What does the military (or country) OWE you for your service?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 10:07:53 -0500

After (or during) your time in service, what do you think the military/country owes you for your service?  (Whether you've served a month, 4-, 10-, 20- or 30-years) Some say they're owed higher pay, more respect, more promotion/assignment opportunities, more time off, less time away from family, keeping promises for benefits, etc. Please provide examples of what you feel you are owed and an brief explanation as to why you came to this conclusion. Looking forward to reading your comments.

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 15 at 2013 10:11 AM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 10:11:11 -0500

MSG Quick, I think that we owe it to the country to serve. We defend the freedoms that we and all Americans have and have come accustom to. We have to carry on like our forefathers before us

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 15 at 2013 11:33 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:33:13 -0500

"All Gave Some, Some Gave All"
I think for most of us, we want to know that what we served or fought for is being honored. We want to know that the Democracy we supposedly export is alive and well in the U.S. of A. We want to know that those of us that "gave more" are still going to be able to take care of ourselves and our families.
Personally, I want my country to honor the values it asked me observe while serving.
Loyalty - To those who fought loyally for Her
Duty - To care for the wounded and sick
Respect - For the sacrifice of those that gave
Selfless Service - For the greater good of All
Honor - Our promises
Integrity - Of those we appoint to hold office, whether its on Capitol Hill or the Board Room
Personal Courage - To do what is right by your neighbors, Family, Countrymen.

We are a culture in decline. Profit and/or consumption has taken over America. We no longer consider the value of a human life in the same way Brothers on the Battlefield respect their Shield Companions. Our leaders, in the service, on the Hill and in the Board Rooms use us and cast us aside in favor of personal advancement and profiteering.

What I want is to live in the Country we were told we were fighting for. What I want is Life, Liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 12:08 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 12:08:45 -0500

I don't feel that I'm owed anything, there are certain things I've earned(job skills, opportunities to travel, college...), but I certainly don't think I'm owed anything at all.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 15 at 2013 2:42 PM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:42:34 -0500

As one of my fellow retirees stated, I don't feel I am owed anything, but I did earn my benefits from the VA (70% rated currently), I do enjoy passing on mentorship and knowledge to those currently serving and recently separated (ETS'd) SMs to assist in their transitions if I can. Alas, otherwise I don't stress over anything else, as I know just like when I was active I had to work for everything I acquire it was never given to me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 7:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 19:06:20 -0500

I don't feel that I am owed anything for my service. When I retire, I'll have EARNED that like SFC John Gates said. I OWE the Army everything I have (not in materialistic way) but in a productive way! I've been paid to develop leadership attributes, managerial skills, trades, traveled around the world, met great people, free education, etc.. I OWE society to be a great citizen and help others to become better. While I am in uniform, I'll pay back my dues to the Army by being the best I can be and living the Army Values and living the Oath.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 11:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:57:20 -0400

VERY few CONUS jobs require you being shot at/rocketed. If you're willing to leave your family for months to years and face the possibility of death daily, I'd say that's worth a little retirement package. Wall Street bankers get MILLION dollar retirement packages, and the worse they face are paper cuts.

/side thought - Americans always talk about praising service, yet we reward bankers and CEOs 100 times what we compensate those going to war. It's a shame.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 3:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:37:04 -0400

SGM Quick,

They owe me my final paycheck, when the time comes.

Severance pay, a pension, training, transition assistance, post-service medical treatment, etc... those things aren't in my contract and I certainly am not counting on them to be there for me when I exit the service.

I think that's one of the differences between a service member who has spent considerable time in the private sector and one who hasn't. I know the difference between an entitlement and a perk.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 6 at 2014 3:55 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:55:13 -0400

Just a honest thank you for your service is all I need along with a sincere hand shake and a high five or two. No plaques, trophies, coins or other going away awards other than the ETS retirement award that is processed through S1.

Response by LTC Omar Hamada made Jul 6 at 2014 4:35 PM

LTC Omar Hamada — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 16:35:55 -0400

Not a damn thing. It was my pleasure to serve. I'm only sad that I'm not still in. However, as a civilian, I still serve in every way that I can.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 6 at 2014 6:02 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 18:02:03 -0400

A burial plot, short service, and honors.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 6 at 2014 6:08 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 18:08:19 -0400

The country doesn't owe me a thing. I served didn't reenlist. The freedoms that come from our Constitution is all I could ever ask for after visiting parts in the world where they don't have even a fraction of the freedoms that we enjoy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 7:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 19:57:11 -0400

I feel so blessed to be able to serve and its my honor to do so. All I ask in return is that if something were to happen to me that my wife and kid be taken care of and that they put me in a military cemetery "at least I know the grass will be cut". After 20 years of service I would like a retirement check as promised to me when I first joined. But as my grandfather used to tell me... everything will always work out in the end. - No worries -

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 10:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 22:30:36 -0400

I'm only 5 years in but I'm just like any other employee. I'll complain about more pay and benefits but right now in my life and career I feel like my country doesn't owe me much. The opportunities are out there in the Army and it's up to me to go out and work to get it. If I were a 20-30 years vet, then it would be a different story

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 10:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 22:35:26 -0400

My country owes me nothing. The government owes me the benefits, pay and entitlements offered at the time of enlistment.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 11:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 23:01:39 -0400

Just what I was promised when I signed up. If I am eligible for GI Bill give me the GI Bill, same with TA, VA benefits, retirement at the same percentage when I hit whatever years, etc.

