Why are we so quick to judge veterans that are proud of their accomplishments?

2015-11-21T10:23:42-05:00

On Veterans Day I came on rally point to see the following question being presented. When did posting a picture of yourself in your military uniform become a thing on social media? My answer to this is simple however there are many layers that can make it difficult. I assume that the presumption is that we seek attention and want to be recognized therefore we aren't being humble. I personally think that maybe the case for some but certainly not all. I know that when I look back at pictures of myself in the military I am looking back at a part of my life that I truely enjoyed, a part that molded me into the person I am today and a part that I am truely proud of. It's no different to me than posting your degree on a wall or posting a picture of your wedding day. For a majority of veterans we get out before completing 20 years. We don't get the full benefits and keep our military ID card but that doesn't make our service any less impressive. We in fact are the ones that are forgotten about. You don't see us honored at football games, we don't have a current military picture, we are walking around in our uniform and we don't even get military discounts at a majority of locations. You pass us everyday in the street we might be wearing an old battalion t shirt or our old boots, we might be wearing some type of military pride shirt or hat. We aren't seeking the attention but I'd be lying if I said it is nice to be appreciated. I have all the respect in the world for career military it's truely impressive but I will say this those whom try to belittle or degrade a fellow veteran for posting a picture of himself or herself loses a bit of my respect. Don't assume you know the reason not everyone is looking for a handout or acknowledgement. Maybe just maybe we packed on a few lbs and wanna remember a better time or place. If you wore the uniform and your dd214 says honorable discharge you damn well deserve the right to post any picture of your military service on any day you want and I for one would like to thank you for your service!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 21 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-11-21T10:28:06-05:00

SGT Del Lavature I would love to discover those vets. Now-a-days I seldom ask about prior service. The last time I did, I was rebuffed and felt badly for disturbing the fellow.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Nov 21 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-11-21T10:37:41-05:00

I am very proud of my time in service and I won't be humiliated by oneof the new generation that wantse to sit down and shut up about it. I wear my hats and t-shirts, I'm not looking for any recognition, I do it for myself and hopefully a fellow veteran will see me and want to talk. I enjoy swapping stories with those who served of any generation. Be proud and wear your veteran's gear. Maybe we'll run across each other someday.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Nov 21 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-11-21T10:56:00-05:00

SGT Del Lavature Keep doing what you are doing. If they can't handle it, that's their fault. Be proud of what you have done, only 1% of Americans have done what/are doing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-11-21T11:47:29-05:00

Many people took my question about changing your profile picture on Social media sites for Veteran's day way out of context. However, it was very straight-forward. "When did it become a trend?"

Response by BG David Fleming III made Nov 21 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-11-21T11:50:33-05:00

Very nice post!!! Display your pride anyway you want! That's the least this country can allow for all veteran!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 22 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-11-22T10:54:51-05:00

There are lots of people in younger generations for whom accomplishment is anathema. Further, there is the whole eliminate hierarchy - make everything totally democratic. The military represents a huge threat to these people and others. As we saw during and after Vietnam, the military is blamed for the failings of the leaders. This remains true today.

The great irony is we served, and many fought, for the right of these people to hate us...