There is something that felt very safe about being in uniform surrounded by others in uniform. It’s that promise that we made to each other, that we’ll take care of each other and look out for one another, that made me feel secure.
Military traditions also help us remember why we’re “in this together,” and they strengthen our bond with each other.
Outside the traditions and promises of the military lies the real world, our “native culture” (a superb phrase), where only some look out for others, where there are some great managers, some great teams, some great neighbors. But not all.
Out here, that sense of one-ness, or at least, that sense that other people are with me, and I am with them, is missing. These cultural norms and ceremonies and routines are reasons why I miss the military, even though I too bitched my way through 20 years (to underscore your thought, yes, this too is tradition). ;)
As you continue to write about your unique experiences, I’m positive that you will always find someone who can relate. We as Vets are still sharing and looking out for one another, even if we aren’t in uniform any longer.
Thank you so much for your open and insightful comments. Hearing there are others out there who relate gives me comfort that what I am ('we' are?) starting here may matter, in some small way, to at least a few people. :)
One line you wrote sticks out to me: "Out here, that sense of one-ness, or at least, that sense that other people are with me, and I am with them, is missing." Your thought captures quite well a feeling I've been trying to put my finger on since I retired.
I think your sentiment would fit well around the section above where I wrote about "living my life in a bubble". No matter what job I had, where I was stationed, or who my crew/office/team was, we were always on the same page in a way I didn't appreciate. Even when personal ambitions and other human factors threw wrinkles in the teamwork, when it came to the mission, and generally even just watching my back, I always trusted that everyone around me both shared my goal and likely a good portion of my passion to achieve it. It has taken me a while to recognize and begin to understand the sentiment you summed up so well above.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. 8^)
I'm so glad you're here! Check my first post out? I'll never forget meeting you at the waterpark stairwell 😂 how far we've come...Sustack is great for feeding the brain. I enjoyed your footnotes, too.
There is something that felt very safe about being in uniform surrounded by others in uniform. It’s that promise that we made to each other, that we’ll take care of each other and look out for one another, that made me feel secure.
Military traditions also help us remember why we’re “in this together,” and they strengthen our bond with each other.
Outside the traditions and promises of the military lies the real world, our “native culture” (a superb phrase), where only some look out for others, where there are some great managers, some great teams, some great neighbors. But not all.
Out here, that sense of one-ness, or at least, that sense that other people are with me, and I am with them, is missing. These cultural norms and ceremonies and routines are reasons why I miss the military, even though I too bitched my way through 20 years (to underscore your thought, yes, this too is tradition). ;)
As you continue to write about your unique experiences, I’m positive that you will always find someone who can relate. We as Vets are still sharing and looking out for one another, even if we aren’t in uniform any longer.
Thank you so much for your open and insightful comments. Hearing there are others out there who relate gives me comfort that what I am ('we' are?) starting here may matter, in some small way, to at least a few people. :)
One line you wrote sticks out to me: "Out here, that sense of one-ness, or at least, that sense that other people are with me, and I am with them, is missing." Your thought captures quite well a feeling I've been trying to put my finger on since I retired.
I think your sentiment would fit well around the section above where I wrote about "living my life in a bubble". No matter what job I had, where I was stationed, or who my crew/office/team was, we were always on the same page in a way I didn't appreciate. Even when personal ambitions and other human factors threw wrinkles in the teamwork, when it came to the mission, and generally even just watching my back, I always trusted that everyone around me both shared my goal and likely a good portion of my passion to achieve it. It has taken me a while to recognize and begin to understand the sentiment you summed up so well above.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. 8^)
I'm so glad you're here! Check my first post out? I'll never forget meeting you at the waterpark stairwell 😂 how far we've come...Sustack is great for feeding the brain. I enjoyed your footnotes, too.
Thank you for being here. I did check it out and I do remember that, kinda. ;p Wow. I'm glad you enjoyed the notes and thanks for the quote!
Good start, pal. All Hail Frontdoor! <g>
Thanks for the note! I'm glad you stopped by. 8^)
Your retirement ceremony speech was one of the best I’ve ever heard or witnessed. I feel ya and look forward to more posts. -Ashley Pearce
Thank you so much for your encouragement - and the idea! I will put that speech in the draft folder for a future post. :)