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Are you still Serving, but think about transitioning out of the military? Please Share This With Any Future Veteran?

Are you still serving, but thinking about transitioning out of the military?

Please Share This With Any Future Veteran?
By Isaac Barnes
COO at Eminent IT(SDVOSB, 8(a)), CTO of AFCEA DC Marine Corps Veteran, Status Quo Antagonist

This article really provides a great perspective about "Character" and where most of the current serving service members are today (on the fence - finish the twenty or get out now) or current veterans who have just left the military services.

I copied here for your convenience.

Dear Future Veteran,

You have chosen to give your life to the military. I salute you for actually making a choice to do something more with your life. By choosing to serve your country not only are you brave, you're also a patriot. Patriotism is something that most of your fellow countrymen have failed to embrace.

I mention this because you should know what being a patriot says about your character. It proves to the world and to you that you believe in something bigger than yourself. It also proves that you're willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the way of life that so many of your fellow countrymen take for granted. For this, I salute you.

To stand for something in the face of all the distractions in life takes courage. It's so easy to just do the bare minimum. But you've chosen to put your fear aside and not settle for anything less than living a life with purpose. This is what makes you a hero.

Regardless of your job in the military, you are a hero. A hero is someone who uses their God-given talent to keep others out of harms way. Once you sign that contract and put on a uniform this is what you become.

I know your surface level reason for joining was probably different from mine. But deep down we all join for the same reason. We want to become a better version of ourselves. Never lose sight of this during your service or after. Take advantage of all opportunities presented to you to become better.

Also, remember everything that happens to you happens for a reason. That reason is because of the choices you made in the past. I know it will be hard for you to see what the outcome of each choice will be in advance. Just remember every choice you make has consequences so think about your future at all times.

As you progress through your career always think about where you want to be at the end. Choose career options that set you up for a life after the military. Focus on learning and experiencing everything you can so that knowing what you want in life becomes easier. This will help you make choices that position your future self to continue the fight to become a better person.

Don't expect handouts. Don't blame others for your situation. Take ownership for your mistakes and your successes. How far you go in your career and in life is all on you.

As a hero and a patriot you owe it to yourself to give yourself the best life possible. Work your butt off and never settle for less than you deserve. Please put your future self first before your current self. Think about it, you will only become what you work to become.

We need you to decide to use the skills that you learned in the military to make life better for all. Embrace the lessons in leadership, patience, perseverance, the ability to control your emotions and teamwork that you learn. These skills will enable you to accomplish any goal that you set for yourself no matter how high.

Thank you for reading and hopefully for sharing.

Pass it on!