When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many
are
jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already
retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind,
because we already
know.
1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that
few
experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.
2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which
lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the
closet.
3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him
with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also
know how
the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his
heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people
suspiciously,
still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and
always will look
at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what
they do; only grown
in a lifetime of knowing.
Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life.
You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave
'active' duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement,
in your
heart you
never forget for one moment that you are still a member of
the
greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
NOW!
Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for
a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years,
and will happily carry
on the same conversation you were having the last time you
met.
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FRIENDSCIVILIAN: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's
yours.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days
then give it back.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct
quotes from you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the
crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd's ass that left
you behind.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.
----------------------------------------------------------
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of
experiences no citizen could
ever dream of...
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think
you've had
enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over
the place and say,
'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then
carry you home
safely and put you to bed...
-------------------------------- --------------------
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks
crap about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out OF THEM
for using your
name in vain.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
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A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or reserve- is someone
who, at one
point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable
to 'The citizens of the
United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including
my life'.
From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company.
Thank you.
