Posted on Mar 7, 2016
Do Military Retirees (specifically over 20+ yrs) share a stronger bond when compared to bond with other veterans of their specific service?
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As a Marine I share a special connection with all those that have earned the title. "Once a Marine, always a Marine" was ingrained in me from the moment I entered the Delayed Entry Program, and I am proud of the camaraderie I share with my brother and sister Marines from every era. In my opinion, the "Marine" connection can be tangibly compared to siblings of different age groups being raised in the same house, young or old, they are family forever.
That said, now that I have been retired for just over 3 years now, I have enjoyed the pleasure of multiple interactions with many fellow retirees from all branches of service. During these occasions I always feel a surreal intangible connection as if I'm meeting a long-separated twin brother/sister whom was raised in a different household but lived the same life. To me this connection goes beyond the esprit de corps I share with my Marine family. No matter the era, occupation, background, rank...this "kinship" is more powerful than can be explained. Even on Rally Point I sense this connection. Have other "Retirees" felt this? And if so, how can we use this "bond" of loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice to a greater means for the betterment of our Nation, not just with words...but with action?
That said, now that I have been retired for just over 3 years now, I have enjoyed the pleasure of multiple interactions with many fellow retirees from all branches of service. During these occasions I always feel a surreal intangible connection as if I'm meeting a long-separated twin brother/sister whom was raised in a different household but lived the same life. To me this connection goes beyond the esprit de corps I share with my Marine family. No matter the era, occupation, background, rank...this "kinship" is more powerful than can be explained. Even on Rally Point I sense this connection. Have other "Retirees" felt this? And if so, how can we use this "bond" of loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice to a greater means for the betterment of our Nation, not just with words...but with action?
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Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 38
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I was thinking about this very topic just this past weekend, GySgt John O'Donnell!! I guess great minds think alike.
Seriously, though, I was contemplating the difference between being a veteran and being a retiree. There's something special about being a retiree. No disrespect to non-retiree veterans, but I spent most of my adult life in the Army. That's a game changer, IMHO. And I continue to serve as a DA civilian. I hope to make my entire career consist of nothing but military service and service to the military. And I guess there's something to be said about that.
Seriously, though, I was contemplating the difference between being a veteran and being a retiree. There's something special about being a retiree. No disrespect to non-retiree veterans, but I spent most of my adult life in the Army. That's a game changer, IMHO. And I continue to serve as a DA civilian. I hope to make my entire career consist of nothing but military service and service to the military. And I guess there's something to be said about that.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
I glad that you understood what I was saying. By no means am I attempting reflect any negative "difference" between being a retiree or veteran, but to comment as to my connections with others retirement. Thanks for the support.
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SFC (Join to see)
We all serve in one way or another. I went the road of civil servant after my military service. It’s a long road.
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Only if someone from another service is around. Then the inter-service rivalry jokes fly and the civilians are confused.
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Maj John Bell
My Dad was a 27 year Navy Pilot, my brother a 6 year Army infantry man and I was a 12 year Marine Infantry Officer. Every once in a while, when the jokes were flying at the dinner table, Dad would load up a spoon with mashed potatoes, get both of us and declare "I am your Father, and I outrank both of you. This food fight is over!" The funny thing is we obeyed.
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CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter
Maj John Bell - They not only dress like bus drivers....they wear pantyhose
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SFC Joseph Thwaites
I explain to some of my friends that all the services cut down each other but outsiders better keep their mouths shut.
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I believe it's a common ground that all Retirees have. They are all retired, I would say a majority are Sr Grade so hence another bond. So to me yes there is a intangible there. I have numerous friends that are retired military (all services ranging from E-7 to O-6). I'm the only one that is still serving (at least for another 72 days). The advice and mentoring I've gotten from them is outstanding, and a down to earth no BS way of doing it. Regardless of service we all have so much "common ground" from deployment stories, leadership stories, etc it's like a family reunion when we get together. Yes we do have the service rivalry that is pretty vicious lol, and apparently draws a crowd when we commence "festivities". I have 1 friend that is the only retired Navy amongst us that usually bears the brunt of it.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
Thanks for the post, I glad you understood my meaning!!
Congrats on you upcoming retirement. Feel free to reach out if you need anything. One team, one fight!
Congrats on you upcoming retirement. Feel free to reach out if you need anything. One team, one fight!
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SFC (Join to see)
GySgt John O'Donnell Thanks. Been a hell of a ride for sure. I had my first VA appt today. So I still have to use some tactical patience for a bit longer.
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