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I had enlisted in the Air Force back in 10/64...I spent almost a yr in active duty, went thru boot camp and tech school. I was assigned my PCS and continued with my service. I love my country and respect the military but at this time in my life I pondered my inner feelings about being a soldier. I was not satisfied with my life and seeked out a change. I kindly requested an Honorable Discharge and was granted this under the military code of AFR 39-16..I never caused any bad feelings while I was in service nor did I present any problems. I am considered a VET of Vietnam although I never got over there but have served during this war period. I now, at times, have guilt feelings of leaving the Air Force early but have been told by my many friends who have served their country NOT to be concerned with it because I made a choice in which I felt was to the better in my life. I have held many important jobs and have had a successful career for many yrs. My wife tells me NOT to feel the way I do because I didn't do anything wrong at that time and that possibly others have done same. I respect my country and those that have served, fought, and died for our freedoms... I'm retired now and it has been over 50 yrs that this issue has been dated. How can I free myself from my inner feelings of guilt at which I'm facing at times?? Thanx for reading... GOD BLESS and GOD BLESS America.. Piano
This is probably the wrong place to receive validation for what you did over 50 years ago. Most people here have served and are proud of their service. Others seek advice on how to get in, not on how to get out.
I spent six years in the Marine Corps and almost 26 years in the Guard. I served my country in time of war and in time of peace. Through it all, I never had any remorse about my service. Today, I can go into any American Legion or VFW post and hold my head high, knowing I served my country and did my duty. I don't envy the position you're in. It can't be a good feeling. Unfortunately, you can't go back and undo what you did.
Stop flogging yourself. It was a perfectly legal part of the program that The Service itself offered and fully expected some new prospects to avail themselves.
Like when super rich people don't pay taxes and claim "It's all perfectly legal" Some people don't like it and think they are scamming out but it's all part of the rules. And the super rich who avail themselves of those rules don't waste ONE SINGLE SPLIT PICO SECOND feeling bad about themselves or feeling sorry for anyone else.
I am a Vietnam-era vet. Joined Air Force in 1972. Never went to Vietnam. I would NEVER call myself a Vietnam vet just because I was in the service during Vietnam War. I would make that distinction if I were you.
I am a Vietnam-era vet. Joined Air Force in 1972. Never went to Vietnam. I would NEVER call myself a Vietnam vet just because I was in the service during Vietnam War. I would make that distinction if I were you.
The proper term is Vietnam era veteran, if you didn't go in-country, but served during that time. I too am a Vietnam era veteran and I also would never call myself a Vietnam veteran. You called it correctly.
I enlisted in the USAF in 82 and got out honorably in 86. My time was 4 years and yours was less. If the military gave you an honorable I see no problem if they have no problem.
I had enlisted in the Air Force back in 10/64...I spent almost a yr in active duty, went thru boot camp and tech school. I was assigned my PCS and continued with my service. I love my country and respect the military but at this time in my life I pondered my inner feelings about being a soldier. I was not satisfied with my life and seeked out a change. I kindly requested an Honorable Discharge and was granted this under the military code of AFR 39-16..I never caused any bad feelings while I was in service nor did I present any problems. I am considered a VET of Vietnam although I never got over there but have served during this war period. I now, at times, have guilt feelings of leaving the Air Force early but have been told by my many friends who have served their country NOT to be concerned with it because I made a choice in which I felt was to the better in my life. I have held many important jobs and have had a successful career for many yrs. My wife tells me NOT to feel the way I do because I didn't do anything wrong at that time and that possibly others have done same. I respect my country and those that have served, fought, and died for our freedoms... I'm retired now and it has been over 50 yrs that this issue has been dated. How can I free myself from my inner feelings of guilt at which I'm facing at times?? Thanx for reading... GOD BLESS and GOD BLESS America.. Piano
You got an Honorable Discharge. Therefore... you served honorably. You weren't a soldier by the way. Soldiers are in the Army. You were an AIRMAN.
You probably feel bad because you feel you didn't serve your enlistment through to it's end. It doesn't matter. You got honorably discharged. Forget about it. Honor your fellow vets by loving your country.
Yep, I agree with most of what has already been written.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Led Zeppelin
You got an Honorable Discharge. Therefore... you served honorably. You weren't a soldier by the way. Soldiers are in the Army. You were an AIRMAN.
You probably feel bad because you feel you didn't serve your enlistment through to it's end. It doesn't matter. You got honorably discharged. Forget about it. Honor your fellow vets by loving your country.
This right here.
Agreed. (That is a Boss screen name, by the way)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Newporttom
I am a Vietnam-era vet. Joined Air Force in 1972. Never went to Vietnam. I would NEVER call myself a Vietnam vet just because I was in the service during Vietnam War. I would make that distinction if I were you.
I had enlisted in the Air Force back in 10/64...I spent almost a yr in active duty, went thru boot camp and tech school. I was assigned my PCS and continued with my service. I love my country and respect the military but at this time in my life I pondered my inner feelings about being a soldier. I was not satisfied with my life and seeked out a change. I kindly requested an Honorable Discharge and was granted this under the military code of AFR 39-16..I never caused any bad feelings while I was in service nor did I present any problems. I am considered a VET of Vietnam although I never got over there but have served during this war period. I now, at times, have guilt feelings of leaving the Air Force early but have been told by my many friends who have served their country NOT to be concerned with it because I made a choice in which I felt was to the better in my life. I have held many important jobs and have had a successful career for many yrs. My wife tells me NOT to feel the way I do because I didn't do anything wrong at that time and that possibly others have done same. I respect my country and those that have served, fought, and died for our freedoms... I'm retired now and it has been over 50 yrs that this issue has been dated. How can I free myself from my inner feelings of guilt at which I'm facing at times?? Thanx for reading... GOD BLESS and GOD BLESS America.. Piano
Surprised that the Air Force was allowing guys to leave with honorable discharges during the peak of the Viet Nam war when 3 branches of the service ( Army, Navy, Marines) were resorting to drafting)
Also, many guys joined the Air Force during that time period to avoid the draft.
They knew going in that enlisting in the Air Force was 4 years instead of the 2 year draft for the Navy, Marines, and Army.
No sympathy here.
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