were some other great milestones in there like my wife having a wonderfully successful business, I interned at the VA, and got to see my family grow and change.

Response by SMSgt Tom Burns made Sep 21 at 2018 8:23 PM

2018-09-21T20:23:50-04:00

When I retired in 1996, for the US Air Force at Langley, VA, I took 60 days of terminal leave. I was waiting for confirmation that I had been hired a Defense Contractor in New York. In some ways It was nice to relax but in other ways I missed the Air Force and the special crew I worked with in the last 4 years..

Response by MSG Charles Schillinsky made Sep 21 at 2018 8:32 PM

2018-09-21T20:32:45-04:00

Got the family settled in and the kids in school. I then took a month’s vacation to many fishing spots I had promised myself I would visit and fish. After that it was off to work. Seamless reorientation.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Sep 21 at 2018 8:44 PM

2018-09-21T20:44:33-04:00

My sleep cycle was so jacked up I couldn't really do much I cut back on caffeine and tried to unwind, nature of my job and training was such that once the sun went down my combat sense came alive, I could hear a cockroach crawling from 5 meter's away I didn't sleep unless the sun came up and i was aware of my surroundings, sorry about as much as I can say...

Response by SSgt Kerry Dillon made Sep 21 at 2018 8:57 PM

2018-09-21T20:57:56-04:00

I was depressed as it wasnt my choice to get out. I couldnt sleep as i started having the dreams. I unfortunately began drinking heavily I stayed pretty much drunk from oct 94 to jan 95 i finally with the help from God and the VA got sober May 97

Response by SrA John Monette made Sep 21 at 2018 9:53 PM

2018-09-21T21:53:28-04:00

wait a minute!!! we could draw unemployment???? wonder if I can file, let's see, 26 years later???

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Sep 21 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-09-21T22:14:32-04:00

Well when I got out of active duty( joined the guard before I got out) I had to go get a job bounced around between a few until I found my civilian tech job with the TXARNG when I got med retired in 08 I have done absolutely nothing unless I want to do something

Response by CW4 Clark Wilson made Sep 21 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-09-21T23:40:28-04:00

I immediately started a new career as an airline pilot

Response by Sgt Cesario Briseno made Sep 22 at 2018 12:09 AM

2018-09-22T00:09:06-04:00

Took a couple of weeks off, then got a job.

Response by PO1 Robert George made Sep 22 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-09-22T00:59:47-04:00

Retired for the 2nd time July '17. Retired Navy, BM1, Sep '90. Played house husband til Jan '91. Went to work for a True Value for 2 years in the receiving dock and went to school. Got an Associates in Architectural drafting and went to work for Builders Square designing and selling kitchens. When they went bankrupt went to work for Menards designing and selling kitchens, then house take-offs, then back to kitchens and doors, windows, n garages. Along in there kicked the now ex out and raised three great kids by myself. Also managed to re-connect with my 2 daughters from first mistake(one now in Loveland, CO). About ready to look for someplace to retire from in another 20 years!

Response by LTC James McElreath made Sep 22 at 2018 1:06 AM

2018-09-22T01:06:38-04:00

I out-processed at Ft DIX NJ, we all went to the club and decompressed over what a crappy deployment we experienced. The real unit commander met us and asked who was going to return to the unit and who was going back to our own unit. We all went back to out process then next am. We said our good byes and went our merry ways. I received a call from the S-3 to see if I was coming to the welcome back party and advised them I could not make it. While I was in Iraq, my unit cased their colors. I had no unit to come back to so I did not hear from the Army for a few years and received a letter for retirement. Applied and retired after serving 38 Yrs.

Response by CW4 Angela Birt made Sep 22 at 2018 7:20 AM

2018-09-22T07:20:27-04:00

I went on terminal leave to job hunt. Got a contracting job in Iraq before it was over, so I went home to my parent's place in Florida, lay by the pool and waited for my plane ticket. I retired out of Fort Hood, at 23 years, because my Brigade Commander wouldn't let me go make to back to Iraq. I got a job and beat my unit back to Iraq

