It would
seem that in the modern generation of US Military Veterans, it is normal or
even understandable for said prior members to go through their post-military
lives without acknowledging their service to their country to those whom they
meet after having served. That is their prerogative just as it was mine. Without meaning any direct disrespect to the
Veterans who do not identify themselves, I must say that it is (generally
speaking) kind of a dumb move.
In early
May of 2011, I ended what had been four very active and formative years serving
in the United States Marine Corps Infantry. I had deployed twice during my
active service and formed many of my best friendships as well. When I got out, I was alone and lonely. The
summer months dragged on and I desperately tried to make meaningful connections
with civilians and people on the "outside." Sure, I referenced that I
had been in the Military when appropriate, but I did not accept that it was
actually a part of who I am as a person.
When
school started in August, I decided that it was time for a change. I got myself
highly active with the Student Veterans Organizations on campus (I am a student
at George Mason University where I am working to acquire my BA in Economics)
and made a significant effort to meet as many other Veterans as I could find on
campus. I figured that, even if these
people didn't end up being lasting friends, at least I would know some people.
In my mind, there were certain character qualities (which I will discuss in
detail in later posts) possessed by the guys I had served in Afghanistan and on
the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with and that causes us to form the
connections that we had with each other. I was wrong when I assumed that I
wouldn't ever find those character qualities in people other than the guys I
served with.
Once
accepted that my status as a Military, Combat Veteran was a defining part of my
life and I began to identify myself as such, I began to meet others who were
also proud to be Veterans. Sure enough, those qualities that I did not expect
to find in people other than my "buddies" were things that I found in
all of the other Veterans that I met and became friends with and I stopped
feeling like I was alone.
By
keeping to yourself and not becoming active with other Veterans on your campus
or in your community (I am a VFW member in addition to being active on GMU’s campus) you are depriving yourself of a network of people
who understand you and will be there for you when the civilians around you fade
away.
-w
