How do you feel about the American people back at home that you serve to protect?

2018-03-09T15:43:55-05:00

As a current or former member of the military how did/do you feel about the civilians living their lives back at home while you served, then and now?

Click on my 09/03/2018 Post update for some context to this question.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 9 at 2018 3:46 PM

2018-03-09T15:46:49-05:00

I volunteered they live as they want due to those who serve in the military.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 9 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-03-09T16:04:08-05:00

Too broad of a question to answer.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Mar 9 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-03-09T16:27:19-05:00

No worries. They lives their lives in relative peace and security, because others subscribe to a different calling. We each play our part in the life of the United States of America.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 9 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-03-09T16:32:06-05:00

Just my opinion. I think the American public is tired of these wars.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 9 at 2018 4:43 PM

2018-03-09T16:43:11-05:00

Sometimes I really resented them particularly when I saw my peers complaining about finals or some other trivial (subjective) issues. Now that I'm out and have had some separation from the military and deployments I more fully understand our purpose is to ensure that the only things civilians have to complain about are relatively trivial. We ensure they aren't having to rebuild their homes after a dude wearing an S-vest wrecks a corner on a street block.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 4:53 PM

2018-03-09T16:53:50-05:00

I hope they're enjoying their way of life.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Mar 9 at 2018 5:20 PM

2018-03-09T17:20:51-05:00

I am retired so I no longer serve as the Active Duty members so. But I dont feel very good at all about those that are protected. I havent been this disappointed since Vietnam.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Mar 9 at 2018 5:21 PM

2018-03-09T17:21:18-05:00

I wish more of them were like the ones I served with.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Mar 9 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-03-09T17:30:20-05:00

I'm disappointed in my fellow millennials, I think some would benefit from a holiday in Cambodia (actually, The DPRK or Venezuela).

Response by SGT Robert Premo made Mar 9 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-03-09T20:19:09-05:00

I don't think much of them at all.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 8:47 PM

2018-03-09T20:47:28-05:00

Being a weekend warrior I feel we probably have a slightly different perspective on it. We get deployed ever couple years just like the AD but have no real support system for our families at home. We are part of the military but different. We are part of the civilian world but different. We exist in both worlds but neither one fully. I am not 100% sure how to feel about it.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 9 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-03-09T22:32:18-05:00

It's what we swore an oath to do, whether they are worth it or not is somebody else's decision.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 9 at 2018 10:55 PM

2018-03-09T22:55:44-05:00

There is no question I love our country and all it’s diversity. Our mission is to support and uphold the laws of those appointed over us. God Bless and thank you for your service.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 10 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-03-10T00:10:43-05:00

I really didn't think much about it. I lived my American Dream, hoping they are living theirs. That's the point. Doesn't get any more America than that. I fought for the country I love, but I thought of it like this. I fought to defend Houghs Neck, the neighborhood I grew up in. I fought for the concept of Houghs Neck. A 2 square mile peninsula, home to blue collar tradesmen and fishermen and their families. People who served, fought, returned home, raised a family, and worked hard for what they had. A place where people knew everyone else and looked out for each other. Kids could ride bikes and play outside until the street lights came on. People passed and everyone turned up to show respect. Tragedy wold strike and people would help out. If people in Iraq and Afghanistan had a splash of Houghs Neck, they would fight harder and win.

Conversely, it disappoints me to see people squandering their potential in the vapid wasteland of popular culture. No religious big mouth can have you stoned to death for your man bun, skinny jeans, wearing a winter hat in July, watching the Bachelor, or having blue hair. Ask people in Saudi Arabia how that's going. It angers me when people reject law, order, and security that undergird this power house of economy, technology, and freedom. You can expect to be secure in your home, on the street, and in your place of business with minor exception. No one has rocketed your culdesac because of how you pray (yet). Ask Yemen how that's going. It gauls me to hear people complain how they are so oppressed. Ask Egyptians how that is going. Are we perfect, no. We have work to do but it is comparatively small adjustments and improvements. Major overhauls, coups, and counter coups do not happen here. Are we the best show in town? Absolutely. And that is why I fight. Whether other Americans piss away that gift, is up to them....unfortunately also part of the American fabric.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2018 12:28 AM

2018-03-10T00:28:15-05:00

SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano When I returned from Vietnam, I encountered scumbags that tried to block my path, tried to provoke me with name calling, and generally were a pain in the ass. Today, we have protestors that will block highways, beat up folks they do not like, cause property damage, and say they are tolerant but will not accept any opinion except their own view points. Instead of trying to make their communities a better place to live in, they think they have the right to terrorize others. Most Americans are good people, but not all. There are plenty of scumbags out there.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Mar 10 at 2018 6:45 AM

