Reflections of a Veteran
| “Would you recommend it, to those considering?” We were filming for my friend Will’s podcast, and he was asking about my service. Would I recommend it? Well, it’s complicated. Combat in Iraq was the hardest year+ of my life. It broke me. And it shaped me. I wouldn’t trade it. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to others? Yeah. Eyes wide open. Especially if you want guaranteed opportunities to fail and grow. Do I want my son to go that path? Ah, now it’s personal. I love my son. I want him to be challenged. To try, to fail, to grow. But do I want him to face the darkness of combat? No. Realities, necessities, and just war aside, it’s a dark business. Human life is precious. And combat quite specifically aims to take life, while risking your own. We might risk ours, but our kids? I’ve watched veteran friends struggle with this – hearts bursting with pride at their children’s service, while scared to death when they enter the danger zone. They know. It’s complicated. To my fellow veterans reading this email: Hold your head high. You raised your hand and wrote that blank check: “Up to and including my life.” And if you like National Parks, go get your lifetime “free” pass. Coffee? Donuts? Dinner? Belly up. If anyone is extending gratitude, receive it. The most profound “thank you” I had was during my final Army move, as I exited service. We’d done a partial DITY and I’d just weighed our vehicle. I went to pay the tab. The lady behind the weigh station counter said, “is this for a military move?” Yes. “Honey, we don’t charge for that. Thank you for your service.” A small gesture, but in that moment, it hit me in the feels. No audience. Definitely no marketing or future sales for that business owner. Just a simple “it’s the least we can do.” To family members of Veterans, thank YOU. You shared that service-weight. A few hours before writing this, I was talking with a former military spouse. She shared how a friend/former boss had texted wishing her a Happy Veterans Day and commented, “In my book, you served too.” Truth. And to each of you, thank you. Thank you for supporting a veteran-owned business. Thank you for being part of the Outsider community, which is – in some way – an extension of the veteran community. Thank you for all the ways you’ve sought to connect with and support veterans. Thank you for building bridges. |
| If you want encouragement from people supporting veterans, check out this excerpt from my conversation with Patty Hamilton. |
