[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]

5 Things You May Miss About Military Life

Imagine three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, two tours in Korea and some time in Kosovo. Twenty-two years of service in the Army feels like a lifetime for not only the person who served, but their spouse. During a transition from active duty to retirement it is important to think about the things you loved and the aspects of military service you love the most. Some things you may miss most include:

 

Pride of service.

Military life is not easy, and those who chose to live it (especially for over twenty years) deserve commendation for their commitment. Active-duty service members serve for the love of their country and what it stands for. Once retired you will most likely miss the feelings of contribution to something greater than yourself. 

 

Your Military Home.

There is a special feeling that comes from active duty life. Some of the defining moments like pausing each day to honor the flag, remind you of the values of being an American. Keep some of the traditions you loved from your military lifestyle going in your civilian life.  

 

Friendships & Camaraderie.

Some of the most special aspects of military life are friendships and camaraderie. Forming close friendships served as a source of great support during periods of separation from family and friends. The time spent together for holidays, trips and unit functions brought a level of closeness like that of college roommates and high school best friends. It is important to continue those relationships in civilian life following retirement. 

 

Limitless opportunities.

Thanks to the military lifestyle you have been able to live in or visit foreign countries, immerse yourself in new cultures and languages, and experience more of the world than most. You were given opportunities to participate in professional development programs, meet the countries important leaders, and experience historical moments that civilians do not get the opportunity to experience. These special moments should serve as wonderful memories from your time in active duty that you would not have had if you did not choose a military life. 

 

Your sense of self.

After you leave active duty and re-immerse yourself in civilian life you will have to adjust to a new normal. You may feel like you do not recognize yourself anymore. It will take years to adjust to a new routine in a non-military area. 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2.1″ hover_enabled=”0″]

Make a Donation In Honor of a Solider

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version=”4.2.1″ button_text=”DONATE HERE!” button_url=”https://mfrfma.wpengine.com/donate” url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ button_alignment=”center”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]