2018-03-10T06:45:16-05:00

Interesting question. The anti-war crowd of the 60’s and 70’s never really was a issue with me. Then again I was a wet behind the ears teenager. The tie dyed clothing, weed use, Woodstock and the loud music, and long hair I never really identified with. Advance quite a few decades and my tolerance for today’s anarchists is truly trying my patience!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 10 at 2018 11:30 AM

2018-03-10T11:30:50-05:00

I served in the Vietnam era, but am better described as a Cold War vet. During my tenure we went from a Draft to an all-volunteer force. During Vietnam I saw the anti-war protests and heard about the poor way those returning from Vietnam through the West Coast in-ports were treated. I tended to view this as a coastal problem. I served mostly on the East Coast (VA), Southeast US (MS, FL), and in the Midwest (IL). I experienced no noticeable discrimination or harassment from the civilian population because I was a military member. On the other hand, we weren't embraced with patriotic fervor either. For many years, wearing the uniform "downtown" was discouraged or prohibited. Wearing a work or flight uniform downtown was prohibited until sometime in the 1970s. Many thought we (the US) lost the Vietnam war and were ready to blame the military.

Then as now, many people didn't understand the military or the nature of our service. My wife had a civilian neighbor ask, "Is your husband in the Air Force or does he work?" She explained that I was in the Air Force and worked every day. At the time I was deployed to Europe.

By the time the all-volunteer force became a reality, the attitude of civilians began to change. With the draft gone, young men didn't fear being forced into military service and possibly being asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Civilian respect for the military grew as we demonstrated we were a professional force and good job. DESERT STORM really changed the attitude of civilians. Everybody loves a winner and the US was a TV prime time winner of a short and comparatively "clean" war (when compared to the horrors of the World Wars). Personally, I felt like we had redeemed ourselves for Vietnam and proved the all-volunteer force was a good idea.

Response by SGT Eric Becker made Mar 10 at 2018 5:16 PM

2018-03-10T17:16:38-05:00

It was the reason for my service, I don't feel one way or another. Having served the country feels good, people are individuals, some good, some useless.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 11 at 2018 9:25 AM

2018-03-11T09:25:43-04:00

SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano Mostly Civilians are Civilians. I was Vietnam Era and Cold War when I first enlisted and made it 22 Yrs. before I decided to come home. To say the least I Tolerated Civilians not all but many did not and still don't have there Collective heads screwed on right. MO In the beginning Civilians were the reason I was in the Military that and Money HAHAHA like they paid a lot but at least I had a JOB. I Gained Contempt for Civilians when I seen how they treated Military Personal. Here is a short story of how that came about. I had a small family when I enlisted (wife and 1 child) I was Assigned to FT. Carson Colo. Needed an apartment for us to live. I was a PFC found a listing went and seen it Price was below my BHA all was Good Until I filled out the Rental agreement Lady looked at my Job reference and Told me Openly that my rent would be the total of my BHA because that is what the Military was willing to pay. So I asked if I were a Civilian then it would be the same as the listing. Yes she said but we prefer Military because we get more for rent. That and the fact that Military in those day were already treated bad I like for the civilian population diminished very quickly I have never been very happy with Greedy People. I Still harbor those feelings to this day but then I just take it in stride Because They cannot make me unhappy when I Choose to be happy just to defy them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-03-11T11:26:37-04:00

Never thought about the civilian world when I was a Soldier other than to think that I could make more money there. Now as an experienced civilian with memories of soldiering, I see _alot_ in civilian society that I don't like, but I _do_ like the Constitution. It is the best national constitution in the world. That seems pie-in-the-sky / esoteric to most people, but most Americans have never been outside the country and even fewer seem to have any interest in history or news from overseas.

I can think of one particular bright spot: A couple of years ago I visited DC to see the museums and monuments again. I had lunch at the restaurant in the garden across from the National Archives and when I came out I was planning to go in, but the line of people went around the corner and down the street (wasn't expecting to see _that_). The next day, it was raining and the metro was down so my father and I took a cab to Arlington and expected to be the only people at the Tomb, but all the other folks kept showing up in the rain. So, I think that the image we get of American society from the worthless turds in the media is inaccurate and there is a more substantive component to our society that doesn't get much coverage in the press. Without meeting that component, it is easy to get very pessimistic.

Response by SGT Rick Myers made Mar 11 at 2018 3:29 PM

2018-03-11T15:29:29-04:00

Most of the people are alright. Then you have those that just have no idea what’s going on and follow Marxist teaching and think fascist and communist states are cool. We served so they could have their opinions. I feel they should get a first hand look how it is and go live in those worlds.

