Veterans Day 2022

This week our nation pauses to remember and thank those who served. I’ve blogged previously about thoughts on service and how our nation recognizes Veterans. Very proud to live in a nation that sets aside a day each year to recognize service. This Veterans Day, now three years removed from the military, I feel I’ve progressed in my transition from Soldier to Veteran. I’ve had a lot of help!

Up until last week, I kept the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms or OCPs as they are called untouched since my last day in service, just in case I got recalled back to active duty. Don’t judge, I know I’m not the only one! I’d be willing to bet most Veterans do the same. I’ve come to realize the call for a broken down, slightly overweight vet will never come. I’ve relegated my old uniforms and very comfortable boots to hunting and work clothes. I always loved how serving in the military included camping and outdoor gear!

In my current civilian job, I still get to work with a few active-duty service members. As I look on their youthful faces and see their drive, I am a little envious but also remember it is their time to serve. My time is past. I praise them and thank them whenever possible.

I also stay active in a local organization that includes a lot of my Veteran buddies. It’s interesting to see the different stages of Veterans so clearly on display. Those freshly back in the civilian world, those still adjusting (like me) and the vets who have long since made the complete transition back to civilian. I’ve learned a lot from all three groups. Although vets can be a sometimes-awkward lot, I am happy to have a network to hang out with both socially and professionally.

One unique thing occurred in 2022 that made me think about Veterans and what it means to serve a little bit more this year. Our oldest son turned 18 or what in military parlance might be described as a “fighting age male”.  He dutifully registered for selective service as required. This simple act gave me pause.

I thought about all the Americans who registered for selective service in years gone by and then got the call. Young people, suddenly plucked away from their homes and robbed of their formative years to serve their nation and often fight on foreign soil. It made me remember; military service is, by its nature, a young person’s burden. Thankfully, the nation’s call has been answered by volunteers for nearly the past 50 years.   

The fact that our nation still maintains a selective service system in addition to its all-volunteer force is a stark reminder that freedom isn’t free. Unfortunately, there will always be wars and rumors of wars. Young Americans will be called upon to sacrifice their personal freedoms, health and lives to defend us.  Our Veterans know this truth better than anyone. For this, our Veterans deserve our gratitude not only on a day in November, but always.

Whether participating in the Veterans Day freebies or just at home in quiet reflection, I hope all my fellow Veterans have a great day and, if for just a moment, feel the appreciation of a grateful nation. Thank you to everyone who has served!  

Check out the sustains and improves from my own transition from career Soldier back to civilian in my new book, Military Retirement: An After-Action Review. Free eBook download or paperback purchase on Amazon. If you do read my AAR (or any of my books for that matter), please don’t forget to drop a review on Amazon! Thank you!

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The views, opinions and biases expressed in this blog are the authors and do not reflect those of the U.S. Army or Department of Defense.