Veteran Insights

We are not saying this young man will fail, we are saying this should not be the plan after 6 years of Service.

We are posting these stories to show how this is the rule more than the exception. We can offer a different pathway for them; We can provide these young people with options at this point. Long before the domestic issues start, stress drinking, unemployment, etc. If we would start by transitioning them properly, we could offer them solutions before the wheels come off! Taken from Reddit with permission.

"Wow. 6 years ago, 18-year-old, single me was lying in a hotel bed in San Antonio about to go to MEPS the next day feeling exactly how I do now. Asking myself, what does the future have in store for me?.

Except right now I’m lying in bed next to my wife with my cat sleeping under my bed. Tomorrow, I begin the next chapter of my life. I don’t know what to think really. All I can think of is way back when in Korea, my buddies and I were sitting in the hot Korean sun at 1700 in the motor pool, waiting to be released, nuts and ass were both an absolute swamp and I can’t help but miss it. Miss how free we were, about to wake up the next day and go out into Gunson to get KBBQ, go shopping and drink. Not a care in the world.

Truth is, I’m scared as hell. It’s like I’m getting thrown into the deep end of the pool with no floaties. I’m scared but excited about this new adventure. I want to miss the army, but I don’t think I will. In my platoon chat I see texts about 350-1, layouts etc. fuuuck that. I’ll definitely miss the clowns but not the circus.

The car is packed to the brim, I’m nervous as hell and I can’t sleep. Tomorrow, I start the 16-hour drive back to Texas. Man, im not excited for the ass and back pain of driving for 16 hours.

Hug the homies extra tight for me at closeout formation <3

I’ll have a steak grilled cheese burrito, nacho fries and a Baja blast pls"

"I start my new life tomorrow".