8 Things I Learned From My Military Dad

Excellent share COL Flemming.

COL Lee Flemming: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO YOU, COLONEL! HAPPY FATHERS' DAY: TO ALL OF YOU FATHERS; OUT THERE IN THE RALLY POINT NATION!

I myself was a Navy brat. Father was career Navy, like his father was before him.

Not long after I turned 18, he took me to the Navy recruiter, where I scored exceptionally well on the ASVAB. I was looking at enlisting as a MM(N), until one whom lived nearby in off-base housing let me know that I would almost guaranteed be assigned to a submarine first. I ended up washing out at MEPS (Army) after it was discovered just how poor my hearing is.

I am in my 40s now, a civilian... and I miss many things about being around the service. I miss hearing Reveille in the morning and Retreat in the evening. I miss the respect and reverence paid to the flag and each other. I miss hatches, bulkheads and decks. Hell, I even miss the regimented and orderly way of life (and I'm very libertarian otherwise).

As for my father, I miss everything except talking to him (on the phone). I couldn't tell you specifics, as I don't remember too well (cerebral aneurysm in 02,so I'm missing the majority of my history/memories).

However, the article was spot on, otherwise.