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Sep 22 at 2018 8:56 AM

2018-09-22T08:56:15-04:00

I retired after 22 + yrs at Ft. Hood TX 1996. loaded a U-haul and drove home to Idaho I had 3 months Terminal Leave. Jobs we not Great nor were they Veteran Friendly. I Found a job With les-schwab tires. Switch through several jobs finally found one out of town worked there 12 years walked in to work after driving the 41 miles to get there Looked at the boss and ask him to inventory my tool box so I could load up because I was going to retire. That was 2017 Now I do hobby wood working in my small shop and tend to our mini farm.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made Sep 22 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-09-22T11:00:55-04:00

I cried for a month and gave my retirement flag to a friend in honor of her becoming a US citizen

Response by PO3 Michael James made Sep 22 at 2018 4:09 PM

2018-09-22T16:09:40-04:00

COL Burroughs, Sir; In all honesty, and with respect.. I primarily remained in an intoxicated stupor .. doing so in civilian clothing as I had to much respect for the uniform, for what our Military men and women sacrificed for our country... Have to Appreciate Vietnam Veterans considering the treatment, the abuse they received.. yet the resilience, the ability they continue to endure, even today ...

Response by SSgt Dave B. made Sep 22 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-09-22T20:49:00-04:00

I worked and started college at Penn State.

Response by PO3 Jed Dunkin made Sep 23 at 2018 3:28 AM

2018-09-23T03:28:24-04:00

I was in depression and was in a state of indecision. I was stationed at NAS Alameda in what was called an OMD which was basically a gas station for aircraft. And twice a week this Army Colonel used to stop in with his Cobra and I would get it fueled for him and if it had a minor leak I would usually fix it for him. Anyway I think he was out of Fort Ord but we got be friends and when he would stop in I would give him the keys to my car so he could get around to all the places he wanted to go.

So one early evening he stopped in and I told him well Colonel I won’t be seeing you next week. He asked why and I told him I was getting out that the Navy wanted to put me on an Aircraft Carrier and I was not the least bit interested in that. So he says hey I hate to see that he then hands me his business card (I didn’t even know that they had those) and tells me call me the day you get out and I will send you to Fort Rucker and you can become a helicopter pilot and a warrant officer and then I will get you in my squadron. Well I didn’t because I was getting so much pressure from my family (I was not married) to come home and work in the family trucking business. I have wished a million times over that I would have ignored my family and took up the Colonel’s offer. I know I would have stayed in and retired.

Response by Sgt Ron Harris made Sep 23 at 2018 11:47 AM

2018-09-23T11:47:47-04:00

I separated 27 Oct., 1969, after 16 1/2 mo. in Vietnam. I had no leave in the past 2 yrs. I had 7 days travel time to get to Travis AFB, for a flight to 'Nam. At separation I was docked for those 7 days, and paid for 53 days unused leave time. I had planned to go back to school for an Associates Degree, and be a shop teacher. I applied for my GI benefits for school and was told, "You don't qualify, You're not a war veteran." Really ticked me off! Took a job as a lineman, retired as a Journeyman Lineman some 40+ years later.

Response by SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim made Sep 23 at 2018 6:08 PM

2018-09-23T18:08:59-04:00

ETS'd active on my Birthday, took leave, got'ta job falsifying local, state, federal records reducing toxin ALDRIN in protection of Tucson aquifer, but was too brain dead to keep doing it. God knows how many Tucsonans are dead of cancers by ALDRIN.........if it is toxic, we can count on leadership to bring it to market. Example, hydrofluorisic acid of Cargill corporation Florida that is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and water supplies. It causes cancer, bone loss, enamel loss, sterility, lowers I.Q./intelligence, causes apathy, and most importantly makes people amenable to brainwashing and control. Government leaders love those last side effects. No wonder so many U.S. citizens believe they live on a spinning ball globe and that NASA cartoons are actual photo reece.....pride always goes before a fall and many are proud of neo-Nazi 4th Reich NASA. Q: If US citizens are very proud of NASA so-called outer space exploration, how come so many cheat on their voluntary political chattel IRS taxes ?

