After Taking Care of Soldiers for 22 Years, Who Takes Care of Me?

For the past 18 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer, I have been taking care of Soldiers and their families. From adverse action chapter cases, unplanned pregnancy chapters, routine ETS, and even my senior NCO’s as they ease into their transition period in preparation of exiting the military after years of faithful and unwavering service to start a new life in the civilian world. As I look back on the past 22 years that I’ve been wearing (multiple) this uniform, I have always seen the old crusty senior NCO’s being “taken care of” as they start their downhill slide out of the Army, by way of the Soldier For Life, Transition Assistance Program, formerly ACAP. As a company First Sergeant, I have always looked out for my transitioning seniors, and with the help of the CSM’s, assisted them to be placed into positions of less-responsibility at battalion or brigade. Now it's my turn, and I'm the proverbial "old crusty b**tard". I have always thought that this was the right thing to do, and that eventually it would be my turn to be taken care of.

My question to the masses, and without sounding like I’m ‘whining’ is how do I ask to be taken care of without sounding like I’m “quitting the team” or “checking out”…?

Your input would be welcomed.