In addition I believe that we deserve the support of the nation. If we are going to fight a war (any war) on behalf of our government then let that government support us (ie: send aid when we need it, don't tie our hands, conduct investigations when needed and make them 100% about the truth and not to cover someone's back or about politics). Do not worry just about the budget and numbers, but about quality too. Do not dip below a line where you endanger the lives of those in uniform by excepting subgrade people to be afforded the opportunity to join the military. Hold everyone to the same standard. If they cannot pass an APFT in basic at the 60% level then do not graduate them. Recycle them until they can or get rid of them.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 6 at 2014 11:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 23:12:05 -0400

Paid in full, I get to live here.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 11:30 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 23:30:06 -0400

Nobody is owed anything but has earned everything that they receive. But we also should be greatfull for what we receive. Don't flaunt your benefits to belittle civilians. I have been told by some that have never served that we are no better then those on welfare. That we are at the trough waiting for our handout. Easy to say when you have never had to make sacrifices of yourself and your family. Maybe they have delt with some veterans that feel entitled no matter the situation,."My government owes me" types. But I do believe those that have sacrificed their life for our freedoms that their family is owed by all of us and their government. Remember it is a great honor to give of yourself for America. And what ever we receive in return from her be greatfull for you have earned it.

Response by CPL Corey Aldridge made Jul 7 at 2014 5:49 AM

CPL Corey Aldridge — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 05:49:30 -0400

I don't think I am owed anything. I volunteered to serve because I love this country and I personally believe that it was my duty. It was truly an honor and a privilege to serve> I believe that the only debt owed is to those brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 7 at 2014 5:53 AM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 05:53:53 -0400

Only what they promised

Response by CPT Arthur Jacobs made Jul 7 at 2014 11:26 AM

CPT Arthur Jacobs — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:26:25 -0400

It is the other way around. It was my honor and my privilege to serve my country, and I would gladly do it again. I only wish I could have done more.

Response by Sgt Donald Jewell made Jul 7 at 2014 11:46 AM

Sgt Donald Jewell — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:46:00 -0400

Since it's been 40 yrs since I left the Air Force, I'm pretty much paid in full. They don't own me a thing with the exception of gratitude or maybe a little respect. I love my country and I would enlist again in a heartbeat.

Response by Cpl George Goodwin made Jul 7 at 2014 8:42 PM

Cpl George Goodwin — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 20:42:26 -0400

This can be turned into a big argument over the meaning of owed or earned. I served 4.5 years and got out without any disabilities so I am owed nothing. If you did 20+ years you are owed a pension. You earned it, they owe it to you. The same goes if you become disabled.

Response by SrA Leonard Barnett made Jul 9 at 2014 11:40 AM

SrA Leonard Barnett — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:40:49 -0400

Just to keep their word on the contract I signed, my retirement pay, and my health benefits from the medical problems that were incurred while in the line of duty

Response by PO1 Robert Riley made Jul 7 at 2015 7:48 PM

PO1 Robert Riley — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:48:48 -0400

Just knowing I had the Honor to protect and serve my country, my home, my family and friends. The ones who stood beside me as well. God Bless You All.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 7:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:38:42 -0400

Simple answer...Gratitude for being part of the less than one percent of the population that served, and any and all of the benefits promised, whether or not administrations or budgets change.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Dec 4 at 2017 1:15 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 13:15:05 -0500

Who the country owe

The country owes military Veterans. They don't owe any other group. How about a sanctuary city for homeless Veterans. As a Veteran I understand the needs of Veterans however I know some are unique. Although the big issues they are all common, compensation and health care. Veterans and retirees should not be left behind any other group. Veterans should not be receiving sub-standard health care. Also Veterans should not have to fight the VA Benefits for compensation that they rightly deserve for injuries or illnesses they sustained on active duty.

People let's not be fooled by the slick talking politicians who say they are going to resolve the issues that Veterans have faced for many decades. What I say to that prove it action speaks louder than words.

My question to the politicians out there. Why are there still Veterans that served in Vietnam still struggling with health issues from the agent orange? Then they are fighting a continuous battle for compensation. Something is wrong with that folks that should not be happening. Why many that served in the first Gulf War are fighting to try and get compensated for Gulf War illnesses?

I like to see things in a optimistic way. However I want to see this for our nation's Veterans employ them, treat them and compensate them if need be. But by all means don't push us to the side and short change us like we second class citizens.

With the possibility of war currently facing us. I like to say this for those that have served during war and peacetime already. The government needs to right the wrongs and injustices that many of Veterans have had to endure unfortunately. Twenty-two suicides a day come on WTF is going on? The politicians should be ashamed of that.

I guess it's not that important to them. However they'll quickly send our sons, daughters and grand kids off to North Korea. Upon their return if they return they'll have to fight the bureaucracy as many before them have. It's not right folks something needs to change.

Peace!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2017 3:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 15:01:11 -0500

I personally, don't believe anyone, whether they be currently serving or prior service, should be asking for or demanding anything. For the majority, appreciation for our service is more than enough.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Dec 4 at 2017 3:08 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 15:08:40 -0500

I think respect along with the various benefits earned by being considered a Veteran. Other than that I don't think the Country really "owes" us anything.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 4 at 2017 3:11 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 15:11:33 -0500

I have gotten everything I need, as long as they bury me and take care of my wife. Just STOP MESSING WITH IT. If congress can just leave me alone until I am a memory

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2017 3:18 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 15:18:54 -0500

I am only owed what is included in the retirement benefits as promised for the time I served.