Response by SSgt Rae Ann Panther made Mar 11 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-03-11T17:10:12-04:00

In 1975, wearing my dress blues on a flight home to Albany, NY - I felt wonderful until I reached Philadelphia where I changed planes and encountered anti-war protesters. It was "uncomfortable", but I kept my head high and mouth shut and walked away. I remembered it was not only for my family and friends, but for all Americans that I served.

Response by SPC Sean Martin made Mar 11 at 2018 5:28 PM

2018-03-11T17:28:16-04:00

I've found that most are ungrateful, and could care less! They take for granted, exactly what we go through, and sacrifices made. Out of sight, out of mind I guess. We volunteered for it though!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 6:40 PM

2018-03-11T18:40:36-04:00

To each his own, I just concentrate with the ones I'm with at the moment.

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Mar 12 at 2018 3:06 AM

2018-03-12T03:06:06-04:00

The reason we're there, wherever the hell there is, has to do with defending the Constitution of the United States, an idea of something not yet achieved. People who get it are people who either served, were married to a service member, or are children of service members. Those who chose not to do so or are unable to serve missed something that I consider invaluable, and miss every day since I retired. Camaraderie, trust, some level of security, the feeling of being part of something important...So, I feel sorry for them; they chose badly. But you know who gets what soldiers do? Cops, Fireman, EMTs, inner city and rural school teachers -- except they don't have the support system soldiers have.
By defending the Constitution, we defend the nation; by defending the nation, we defend the people of the United States. There was a Navy commercial in the 70s, about it's not a job, it's an adventure. You get out of it what you put into it.
I look at this way -- If you served, you're a member of my extended family. If not, well, you're still important, but first things first.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 12 at 2018 8:12 AM

2018-03-12T08:12:40-04:00

We do/did what we do so they don't have to. They live their lives in relative ignorance eating their tide pods and intentionally burning themselves on stoves. They don't get it. Maybe if they did, we wouldn't have such a fractured society.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Mar 12 at 2018 8:25 AM

2018-03-12T08:25:13-04:00

SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano--- I have no resentment, some seem a little petty to me but that is fine also. Plus if we didn't have them to protect I don't guess we would not be needed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 8:29 AM

2018-03-12T08:29:55-04:00

First and foremost, they all have the right to do whatever they want to do. We chose this nowadays, there aren't any people that are still in that were drafted. With that being said, I wish they all would really realize how good they have it here in the states. Of course we have our own issues, but with the places I've travelled in the world being in the military, some places I've seen might give new meaning to the word Oppression and how loosely that term is thrown around in the United States. There are no Utopia's in the world. There is always room for improvement, and that only comes from listening to people and not lashing out at those that have different ideals/ political leanings than you. We have the greatest country in the world, and its slowly slipping away and I blame social media and the mainstream media for all of the hatred. We do not communicate personally anymore. It makes my blood boil to see the division being brought on by both of these platforms. Even the flag kneeling, which everyone has the right to do as they see fit, however it made people choose sides and did more to divide us than bring us together. The golden rule should apply at all times. God Bless the USA and I hope we can all come together at some point without another tragedy such as 911 being needed to do so.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 12 at 2018 9:10 AM

2018-03-12T09:10:32-04:00

SSG Acevedo Toscano,
I never gave any thoughts about it while I was in the Army, and don't give too much thought about it now. But I would say that everyone should serve in some form, that's my view. With that said, we all make our own choices in life. I made mine at 20 years old by joining the Army, others chose to stay in college, and we have those that just wanna play video games or do nothing all day. The only thing I thought and still think about is my family because at the end of the day, that's all you're going to have. My family!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-03-12T09:23:07-04:00

I apprecaite civilians that understand the concept of what we do. Those who thank us and are grateful. Theres just a vibe you get that you truly feel that they understand service and what it means to serve your country. On the other hand, I hate the younger generation, actually my own generation, that is so focused on "self" they don't understand what it means to give, to serve, or to be selfless. Selfish versus selfless in my humble opinion. Those who wear the uniform in any capacity understand selflessness. Those civilians who only take, who only focus on themselves, are a poor lot. Life is richer and better tasting both during and after military service, and those who don't go through it, don't know what that tastes like.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Mar 12 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-03-12T14:22:41-04:00

The only problem I had with civilians were the hippies and malcontents who protested the Vietnam War in our faces as we returned home.

