Is it wrong to wear an OIF or OEF a veteran hat or pin if you are still active duty?

2015-04-13T19:41:29-04:00

I have deployed to Iraq twice as a critical nurse caring for critically injured coalition forces and U.S. Wounded Warriors. My family and I recently went to DC to view the memorials. I stopped at a souvenir trailer and purchased an OIF veteran pin and wore it on my jacket. We then walked and visited the Vietnam Wall and the Nurses Memorial. Seeing both got me emotional with pride and sorrow for those who were lost. In any event, I felt a little guilty wearing the pin while I am active duty, but I am also proud to have served and want to show my pride.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 13 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-04-13T20:34:18-04:00

Toss that guilt away like its a grenade. You earned that pin.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 13 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-04-13T20:57:28-04:00

I don't see a problem with it

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-04-13T21:02:26-04:00

Have you not seen all the vehicles that advertise every school a soldier has been to? At least you're being conservative with it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-04-13T21:18:30-04:00

While I haven't looked I haven't ever seen a military reg on such a thing. In my personal life I am a post level officer of the VFW. In my opinion if you've been down range your a vet even if your still on active duty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-04-13T22:08:17-04:00

Sir, you earned it, as Americans are not sacrificing whatsoever a day in their lives for the stuff we have to endured. I spent 4.5 years in a war zone, and although I don't wear a pin, you have that right when going to a memorial to pay your respect or to decompress. Thank you for your service and for your hard and difficult job

Edited for a correction, it was Americans instead of rehabs.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 13 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-04-13T22:26:03-04:00

Sir, There is no shame in your game. There is no reason to feel guilty.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 14 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-04-14T00:50:45-04:00

Col Private RallyPoint Member , absolutely not sir! If you were boots on ground during the time frame for OIF/OEF and you have the medals then by all means you are a veteran and deserving of wearing that hat/pin, regardless of active duty status.

As a retiree/veteran I have never been offended by my active duty brothers/sisters in arms wearing those types of veteran memorabilia. You were there, you earned it.

The VA defines veteran as someone who has served 180 consecutive days on active duty. There are some VA benefits open to active duty, such as the VA Home Loan Guarantee program. If the VA considers you a veteran (and they're supposed to be the authority on that topic) that's good enough for me.

Wear your pin with pride!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 14 at 2015 12:54 AM

2015-04-14T00:54:55-04:00

Wear it, Col Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 12:56 AM

2015-04-14T00:56:15-04:00

If you earned it, you have every right to wear it in my opinion. My father is a Vietnam veteran and when i came home from Iraq he got me an Army Veteran hat with an Operation Iraqi Freedom pin on it. Though I don't wear hats, I still accepted it and will perhaps one day wear it. He also got me another pin when I came home from Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-04-14T07:42:54-04:00

Nope, you earned it sir! Be proud of it!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 15 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-04-15T12:53:23-04:00

If I'm not mistaken, I believe after a certain time serving, whether you are still in or not, you are legally considered a veteran. I'd say it's based on how you personally see it. If you personally feel you should wear that pin, or hat, then wear it with pride.