Aldrin is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States as defined in Section 302 of the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (42 U.S.C. 11002), and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities. An IDLH limit has been set at 25 mg/m3, based on acute toxicity data in humans to which subjects reacted with convulsions within 20 minutes of exposure.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Sep 24 at 2018 12:42 AM

2018-09-24T00:42:30-04:00

The day I was supposed to be discharged 19 may 1966 I was still in Vietnam. I got bumped off a flight, since my name started with a B I was at the top of the list. I got discharged from the Army 2 weeks late "convience of government" they said. I got paid extra for each day over my discharge date but they charged me for meals and living in the barracks. It come out about even. Anyway I went to work for General Motors . I was a millwright for 35years. I had only been married about 8 months so I needed a job. I figured I could always go back into the military if I had to. I stayed at GM. because the pay was better and nobody was shooting at me. Semper fi.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made Sep 24 at 2018 10:37 AM

2018-09-24T10:37:29-04:00

I took the summer off, caught up with old friends who had a ton of questions. Spent time with my Mom and saw my brother a Vietnam vet. We talked smack to each other. Then I had to come back to reality and find a job and start a family and my life. The VA was helpful in getting me a job but not much use for any medical issues I had, but thats ok because if I don't have a body part falling off or risk bleeding out I don't go to doctors anyway. I think it has to do with the term "practice."

Response by CPT Edwina McCall made Sep 24 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-09-24T11:02:24-04:00

I was angry that Americans didn't know the enemy. I was attacked by CAIR at one point in my deployment and came home to fight them along with to try and make Americans wake up to Islam and the dangers it posed for America. I joined ranks with Joe Kaufman, Daniel Pipes, Bridgette Gabrielle, Steven Emerson, Frank Gaffney and many others who were out there telling Americans about the enemy and CAIR.

I still do a lot of political articles, posts and talk on my local Talk Radio about the dangers of Islam, so glad Trump understands it. Finally after about a year home and my anger at the American people for not understanding the enemy, I realized it was because they didn't know, I went back to work as an RN.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Sep 24 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-09-24T21:37:53-04:00

I had a job lined up before I left Fort Leonard Wood, got back to Minnesota on a Friday and started working on Monday.

Response by CPO Paul Klein made Sep 24 at 2018 11:10 PM

2018-09-24T23:10:04-04:00

I retired from the USS Independence stationed in Japan. We flew back to the States, and tried to decide where we wanted to settle. We went to a couple of different places, in different parts of the country, before settling near my wifes family. Since I still had to be actually discharged, I went to Great Lakes and was discharged, and started sending out resumes and looking for a place to live,

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 25 at 2018 9:43 AM

2018-09-25T09:43:03-04:00

I got my first job outside the ARMY working a PEPSI COLA as a merchandiser, Worse job I ever had, I though the Army was bad with 0500 hr. meeting but this place was insane. Working for a 29 year old boss was nuts. NO respect for veterans.

Response by SFC James Heath made Sep 26 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-09-26T14:11:50-04:00

Signed up for Pensions and Compensations evaluations at the VA.

Response by SGT Fredrick Ramm made Oct 3 at 2018 10:46 AM

2018-10-03T10:46:32-04:00

At 20 years old, in 1972, It was...wait for it..epic!. A month and a half latter, I went to a bar, 5 minuets before I turned 21; I waited 2 minuets, before 2400HRS and I finally got served. I mostly dodged people, asking the "Baby Killer Question"! I did, a few times, go visit my old First Sergeant, who just transferred back to the states....God was telling me some thing.

Response by CPT Carl Daschke made Oct 4 at 2018 12:55 PM

2018-10-04T12:55:53-04:00

I assumed my post army career and moved on. I also took 90 days terminal leave which helped greatly in the transition from military to civilian life.

Response by SGT Lisa Fields made Oct 4 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-10-04T16:15:28-04:00

Ugh I gave myself no downtime did not even take leave before I got I went from being in the army to being in classroom on base the next day.
Biggest mistake ever totally burnt myself out.

Response by SPC John Waisman made Oct 4 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-10-04T18:23:01-04:00

I walked all over NYC looking for a job. I was completely out of it; leaving the Army confused me. I thought I was going into the kingdom of heaven and leaving the other place. I was wrong. I should have re-enlisted. Hindsight 20/20.

Response by SGT Chas Brothers made Oct 4 at 2018 9:38 PM

2018-10-04T21:38:04-04:00

After I cleaned up all the spit off me and washed the blood of my hands at the airport where we landed, I faced a twenty mile hike home because my "best friend" wouldn't come pick me up at the airport because they were calling us baby killers and such and he didn't want to be seen there.

