As I personally adjusted to being in the military, I could start to see changes in myself. I could start to tell that the only limitations I really had, I  put on myself! Being in an environment where you will be accepted, regardless of your background, ethnicity, religion, etc.. has a strong effect.  It is wild what you learn and hear from people from different places, and their experiences in life. What some people have gone through already in their short life will sometimes blow you away! You find out that two people who have absolutely zero in common, with lives so vastly different from each other, can become lifelong buddies. That is one of the major pluses about the military.

All of you who have been in hot zones.  Under fire, or too damn close! You already know this, but, for the rest of you; it doesn't matter to you if the guy next to you is white, black, yellow, or orange, as long as he is doing a good job of covering your back.  And you're doing the same for him. If you both do your job, and watch out for each other, then you know the chances of getting out of there alive goes way, way up. This is a part of the military that civilians will never understand for real.  It's called sacrifice!

Many people cannot adjust to military life. That's ok, as it is not for everyone.  And it's safer for the rest of us, if you're not fully committed, if you're no longer there. But, if you even served one hitch, then I thank you for your service, no matter what you did.  In a war zone or not, your job is a part of many jobs that must be done for the whole. Just your presence there for a few years changed some things permanently, especially with all the people you came in contact with daily who won't forget you.

And a special shout out to all those military spouses who have to go "thru it all" with your loved one.  Their job is never an easy one, and is usually not done with fanfare or trumpets.  No one who is married wants to deploy away from their family for extended periods of time, but that is military life.  Only having a strong supportive spouse can get you thru.  There is not a stronger, more self-sufficient group of people that I know anywhere than military spouses. I tip my cowboy hat to you and all you do!

Although I've been retired for over 17 years, I still have all the basic traits I had then. Sureness, confidence, professionalism, and integrity stay with you forever. I have a lot of good flashbacks, and sometimes I have bad ones too. But overall, if given the chance, I would do it again!