From my work e-mail inbox #1

[Admiral Van Wormer]

Something sent to the NAS CPO community. All our 7th Fleet Vets will appreciate this!


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 few experience, 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 every step and breath that remains in his life. We also
know how the very bearing 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 Comparisons

CIVILIAN 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
happily carry on the same conversation you were having the
last time you met.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
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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.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from
you.
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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.
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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 could ever dream of.
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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...
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks
crap about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out OF THEM for
using your name in vain.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
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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 Government of the United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my
life'.
From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you.

[Captain Talbot]

Amen to that...it is so true.

[Ezreq Blodvaerd]

This is so true, and I will forward it to a few of my veteran neighbors.