What is something that you wish that more people understood about the military?

First and foremost that we hate war more than they do. Despite that we go to wars based on the orders of our our civilian overseers.

I'm sure tha tmost people don't understand the comraderie and brotherhood that is form between members of a squadron that flew combat missions together. The group from the 336 TFS is spread ou t ove rthe Us and those of us who were in Ubon in '72 still consider each other like brothers. Until you've face the dangers of combat, you won't appreciate the help of those (in this case) me and leaders who help you do you job and survive

Not all of us are broken or feel shame after a war. Some of us LOVE war. We were built for it. My heart goes out to the ones that lost themselves to it but me I would go back and stay there forever if I could.

That we don't necessarily long for war.

I wish people would understand that unless you served, and saw what we saw, and did what we did, you don't get to judge us. You can try and explain it to them, but they won't understand. There is an "Attitude", or "Opinion" among alot of veterans that reminds me of Col Jessup in the movie "A Few Good Men". Quote : I have neither the time nor inclination to explain myself to a man who sleeps under the very blanket of the freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way. Other - wise, I suggest you pick up a rifle, and stand a post..... Not the opinion of everyone, but it is for some.

If your family member or friend returns to civilian life. Express sincere interest in what they did and saw. If you cant manage that then don't say anything. Honor their service as much as they will allow. Also remember you will never be able to understand what being in the military is like.

It’s not “just a job”. You don’t decide one morning that you want to quit or just not show up. True, a person can make that choice, but there are consequences, consequences worse than simply ”you’re fired”. I fear I’m sounding “old” and I don’t intend to, but if you don’t understand commitment, than don’t choose a military path.

Any one in todays world that doesn't have anyone they know, in the military, I don't think they know that the service is made up of individual men and women. It sad because in the pre Vietnam days service members were still respected. Because of the Draft almost everyone had or knew a service member. Individual GI,s were not forgotten. We were trusted. I remember in early 60,s I was in a bus station proudly wearing a marine green Uniform. I was a slick sleeve pvt. a man with a little girl came up to me, he wanted to use the restroom and asked me if I would watch is daughter while he went into the restroom so I did and when he came back out. he thanked me. Another time I was asked by an Old lady if I would help her with her luggage, so I did and she thanked me. I guess back then people looked up to a servicemember in Uniform as A public servant. To bad todays generation missed what is sorely needed today. Semper fi.

Well for us Vietnam veterans COL Mikel J. Burroughs its the we weren't baby killers and drug addicts and that we served honorably.

Military service provides invaluable experience that you won’t necessarily gain by going straight into college or the job market. So while that service member may not have the exact qualifications employers may be looking for, there are things you can teach and things you can’t. Service shouldn’t hold a person back, post-service.