Posted on May 11, 2018
What is the worst part about being a service member or veteran?
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I know that we are (or should be) proud of our service. I, like many, believe that my experience in the military made me a better person and is definitely something that I am glad to say that I had the opportunity to be a part of. That being said, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Although there are various positives that go along with having served, the world is not perfect and because of this, there are always negatives that come along with things. What is the worst part about having served or presently serving in the United States military?
Experience
Military Career
Combat
Relationships
Resiliency
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 188
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As a draftee, I served for 2 years. I was deployed right out of AIT. Out of my 2 years, I was only home about 30 days. When I got home my boys were 2 and 4 years old. My youngest had no clue who I was. Being without my family for almost 2 full years was the hardest part. I am proud of my service and would do it over again.
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When I came out in 84, it was such a culture shock. I went from giving orders and following them to asking people to do something and thanking them for doing it. Keep in mind it was what they were hired for to get their pay check. Took me a long time and several jobs to get used to it. Now retired from civilian work, still miss my time in and wish I could go back and do it some more. Even the in country part. No I'm not crazy. I am a patriot. Duty, Honor, Country. I am from the old school. First, Last, Always.
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SPC Les Darbison
Duty, Honor, Country. I agree and live that motto I'am an American Nationalist I love my Country and all of its Citizens. I'm PROUD TO BE AMERICAN. And hope we have enough like minded Ppl to preserve our rights and freedoms. Our National leadership responsibility is to it's citizens are Country and our way of life. It doesn't seem to me they know what there suppose to do any more.
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When the GI,s come back from Vietnam they were treated like dirt. Some were spit on others were called baby killers. They were encouraged not to wear any military uniforms. It was a different time, the people blamed the military for the war. We were doing what the military told us to do. I was lucky I came home in 66 but we didn't get any welcome home. My wife and family were the only ones happy to see me. It took till 1984 before we got any recognition for our service. Today when someone thanks me for my service " I say thank you" with a grain of salt. I feel it is the politically correct thing to say. I went to the VA once and got treated like nothing. If I waited for their medical help Id be dead. I hope the nation never goes through this again. The USA is still the best country to live in, but sometimes we get our politics screwed up.
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PO1 Sam Deel
Brother, long before I Served, my thanking those who Served was absolutely sincere. Has been and will always be. Born in '68, I witnessed the way the Vietnam War and our Soldiers were treated. It made me so angry when I heard about it on the news, or someone would speak of it. Most every adult that I knew, Served in World War Two. They taught me about Respect, Honor, and Courage. With that said, I do offer you a crisp Salute and a beer (Shiner) raised upon high.
" If I waited for their medical help Id be dead."
Been there, done that...quite literally. 24MAY2013, dropped dead in New Orleans VA lobby (old hospital) from an adverse reaction from an experimental drug given to me by the VA. For all of those reading the possible side-effects "May cause death"...you are welcome. God saw fit to shove me back into that body, so here I am. Alive and somewhat well.
" If I waited for their medical help Id be dead."
Been there, done that...quite literally. 24MAY2013, dropped dead in New Orleans VA lobby (old hospital) from an adverse reaction from an experimental drug given to me by the VA. For all of those reading the possible side-effects "May cause death"...you are welcome. God saw fit to shove me back into that body, so here I am. Alive and somewhat well.
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LCpl Terry W Rollins
I'd advise you not to give-up on the VA. I went to the VA in 88 after being diagnosed with PTSD, what I got back was a letter stating, "since not applying for PTSD, prior to or immediately after discharged from active duty, I was not covered by the VA. I again refilled in 98, this time to receive the exact text , only this time being handwritten. Jump ahead to 2009, I missed the cut off for refilling by 4mo's. Within 60 days I received an 70% rating and within the year I am now at 100%, receiving VA compensation.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson keeping stuff bottled up, not wanting to reveal the ghost in your closet, or just not being allowed to share.
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There is most Certainly Not One Single Thing negative about being a Veteran; to me. I LOVE being a Veteran/Retiree!
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PO1 Kate Schoeneich
He is referring to the adjustment part SPC. After I retired, (six years active, 17 reserves) it was very emotional and surreal. But the best places to hang are the VFW and American Legions, I feel at home there the most.
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I know you don't join the military to get rich, and I know I was young then, but the pay was pretty lame, especially when compared to comparable levels of experience in some police and fire departments. Barracks life as a single junior enlisted Soldier wasn't great. If those two things had been different, it would have been much better.
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SGT Gunderson,
You know, I look at this picture and one thing comes to mind, how good we/people have it here at home. Us that served, how many times we slept outside, under a tree, or even in a Humvee on the sitting position...shoot, how about in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle? Some complained, some didn't. But I would say that the worse part about serving was the amount of time away from our love ones while supporting our mission. Luckily for me, I have a spouse that understood that. When the time came, I was going to pack my gear and go do my job. Of course she didn't say anything back when I was still in, but now she does. She tells me about the sleepless nights, and it breaks my heart.
You're right, not everything was smelly roses and flowers. There were times that suck. But I also learned to stay discipline, and responsible. Now that I work in the civilian world, I see nothing but a bunch whining people. OMG! If these people had any idea. Hahahahaha!
You know, I look at this picture and one thing comes to mind, how good we/people have it here at home. Us that served, how many times we slept outside, under a tree, or even in a Humvee on the sitting position...shoot, how about in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle? Some complained, some didn't. But I would say that the worse part about serving was the amount of time away from our love ones while supporting our mission. Luckily for me, I have a spouse that understood that. When the time came, I was going to pack my gear and go do my job. Of course she didn't say anything back when I was still in, but now she does. She tells me about the sleepless nights, and it breaks my heart.
You're right, not everything was smelly roses and flowers. There were times that suck. But I also learned to stay discipline, and responsible. Now that I work in the civilian world, I see nothing but a bunch whining people. OMG! If these people had any idea. Hahahahaha!
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For me it was getting out! Even 33 years later, I find it extremely difficult to understand the civilian mindset. I served 11 years and fully enjoyed it! There are times when I wish I was still in!
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You have realized early in that the world is not made up of sunshine and lollipops. We make a difference every day by doing the best we can on that day, knowing that tomorrow we are going to get up and do it again. Be proud that you answered the call and served when so many others never stepped outside of their box. Be proud that you did what you could do, and want to keep doing. Never, ever think that you didn’t do enough because you did more than anybody could have ever asked you to do. Thank you brothers and sisters, we did it for you, and you have held the line.
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