Posted by Gerald Hannah on November 5, 2008 at 1:59pm
Subject: FriendsDefinitely rings a bell! Sounds like something I have said over and over.When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired,wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that fewexperience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with everystep and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the verybearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.NOW! Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends ComparisonsCIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happilycarry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry. VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.--------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd's ass that left you behind.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.----------------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen couldever dream of.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...----------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will stand up to them for using your name in vain.---------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.----------------------------------------------------A veteran, whether active duty, retired, or reserve is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to The Goverment of the United States of America for an amount of up to andincluding my life, and military wives are as much veterans as their spouses.From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your Company! Thankyou Veterans
Gerald, damn good post,I know just what and were you are comming from. Right back at you my Brother, it's funny how veterans can meet for the first time and strike up a conversation.Then walk away like long lost buddies they haven't seen in years, my boys have asked me for years, " Who was that Dad, someone you were in the navy with ? " I tell them no it's just another Brother from the military. They will say, " Well you shook hands and hugged each other, like you knew one another! " I tell them it's a hard thing to explain,but it's something a Veteran will never forget. Someday they will understand," The Real Brotherhood " Gerald, it is an honor to know you to Sir !
I have been out of the Navy for almost 28 years and your words resonated with me. There are things I try to relate to my closest friends (civilian) who just can't understand what I am talking about. They nod their head, politely laugh but really have no clue. And that's OK. One can not possibily get it if you haven't been there.
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I have been out of the Navy for almost 28 years and your words resonated with me. There are things I try to relate to my closest friends (civilian) who just can't understand what I am talking about. They nod their head, politely laugh but really have no clue. And that's OK. One can not possibily get it if you haven't been there.