What are your thoughts on a member serving just over year?

2014-11-26T02:36:04-05:00

I have always wanted to join the military and when I finally was able to I only served 15 months before getting discharged from the ARNG because of a knee injury. I at times think that I am not worthy of a Veteran title knowing that many of you spent 20 plus years serving your country. So I just wanted to get the members perspective on this topic. And as Always I thank you for your service...

Response by GySgt Thomas Beran made Nov 26 at 2014 1:57 PM

2014-11-26T13:57:45-05:00

Look you intended on serving the whole time and got injured. Nothing to feel guilty about. If you were kicked out after a year because you did something wrong that would be different.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 27 at 2014 1:51 AM

2014-11-27T01:51:38-05:00

15 months, 15 years, 35 years... SPC Joseph Fisher, you stepped up, took an oath, and served your country. That is something to always be proud of and something that I am sure every member of this site is also proud of. Only 1% of our population serves out Nation. Be proud to be part of that fraternity.

Response by PO2 Andrew Berry made Nov 27 at 2014 2:06 AM

2014-11-27T02:06:22-05:00

I agree with both of them. You served therefore you deserve the same title as the rest of us.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 27 at 2014 10:02 AM

2014-11-27T10:02:10-05:00

I'd say your knee can't wear the title but the rest of you can. ;) Feel proud in calling yourself a vet.

Dang knees, seems they get to most of us sooner or later. Most people sidelined in boot camp was because of knees.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 27 at 2014 12:09 PM

2014-11-27T12:09:53-05:00

You stood, up, raised your hand and swore to defend this country. That's more than 99% of this country can say. Injury or not, deployment or not, you are part of the few, "The proud few" SPC Joseph Fisher. You are among family here.

Response by SGT Jason Anderson made Nov 27 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-11-27T12:15:29-05:00

In my opinion, welcome to the club. Officially, can you get VA benefits? I don't know how being medically discharged workworks with the Guard, but I do know that normally in the Guard you are not entitled to Veteran status until 6 years have been served.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-11-27T12:27:34-05:00

SPC Joseph Fisher I don't think many will say you are NOT a veteran - unless the knee injury was self-inflicted. My question is: have you gone to the VA for followup and rating for your injury?

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Nov 27 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-11-27T12:32:35-05:00

Look how many senior leaders are saying you're a veteran.
There's your answer ;)

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 27 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-11-27T12:42:41-05:00

Title earned. It is what it is, sometimes bad things happen to good folks.

Response by SPC Joseph Fisher made Nov 27 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-11-27T14:48:44-05:00

Thank you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever that may be.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 27 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-11-27T17:17:58-05:00

Veteran.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 27 at 2014 5:27 PM

2014-11-27T17:27:55-05:00

Believe it or not, I have the same trouble at the 18.5 year mark. I was medically "temporarily" retired (TDRL) and finally permanently retired a couple months ago (after doing everything possible to return to active duty). It is a state of mind. We are often our own worst critics. You sir, are a proud veteran. No one can take that from you, unless you let them. If someone gives you grief about it, only you can empower them by letting them get you mad. Just smile and wave. Freedom of speech is what makes this country great. It doesn't mean that we agree with what is being said. If people understood the concept, what a better world we would live in. From one gimp to another (lol), welcome to the family.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-11-27T20:27:44-05:00

SPC Joseph Fisher. I've seen enough troops . . . volunteers and draftees . . . fresh out of training . . . in country . . . become WIA / KIA within a few days . . . so it is not a matter of the time served . . . it is a matter of conscientiously doing your duty to best of your ability. Whether cook, accountant, logistician, LRRP, or fire base officer . . . doing your duty makes you a veteran. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-11-27T20:27:47-05:00

You signed a contract and did the task that were assigned to you until you were not able to anymore. So Yes, you served your country.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 27 at 2014 9:36 PM

2014-11-27T21:36:14-05:00

Well you did your time its not like you did 15 months and were pushed out due to not conforming so yes you are veteran.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 10:12 PM

2014-11-27T22:12:20-05:00

You still are part of the 1%. The strongest band of brothers, you have done something most cant so be proud to call yourself a Veteran

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 27 at 2014 10:49 PM

2014-11-27T22:49:02-05:00

SPC Joseph Fisher, I served just under 2 years and earned the title "Veteran". As a lot of folks are saying, "If you survived Basic Training and AIT, you are one of the few". I had a bum leg in AIT myself, and the job I had while waiting for my leg to heal and my orders to be cut was to "process out the quitters". You didn't run into people like me, so you qualify as one of the few. So don't think of yourself as unworthy. You are one of us!

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Nov 28 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-11-28T23:44:55-05:00

You're still a veteran. You stood up, raised your hand, and said an oath. You also made it through BCT and AIT as well! What boils my blood, is some people who make it through the first few weeks of BCT and get kicked out, and still think they're a veteran. To me, you're not on veteran status. I didn't spend 20 years in the Army, I did 8 and had to medically retire because of my back injury, but I'm still a veteran. (feels so weird saying that!)

Response by PO1 Autumn Sandeen made Nov 29 at 2014 12:57 AM

2014-11-29T00:57:23-05:00

Fifteen months is longer than the majority of Americans serve. And, I'm assuming you were discharged honorably.

There's nothing to be ashamed of, and very much something to be proud of. Wear the title veteran with honor. As a 20-year disabled vet, I know I thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Christopher McCloud made Nov 29 at 2014 8:36 PM

2014-11-29T20:36:54-05:00

IF you had the balls to take the oath and put the uniform on you deserve the title of Veteran. Don't let anyone tell you different. People get hurt in the Military that is the nature of the business.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 29 at 2014 10:14 PM

2014-11-29T22:14:13-05:00

Son, being a veteran is as much spirit as it is deed.

You didn't step away when asked, and I don't think you quit while you still had the ability to serve. You were sidelined by an injury, and the Army decreed that you were no longer fit for duty and cast you out, as armies are wont to do.

You may not be a member of what Bill Mauldin once called the Benevolent Brotherhood of Them Ones What's Been Shot At, but you are definitely a veteran.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 22 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-05-22T23:17:12-04:00

You are a brother in arms end of story

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 22 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-05-22T23:24:01-04:00

You served 15 months longer than any civilian I know. Chin up bro.

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made May 23 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-05-23T00:12:02-04:00

I recognize the importance of the accomplishment. That is different.

I also understand the intent. That is important as well. Sometimes intent will also show the heart, the character of a man.