When was that defining moment that made you realize you were about to become a veteran?

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 02:30:29 -0400

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Nov 2 at 2016 2:32 AM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 02:32:25 -0400

It hit me today while I was completing my DA 31.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 2 at 2016 5:58 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 05:58:34 -0400

When I picked up my release papers, DD214, from a Pvt at the company office and drove my 61 VW Beatle out the back gate of Camp Pendleton onto US 101 headed North. It began to hit me I was stepping into the great unknown. I had a vague plan but was suddenly full of apprehension.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 6:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 06:08:44 -0400

When I boarded an L-1011, Tristar, operated by American Trans Air (ATA) airlines nicknamed "Big Ed". He flew me to Kuwait in 2003. Last I heard he had been retired to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 8:09 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:09:22 -0400

When I was handing over my check-out sheet from my command, walking down to the brow. I looked back and saw the magnificent awe that was my ship, my command, my life. When I felt a tightening in my chest; almost like I was leaving a friend behind. The feeling was both accomplishing, rewarding and heartbreaking.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 2 at 2016 8:44 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:44:05 -0400

When I turned over my last command. Felt like I took off roller skates. Everything else was just paperwork and anticlimactic. Interesting how quick the inside becomes the outside.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Nov 2 at 2016 9:09 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:09:18 -0400

Yesterday, when I began my retirement physical.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 2 at 2016 9:46 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:46:06 -0400

About 20 minutes before I secured for a month long Christmas Leave when I received word that my reenlistment package was denied and if I wanted to stay in, I'd have to submit another package to lat move to a different MOS. Had to take care of my family and couldn't wait for more uncertainty, so I started looking for work elsewhere.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Nov 2 at 2016 10:23 AM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:23:33 -0400

When I received a call to stay home. I was being medically boarded for epilepsy which took a year. I was told I no longer needed to report and responsibility for the clinic I had managed for 3 years was given to a subordinate. It was a shock even though I expected it. It was how it was handled that made me feel like lint. The machine rolls on without us!

Response by SSgt Scott Walters made Nov 2 at 2016 12:35 PM

SSgt Scott Walters — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:35:04 -0400

Mine was in a different vane from the previous posts. I was standing by the armory talking to a Sgt, as Marines were drawing their weapons. The Sgt pulled a private in his section (straight out of his MOS school), out of line to go to Motor T to pass the word on something. The private looked at the Sgt and "I don't wanna". I just looked at the Sgt., turned and walked away before I went off on the private. It was at that point I knew it was time to get out.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Nov 2 at 2016 12:35 PM

1SG Al Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:35:27 -0400

The moment I hit the ground.....

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 1:21 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:21:27 -0400

SSG Shavonde Chase It really hit home my last week, when I was packing my personal items in the trunk of my car, checking out, etc. Driving through the gate at MCB 29 Palms, for the last time, was a weird feeling.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 2 at 2016 8:13 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:13:56 -0400

interesting...
when the recession of the early 80 set in...
by me going back on active duty and staying there till i retired... 2 guys in the stock room got to keep their Jobs... and they stayed and moved Up

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Nov 2 at 2016 10:27 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 22:27:00 -0400

landing in Vietnam

Response by PO2 Sybil "TT" I. made Nov 3 at 2016 3:31 AM

PO2 Sybil "TT" I. — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 03:31:16 -0400

When I knew my family needed me.

Response by SFC Brian Bourque made Nov 3 at 2016 5:07 AM

SFC Brian Bourque — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 05:07:55 -0400

My defining moment was when I received my retirement packet approved from my Brigade Commander.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 5 at 2016 4:37 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 16:37:42 -0400

The day I was 1st time non-select. It gave me 18 month head start before the inevitable departure.