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Veteran to Veteran
 
When a veteran is discharged, or retires, and leaves the 'job' and returns to civilian 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. 
  • We know, for example, that after a time of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.
  • We know in the military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung in the back of the closet. 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 that 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 will never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, served one hitch, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The Government of the United States of America' for an amount of up to and including their life.’  

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you for your service to our country and defending the freedoms we enjoy.