The hardest decision I’ve ever made

I can sympathize... I just dropped my retirement packet today to retire with 22 years of service. It's an exciting but scary time.

CPT Aaron Kletzing I agree with the article in that it was a hard decision. In Vietnam, I heard that we had landed on the Moon which was the spark for me to wonder about a Space Program career. At MCB 29 Palms, we had a bad drug problem that I did not think the Marine Corps was doing enough to resolve. I made the tough decision to get out, get a job, go to school, and then work on the Space Program. Years later, the Marine Corps did something about the drug problem. After a 33 year career, I retired one month after the last Space Shuttle flight. Again, this was one of the hardest decisions that I had ever made. Transition can be terrifying but lead to new opportunities and challenges.

I appreciate you sharing. Its a good read and definitely relatable... As I come up on my window to reenlist for the second time, I find myself shifting more towards getting out. The more I think about getting out, the more I think about getting back in some years later. Its a scary though like Mark said. I came in shortly after high school and working a decent paying construction job at just 17. I thought why not family footsteps. Its time for me to go make my own path. Im proud of what ive done & where im at (married, own a home, little girl, happy relationship...) Its time I not only make MY own path but create a better life for my family as well.