When was that defining moment that made you realize you were about to become a veteran?

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 02:30:29 -0400

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Nov 2 at 2016 2:32 AM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 02:32:25 -0400

It hit me today while I was completing my DA 31.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 2 at 2016 5:58 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 05:58:34 -0400

When I picked up my release papers, DD214, from a Pvt at the company office and drove my 61 VW Beatle out the back gate of Camp Pendleton onto US 101 headed North. It began to hit me I was stepping into the great unknown. I had a vague plan but was suddenly full of apprehension.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 6:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 06:08:44 -0400

When I boarded an L-1011, Tristar, operated by American Trans Air (ATA) airlines nicknamed "Big Ed". He flew me to Kuwait in 2003. Last I heard he had been retired to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 8:09 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:09:22 -0400

When I was handing over my check-out sheet from my command, walking down to the brow. I looked back and saw the magnificent awe that was my ship, my command, my life. When I felt a tightening in my chest; almost like I was leaving a friend behind. The feeling was both accomplishing, rewarding and heartbreaking.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 2 at 2016 8:44 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:44:05 -0400

When I turned over my last command. Felt like I took off roller skates. Everything else was just paperwork and anticlimactic. Interesting how quick the inside becomes the outside.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Nov 2 at 2016 9:09 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:09:18 -0400

Yesterday, when I began my retirement physical.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 2 at 2016 9:46 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:46:06 -0400

About 20 minutes before I secured for a month long Christmas Leave when I received word that my reenlistment package was denied and if I wanted to stay in, I'd have to submit another package to lat move to a different MOS. Had to take care of my family and couldn't wait for more uncertainty, so I started looking for work elsewhere.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Nov 2 at 2016 10:23 AM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:23:33 -0400

When I received a call to stay home. I was being medically boarded for epilepsy which took a year. I was told I no longer needed to report and responsibility for the clinic I had managed for 3 years was given to a subordinate. It was a shock even though I expected it. It was how it was handled that made me feel like lint. The machine rolls on without us!

Response by SSgt Scott Walters made Nov 2 at 2016 12:35 PM

SSgt Scott Walters — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:35:04 -0400

Mine was in a different vane from the previous posts. I was standing by the armory talking to a Sgt, as Marines were drawing their weapons. The Sgt pulled a private in his section (straight out of his MOS school), out of line to go to Motor T to pass the word on something. The private looked at the Sgt and "I don't wanna". I just looked at the Sgt., turned and walked away before I went off on the private. It was at that point I knew it was time to get out.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Nov 2 at 2016 12:35 PM

1SG Al Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:35:27 -0400

The moment I hit the ground.....

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Nov 2 at 2016 12:54 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:54:24 -0400

When I called MILPERCEN and asked about my next duty assignment. OTEA in Falls Church, VA; i.e., living in the DC area with lots of TDY) was too much to asked the Mother of two teen aged boys. Phone never hit the cradle.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 1:21 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:21:27 -0400

SSG Shavonde Chase It really hit home my last week, when I was packing my personal items in the trunk of my car, checking out, etc. Driving through the gate at MCB 29 Palms, for the last time, was a weird feeling.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 2 at 2016 8:13 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:13:56 -0400

interesting...
when the recession of the early 80 set in...
by me going back on active duty and staying there till i retired... 2 guys in the stock room got to keep their Jobs... and they stayed and moved Up

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Nov 2 at 2016 10:27 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 22:27:00 -0400

landing in Vietnam

Response by PO2 Sybil "TT" I. made Nov 3 at 2016 3:31 AM

PO2 Sybil "TT" I. — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 03:31:16 -0400

When I knew my family needed me.

Response by SFC Brian Bourque made Nov 3 at 2016 5:07 AM

SFC Brian Bourque — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 05:07:55 -0400

My defining moment was when I received my retirement packet approved from my Brigade Commander.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Nov 4 at 2016 11:28 AM

SFC William Stephens — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:28:37 -0400

I have to ask question, What is a VETERAN to you? is a VETERAN some who serves 4 years sees no combat and uses military for college and scores a civilian job and someone who dose 20 years can't get a job because they have PTSD? or is it these guys with combat tours who have served their country or can't go past their RCP or just don't want to do it NO more. Please explain, Because we have people on the streets who are homeless Veterans who say they are veterans who did serve crap serve time and we are still calling them veterans'. Someone please explain the system to me.

STEPHENS'

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 5 at 2016 4:37 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 16:37:42 -0400

The day I was 1st time non-select. It gave me 18 month head start before the inevitable departure.