Incidentally, your post date is a bit in the future if it means September 3rd. We're in March 2018 as of this note. I'm not accustomed to seeing dates in digital form only that match military-form dates.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Mar 12 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-03-12T16:27:44-04:00

I never really cared one way or the other. I could have gone straight to college if I wanted and they could have gone into the military. We all made our choices. Unless they are impacting me I try not too worry too much about if other people are having more fun than me, have it easier, have more money, more free time, etc. I only have to be happy with my life.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 12 at 2018 7:24 PM

2018-03-12T19:24:17-04:00

Honestly, mostly just pity... The last numbers I read were that only 3.5% of Americans have ever traveled abroad. Based off of a lot of old high school associates, most never even leave the state. Since I joined, I've been to 31 different countries, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, learning different perspectives on our histories, living in all kinds of communities, gaining new experiences. I have a lot of pity for the Average American, and can't imagine how tiny and myopic those little worlds must be from that perspective. Combine that lack of worldliness with our typical poor showing in the global community as far as education standards, the 'Muricuh tinted glasses have really come off...

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 12 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-03-12T19:25:06-04:00

Outside of my family and close friends I didn’t give a rat’s ass about the people back home during and after my time in Vietnam,I truly wish I could be more charitable and forgiving but that’s the way the old cookie crumbles.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-03-14T22:53:45-04:00

Unappreciative. But whatever, it’s s free country. You’re welcome!

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Mar 15 at 2018 3:28 PM

2018-03-15T15:28:08-04:00

When I had time to think about them, Those who were protesting the War in Vietnam and what we were doing pissed me off, and I wished there was a way they all could be scooped up and splashed down into a rice paddy in North Vietnam, so they could see just how great it was, especially after all the BS that Fonda and Kerry had pumped them so full of and the rest of the SDS instigators on campus and elsewhere. Any other time I did not have time to worry about their sorry asses. I was too busy staying alive working the Flight Deck, making sure I don't get hit by a Rotor, prop, get sucked into an intake or get blown over the side again. ONCE IS ENOUGH!

Response by SP5 Mark Chagnon made Mar 20 at 2018 10:59 PM

2018-03-20T22:59:15-04:00

In Nam I never once considered the people stateside on anything. What was happening g in my immediate proximity was infinitely more important.

Response by AN Donald Miller made Mar 28 at 2018 12:06 AM

2018-03-28T00:06:50-04:00

I feel great about it, it is all about freedom whether I agree or disagree with any of us.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Apr 27 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-04-27T13:17:56-04:00

I always felt during my service that I served the flag and the American Ideals and people as a whole. since I enlisted immediately following High School my knowledge of the real world was somewhat limited. When my service on twenty years in the US Submarine Force was completed, I then completed my Batchelor's and Master's degrees with the assistance of the military program and entered the American workforce. It was there that I found the real America, that I had served! At first, I was angry, because after twenty years of working closely with a group of men whom I trusted with my life and who trusted me, now I felt that I was in a group where there was no-one I could trust, and now there were women who seemed to all have a very strange view of logic as to how things should be done. There were those who cried, criticized, and who would do almost anything to be recognized or advanced in some way. All this was very new to me, but as I grew in this new environment, I also grew to know better those who were very like my comrades of previous years. I have, over the years, lost my anger, and have come to realize the American people for who and what they are. I have developed new barriers to that which I do not care for and new methods of outreach for those ideas which I admire. I have become much more aware of how angry politics on a national level governs to an unfortunate degree our life in the current world, and my position in the fight to straighten things out. I find that I am a bigger man now than that MCPO, that left the Navy many years ago, but I am also aware of the tremendous amount of life experience gained from military service! I much better understand now what I spent a good part of my life protecting, and I am satified that overall, the time was very well spent!

Response by MSgt Manuel Smith made May 2 at 2018 9:14 PM

2018-05-02T21:14:58-04:00

I appreciate our Republic and our way of life.The freedoms we have to voice dissent or even disagreement even with the military. Would not trade anything for it. Glad to have served.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made May 4 at 2018 10:18 AM

2018-05-04T10:18:19-04:00

I think that time and situation have played a huge role in the views of civilians and soldiers. A veteran who served in Vietnam doesn't get the same recognition as a Gulf war veteran or Iraqi veteran but the same duty was served. Matthew 6-1 and John 15-13 come to mind. I didn't need a medal or ribbon, nor do I need a pat on the back, not even a thank you for your service. My reward comes from being a part of something and living my life by a certain code of conduct. I think of it like this; people will eat hamburgers and hot dogs on the 4th of July in celebration of our independence; however, if those same people actually had to process their own meat(s) chances are they would just have a salad. They are grateful for the people who do it, but they just won't go up and hug the butcher. A soldier has the hardest job in the world. We loose friends, family, and sometimes even our lives but we do this voluntarily out of love for country and our fellow human beings whether American or otherwise.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 4 at 2018 11:29 AM

2018-05-04T11:29:39-04:00

very broad question - first answer - I feel glad that they will never have to experience some of the things I have seen and have done yet at the same time I am angry that there is a subculture that feels they are entitled to things they have not earned and claim they are oppressed - and I heard about this "oppression" trend while I attended university after I retired - it took all my discipline to not berate them that as long as they lived in the US, and have never stepped outside the state let alone the country, that their views of oppression are infantile and ignorant.