I returned to my old job as a rifle, pistol, and shotgun instructor at a local rec center where we ran high school competetive shooting matches. Basically that's how my recruiter was able to find me for a job the Army had for me after I'd gotten in trouble at school and wasn't able to attend anymore.

I also finished up my high school education by attending night school, fell out every morning at 0300hrs, squared everything away and began my day.

Three weeks later in the middle of the night, my mother and step-father came into my room and politely asked me to leave their home with just my clothes and personal belongings. They were afraid of what I had been taught and seen in the military and were afraid that I would harm them after all the years of abuse they both put me through.

I packed up all my clothes and threw everything I owned into my 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix and lived under a bridge for the next few months. Didn't know anything at the time about PTSD, just knew I had changed and my country changed too. I still want my old America back even now....

Response by GySgt Mike Swisher made Oct 8 at 2018 2:09 AM

2018-10-08T02:09:14-04:00

I went back packing for a month, got myself "right" with the world, then enrolled in school and went to work. I already had a job lined up, and was enrolled in school . . . and was lucky enough to have that month available to me after seperation.

Response by SFC Bosun Frusher made Oct 8 at 2018 11:43 PM

2018-10-08T23:43:56-04:00

I planned my retirement when I got out. Had about 100 days of leave plus 30 days of tidy as I was overseas. When my orders finely arrived there was an additional 30 days included
Spent four months on full pay and allowances got a job and never looked back

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Oct 9 at 2018 4:01 AM

2018-10-09T04:01:48-04:00

I worked on my online Master’s program as well as my e-commerce side business, and landed a job with U.S. Customs & Border Protection. I felt very free and excited about the future. This was October 2006, and I was 31 y/o at the time.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Oct 14 at 2018 5:19 PM

2018-10-14T17:19:49-04:00

I left Ft. Campbell on a Friday, and started a job on Monday. Two weeks later I was in school. In retrospect, I should have taken some time off. Adjusting to civilian life was a lot harder than I expected it would be.

Response by SGT Dean Spence made Oct 18 at 2018 8:09 PM

2018-10-18T20:09:11-04:00

I got a menial job so i could quit

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Oct 19 at 2018 11:20 AM

2018-10-19T11:20:04-04:00

Enrolled/started college then started the exhaustive job search!

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Oct 24 at 2018 6:57 PM

2018-10-24T18:57:51-04:00

I came home on emergency leave and since I was down to less than 30 days left on my enlistment I went to Fort Sam Houston, Texas and got my discharge papers. My dad passed 20 days later. I worked at the VA for awhile and then got a job in the scrap metal business and bounced around a lot till I met my wife Barbara. We now have a small bookkeeping business we run from home. You have to remember times were different back then no body liked Veterans as I was discharged in August of 74.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Oct 27 at 2018 6:21 PM

2018-10-27T18:21:12-04:00

I loaded my2 Alice packs on my motorcycle and rode 8 hours from Bragg to Georgia. I stayed with my buddy and his we wife and started looking for work. Then had to learn about the civilian bullshit that my platoon Sgt talked about when he got out 10 years earlier.

Response by SSgt Michael Horwath made Nov 3 at 2018 6:32 AM

2018-11-03T06:32:59-04:00

I started a new job about two weeks after I got out and went back to school full time about a month after that. After eight years AD, it wasn't a big deal.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Nov 17 at 2018 6:47 AM

2018-11-17T06:47:38-05:00

Hitch was up. Went home, got an apartment, got married. After three weeks or a month, went back to work. Most of the guys I worked with were veterans, many had been to Vietnam, so I had a built in support group, didn't feel like the Lone Ranger.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Nov 23 at 2018 12:30 AM

2018-11-23T00:30:41-05:00

I went to work immediately in the same career field as when on active duty. Did a job change as far as location within a few months and worked for a company with a contract to NASA in Virginia, then onto a training job with the AF until final retirement.

Response by CMSgt Charlie Eller made Dec 5 at 2018 5:18 PM

2018-12-05T17:18:56-05:00

I retired after 22 years with my final duty station as Randolph AFB. Got up the next morning, put on civilian clothes with tie and went to work at the Bexar County (TX) Purchasing Office. I worked there for 11 months and then went to work at the AF NAF Purchasing Office for the next 17 years. Then I retired again, and finally.