Posted on Nov 7, 2016
How did you feel when you realized that you were never going to be in uniform again?
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Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 24
I am a few months away from my demobilization and retirement. 30 years of service doesn't seem like a long time to me, but to everyone I speak with, it is. I know I will miss this culture and service but I am so blessed to have the experience and happy to have served.
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SSG Jonathan Adcox
Hold on to your bootstraps. Good luck with the transition and I hope it goes better for you then it did me.
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SPC Jill Drushal, RN, MA
Much of the culture stays with you, especially if you live near a military installation.
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Devistated. You realize you no longer identify with being a Soldier and then recognize you no longer have an identity. Took alot of time and coaxing from my family before I snapped out of it. They helped me realize that just because you do not wear the uniform does not mean you are not a Soldier.
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CPT Jack Durish
SSG Jonathan Adcox - At some point you simply adjust. Life goes on. You get wrapped up in living it, marrying, raising a family, getting a job, earning a living. You live in the present. Living in the past is the prerogative of us old farts.
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SSG Jonathan Adcox
CPT Jack Durish - thank you. I too have adjusted however, the transition was hard. Looking back seeing battle buddies I knew giving up and committing suicide makes me wonder what was different in their walk of life and what might have helped them persevere.
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SSG Jonathan Adcox
Yeah I know. I just wish that those that survived could collectively build a roadmap to help those who are struggling that might not make the transition.
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