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This thread is primarily for those of us who were medically retired against our wishes....
I had 18.5 years in and was medically retired. I was beside myself with grief, anger, frustration, guilt, betrayal,.......... the list is endless. I was always going to be a 30 yr man and even then I was going to retire kicking and screaming. I mean, I have a 24 yr old tattoo of a Bradley fighting vehicle on my arm. Serving is all I wanted to do. To get to 18.5 and NOT cross the finish line really tore me up inside.
My question is simple....How did you handle the transition? Are you still having a hard time with your feelings or have you made your peace? If you are willing, please share for the welfare of the group.
I had 18.5 years in and was medically retired. I was beside myself with grief, anger, frustration, guilt, betrayal,.......... the list is endless. I was always going to be a 30 yr man and even then I was going to retire kicking and screaming. I mean, I have a 24 yr old tattoo of a Bradley fighting vehicle on my arm. Serving is all I wanted to do. To get to 18.5 and NOT cross the finish line really tore me up inside.
My question is simple....How did you handle the transition? Are you still having a hard time with your feelings or have you made your peace? If you are willing, please share for the welfare of the group.
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 16
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SFC Mark Merino one thing you should never lose sight of is that YOU DIDN'T QUIT. Big difference. Sometimes our bodies just won't do everything we ask of them, and that just is what it is. You're a good man, you served your country well and with distinction, and your presence here means that you continue to do that today. Rock on, Brother. Get that back well, and on to the next phase line. The Mission will continue.
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LTC Bill Koski
I feel the same way. I had 27 years as a reservist, 13.5 years active duty and was AGR when they medically retired me. Hated the process, very hard not to feel like you're being singled out.....but, 18.5 years......you did it, you made it, you don't have to prove anything to anyone. As corny as it sounds, RP has become a therapy of sorts. I also managed a job with a military contractor. Not the same thing, but as close as this broken 54 year old bag of bones can handle.
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SFC Merino and RP family,
I have many regrets, frustration, guilt, betrayal, and of course the ever present anger.
I still struggle. My unit did nothing for me at retirement, even though they new it was coming. My favorable memories come from my Iraq tour, my previous units, and looking back at the people who influenced me and allowed me to grow into a Senior NCO.
The process for medical retirement is still broken. The MEB/PEB process is filled with a constant and consistent lack of information, never ended waiting for the VA to finish ratings, exams, or something else, and a lack of urgency on anyone's part. Once a deicsion is made be prepared for further delays and lack of information from the CRSC personnel, DFAS, and or others.
Slowly, I am picking up my ruck sack and starting to move on. I am proud of my service, for how I served, and for retiring, but it is not easy to remain positive even with the pride.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
I have many regrets, frustration, guilt, betrayal, and of course the ever present anger.
I still struggle. My unit did nothing for me at retirement, even though they new it was coming. My favorable memories come from my Iraq tour, my previous units, and looking back at the people who influenced me and allowed me to grow into a Senior NCO.
The process for medical retirement is still broken. The MEB/PEB process is filled with a constant and consistent lack of information, never ended waiting for the VA to finish ratings, exams, or something else, and a lack of urgency on anyone's part. Once a deicsion is made be prepared for further delays and lack of information from the CRSC personnel, DFAS, and or others.
Slowly, I am picking up my ruck sack and starting to move on. I am proud of my service, for how I served, and for retiring, but it is not easy to remain positive even with the pride.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
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SFC Mark Merino
It was like you were speaking directly t me SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS ! I was placed on TDRL April 2010 and just got retired 2 days ago.
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SFC Boots Attaway
My unit did not do anything for me either and I was one of the original 20 with the then NEW HHC 45th BSTB and had been with them over 6 years.
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You have to mourn the dream of what would have been, and accept what is. I think finding meaning and identity outside of the military is key. Even if you served for 30 years, you'd still have a life outside of the military - being thankful for what you have as opposed to what you didn't accomplish. Enjoy famly, friends and life and everything you wished you would have done but couldn't do because you were on active duty.
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