There is an unwritten rule among all that serve or have served:You never use the fact that you serve/served as a weapon, defense, or crutch in an argument against against a person or people in order to gain their respect, win the argument, or make them feel bad. I broke this rule the other day in a reply towards Butter that eventually lead this this apology thread of his. My reason was simple, I wanted to ensure he didn't make a smart reply thus dismissing what I had to say. I basically used it to guilt trip him and it worked more then I ever though possible. If I could take it back I would.
I "represent." Something that some of us do. Some go around their countries speaking to groups of people. Some help their communities and some help form foundations and charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Some of us choose to never talk about it or try to put it in their past as best they can. I chose to represent. As a youth I always had a special respect towards those in uniforms, especially military ones. I knew at a young age I was going to wear one one day as my family has a strong military history. A lot of youth have this same feeling, and if not abused, this can be used to teach, encourage, and mentor youth. This is what I try to do. I try to use examples from my past to pass on a lesson or make a point. I've found that people of all ages are more receptive when that is done. But it's borderline to that unwritten rule I mentioned.
Since my misuse of it in that reply to Butter, I have to honestly say, I'm very ashamed I did it. It's taking a lot of guts to write this. I want to be distanced from it. Even change my character skin so I don't have to see it every time I log in. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I appreciate it when people extend their gratitude for my service, but I shouldn't get special recognition or be called out on it. It's awkward for me. I don't want you to feel bad George, but I really didn't know of any other way to ask that people don't do it.
I know people will ask, "If you don't like it why is your name Sarge, why do you wear a uniform in game and talk about your past, then?" I honestly have you say, "You got me!" You really can't have one without the other. I wear my character skin with pride, of course, because it's nostalgic. It reminds me of certain times in my past that I'm proud of myself. Since I was medically discharged (against my will), I never got to do the things I wanted too. It was going to be my career and I feel robbed of it. I guess I wear the uniform on my character to feel that in some way I'm still apart of something larger then myself: The Army.
Heh, kinda embarrassing, but I've spent a few hours creating about 15 or more different versions of the skin I wear in game for fun and to represent the ways others and I wore it on and off duty. I guess you could say it passes the time. I guess you could say I'd give almost anything to reenlist, But I'm too old. This is one of several ways to getting as close to wearing that uniform again as I can get, and I'll take it!
Also, you never 'just wear' your uniform out in public because you want too or to show off. That's something servicemen/servicewomen do when they first get out of BCT (Basic Combat Training aka "Basic") and/or AIT ((Advanced Individual Training (for a particular occupation)). The men and women you see in military uniforms around town are wearing them for only a few reasons:
They on their way to work and they've stopped somewhere to do something.
They're on their lunch break.
Part of their job/occupation requires them to travel through town.
They are on their way home from work and stopped to do something.
They're taking part in an event such as a charity, fund raiser, parade, or speaking with others, like I mentioned earlier.
So, I chose an occupation like all adults do. And I chose to use what insight and wisdom I learned from it to better myself and to help others. Treat your teachers at school and especially your parents with the same respect you might feel towards me. They are the ones that really deserve it. They are the real heroes of society. Your teacher's teach because it's their passion. Their salary is crap. Your parents parent you for nothing in return except to see you grow up and succeed. Try to remember this when you address your mentors and especially your parents.