Response by CPL Allen T Sloan Jr. made May 12 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-05-12T15:04:23-04:00

Its not the American citizens I am mad at its the politicians. They are suppose to support the military but they don't they have divided the nation and fight amongst them selves for the power they do not care about the soldiers or the nation they care only about the power and money they take all that tax money and take what they think is their share and then its everyone for themselves we need a government that works for the people not themselves

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 12 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-05-12T15:16:37-04:00

Honestly - while I served, I did not think of them much at all, as I had responsibilities to my men and unit that consumed my time - what free time I had was family time. When I was med boarded, and received my rating - I took advantage of chapter 31 and went to school - this was in Washington state, very close to evergreen university - young people were very spoiled and entitled - they would complain about having to write papers, complain when the professor corrected their grammar or spelling mistakes, complain about having to be to class on time - and then, this whole oppression issue started to gain ground - now mind you - I was 48 yrs old, and was deployed to areas where true oppression was occurring - and these people, who have the freedom to attend a university, own various pieces of expensive tech, are allowed to voice what ever opinion they want - attempting to tell me they are oppressed - yeah - I had to fight the urge to choke the crap out of some idiots who have no idea what oppression is - are there imbalances in our sysytems - absolutely - are they oppressed - absolutely not.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 7:08 PM

2018-05-13T19:08:58-04:00

I try not to think about their Shenanigans. The military is an instrument of national power. It doesn’t matter how I feel or how they act.

Response by CPL Luke Saunders made May 26 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-05-26T17:53:49-04:00

I love 'em all. But they are some STUPID mother fuckers.
Drive on.

Response by CPL Luke Saunders made May 26 at 2018 5:57 PM

2018-05-26T17:57:55-04:00

I'd love some context on how the shit you're posting from the future?

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made May 28 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-05-28T12:12:23-04:00

I volunteered and took an oath to defend this GREAT COUNTRY, both foreign and domestic. For those that wants to complain, I would say volunteer and serve, then I think their views may change. But with all things, it's easy to complain looking from the outside looking in.

Response by SrA A.A. Hall made Jun 3 at 2018 3:11 AM

2018-06-03T03:11:46-04:00

Personally I can't stand most civilians I come in contact with now days. I hate it when I'm constantly being told "you can't say that "! I'm like oh yes I can! I can't stand it when you express your opinion and someone starts screaming and cussing you out, especially when you haven't said anything derogatory or explicit about or to the person who's decided to get in your face! I left my dashcam on by accident, but it wound up being a good thing, because it caught a couple of teens trashing my vehicle. When I pressed charges they wanted to know why? So I asked them Why did you vandalize my vehicle? And they said " because of a bumper sticker " . My sticker says "Jesus Saves! " WTF??? Really??? Civilians are crazy!

Response by Jim France made Jun 7 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-06-07T14:00:33-04:00

I wasn't in long enough to register a difference between myself volunteering to serve and those that didn't, but I do know that my reason for joining was that I was tired of sitting on the couch during the second gulf war and watching the service members on news broadcasts who were risking their lives so that I could feel safe at home. I wanted to make a difference, and that difference led to me enlisting in the Navy at age 36. Unfortunately, my desire to serve became overshadowed by the fact that my wife and I had misjudged her ability to manage my being away and saddling her with 4 kids. To this day she says that I broke her when she had a mental breakdown while I was in Basic and a brief period at A school.
I feel nothing but gratitude for everyone who has served and is currently serving in the military. I will be very interested in seeing what my youngest daughter's thoughts are on this very question after she graduates from Great Lakes next month and gets a chance to communicate again with some of her civilian friends who would never offer themselves up to serve.

Response by SFC Ismael Diaz made Jun 15 at 2018 1:24 PM

2018-06-15T13:24:16-04:00

Civil liberties are not appreciated as much now that 2 major fights against terrorism abroad are reduced. The population not feeling the pain when the fight is abroad. Not speaking in general overall the older generation does appreciate our service to the nation.
I can not preoccupied myself with those that take USA for granted.