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This form contains your military history. It can be used for employment, veteran benefits, etc. It list your total military sevice to the exact number of days! They actually told me to make sure I have a notarized copy of it at the County Courthouse for the county to recognize me as a veteran and maybe apply for some benefits the county may have for veterans like maybe discount on license plates or maybe some tax advantage on home ownership, etc.
El Amigo, Going for the 30 years? Good job!
Our property taxes (Sandoval County) are reduced because I am a veteran. And of course if you want to buy a home with a VA Guaranteed loan, you will have to show you DD-214. It is actually the one form you need to prove your military service.
Seems just having the Middle East Campaign Badge is proof enough for most people (regular civilians, not trying to join groups).
We have learned that people are nicer and more respectful if they "think" you were in a wartime situation. They just assume it without any coercion as human nature is wont to do (draw conclusions without any facts)
Even his just stating "I was in the Army when the U.S. went to Iraq and Afghanistan" seems to make people be really nice to him. His unit did indeed go there, but he was one of the one's that had to stay behind (someone has to). The entire unit got awarded the Campaign Badge though, regardless.
But when he's stated that he didn't get to go, people totally lose interest in him and more or less disregard his credibility and anything he says after that. We're not sure why, esp since the people in question are just regular civilians that really don't know any more than what you tell them and appear to draw conclusions at the drop of a hat.
So should he just leave that last tidbit off when talking to regular folks? Seems he may get treated nicer by doing that.
Never attempted to join any vet groups. Maybe thats when offering proof matters as stated in previous posts, but until now they didn't really seem to serve any purpose and we've never had to offer proof of combat or not. Like I said, this is just when dealing with regular people where you can pretty much just say anything.
On that note OP: I'd always wondered about all those guys and girls that join up just for college benefits, or for the free medical, lodging and food. For many the military is a secure job that prevents them from having to go to college. For some its a chance to see other parts of the world for free and get paid for it. Its also free training.
How many kids are totally unmotivated, basically would be freeloaders, don't want to go to school anymore and maybe the family is pressuring them to work or whatnot. The military is an easy out for many. Especially in this economy, its a secure job.
What I'm saying is not all these kids enlist for the purpose of serving the Flag and sacrificing themselves in the name of Freedom. I knew one guy that was forced to enlist or serve time in jail. In this case it was a punishment, not some noble choice. But I guess in the end they can be thanked, as well, even if their purpose of joining was less than noble.
Last edited by Cal_Angel; 05-27-2009 at 07:32 AM..
Our property taxes (Sandoval County) are reduced because I am a veteran. And of course if you want to buy a home with a VA Guaranteed loan, you will have to show you DD-214. It is actually the one form you need to prove your military service.
Rich
I just hit the 31 year mark this May. I was on terminal leave and two weeks before my retirement date the DOD asked me if I was willing to stick around a couple more year. I like the job I have and I am stationed in my hometown so I had not problem staying. I was asked, again, if I was willing to stay one more year and accepted again. I am not sure if DOD will approve this one but either way I am happy. If I get out at 32 I will 80% retirement if 33 82.5% plus a certain disability percentage, not bad income for me, my wife and the cat since the children are grown up now. It has been a good ride despite the few bumps along the way.
On that note OP: I'd always wondered about all those guys and girls that join up just for college benefits, or for the free medical, lodging and food. For many the military is a secure job that prevents them from having to go to college. For some its a chance to see other parts of the world for free and get paid for it. Its also free training.
How many kids are totally unmotivated, basically would be freeloaders, don't want to go to school anymore and maybe the family is pressuring them to work or whatnot. The military is an easy out for many. Especially in this economy, its a secure job.
What I'm saying is not all these kids enlist for the purpose of serving the Flag and sacrificing themselves in the name of Freedom. I knew one guy that was forced to enlist or serve time in jail. In this case it was a punishment, not some noble choice. But I guess in the end they can be thanked, as well, even if their purpose of joining was less than noble.
Many of the reasons why people join are very true. In '78 when I enlisted many joined because the judge told them "the Army or jail". I know many Sergeants Major that made the Army their career and had very honorable service, the Army saved their lives had they decided to go to jail.
My initial purpose to join was for education. I was ready to get out at the end of my first enlistment because my wife was not very convinced I should stay longer even though the Army got into my blood. My feelings changed and I loved serving. There is a special type of pride that grew in me.
She changed her mind and she then encouraged me to stay. Here I am still after 31 years, a GED, and on my way to my second master. Can't complain.
On that note OP: I'd always wondered about all those guys and girls that join up just for college benefits, or for the free medical, lodging and food. For many the military is a secure job that prevents them from having to go to college. For some its a chance to see other parts of the world for free and get paid for it. Its also free training.
How many kids are totally unmotivated, basically would be freeloaders, don't want to go to school anymore and maybe the family is pressuring them to work or whatnot. The military is an easy out for many. Especially in this economy, its a secure job.
What I'm saying is not all these kids enlist for the purpose of serving the Flag and sacrificing themselves in the name of Freedom. I knew one guy that was forced to enlist or serve time in jail. In this case it was a punishment, not some noble choice. But I guess in the end they can be thanked, as well, even if their purpose of joining was less than noble.
Ring of truth there. I did know an NCO who was plain lazy. He didn't do anything unless he HAD to. Has wasn't very noble in my book, but as a person he was decent enough off-duty. He once confided in me that he was only staying in because he had nothing to go home to, that he'd be on the streets and homeless, that the military at that point in his life was all he had, so may as well stick it out.
Good thing he seemed to slide under the radar on-duty, because as a soldier, he didn't do anything all day long. He wasn't in charge of anything in particular, is probably why. Personally I'd be bored stiff, but thats me. We had four E7s who were all trying to be in charge, and this lone E6 who didn't have to do anything. So I guess I can't blame him in some sense.
My point is: I do agree with you that not all soldiers are people that are Sgt Rock-type heroes, but they are still serving and when/if the time comes they will do their duty, hence I thank them for it.
So should he just leave that last tidbit off when talking to regular folks? Seems he may get treated nicer by doing that.
I served 22 years followed by 10 years as a contractor training military and federal personnel.
I normally just tell people I am a retired US Army Soldier, and leave it at that. Anything more than that will confuse most civilians who have not served. Let them ask the questions. Answer their questions briefly and in a courteous manner. Don't try to expand the conversation. Save the military discussions for the appropriate time, with a vet, over a beer, or at a BBQ etc...
... The entire unit got awarded the Campaign Badge though, regardless.
But when he's stated that he didn't get to go, people totally lose interest in him and more or less disregard his credibility and anything he says after that. We're not sure why, esp since the people in question are just regular civilians that really don't know any more than what you tell them and appear to draw conclusions at the drop of a hat.
So should he just leave that last tidbit off when talking to regular folks? Seems he may get treated nicer by doing that.
Never attempted to join any vet groups. Maybe thats when offering proof matters as stated in previous posts, but until now they didn't really seem to serve any purpose and we've never had to offer proof of combat or not. Like I said, this is just when dealing with regular people where you can pretty much just say anything.
He got the badge that is all that matters. It is on his DD-214. He got it.
Our last VFW quartermaster was always giving younger vets a hard time. Then I found out that his 'Korea' experience was that his brother had served in Korea and had died. He was stationed here working as a bartender on-base, he was allowed to go to Korea to help retrieve his brother's body and escort it home. That flight to get his brother, was enough to get him the Korea medal. And thus he got into the VFW.
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