Veterans, if you could would you serve again?

Question

I've asked before wether veterans regreted serving in war. I am proud to say, that not one soldier regreted serving his country (at least the ones who wrote). Now I ask why was this experience so gratifying and would you do it again? Please share your history, our history.

Answer 1

In a heartbeat! The Army gave me more in seven years than what most people will receive in a lifetime. I'm not talking monetary or materialistic compensation of course, but the old standbys that you hear on all the commercials. Discipline, courage, world travel(some places better than others, under the circumstances), a chance to test myself physically and mentally, friendships that I will never forget and a lasting service to my friends, family and all of society. I genuinely believe that I contributed to the betterment of humankind with a real sacrifice of myself, of my time and my service and couldn't imagine not serving as I did.

Answer 2

Actually, when OIF began, I offered to come out of retirement. I'd done 25. I'm still in pretty good shape. I can run three miles and swim three miles in about an hour and a half. But there was this problem with my birth certificate.

As I look back, I can't say every second was wonderful. I lost some good buddies. But I made some of the best friends a guy could have. We pulled each other's fat out of the fire on quite a few occasions. A few of us who live in this area still get together a couple times a month and talk of old friends and new, and the guys and gals who are, as I type, doing such an awesome job for their country.

But I wouldn't have avoided any experience I had... even the not-so-great ones. Yeah. I'd do it again. Where do I sign up?

Answer 3

I am retiring Monday after 21 years of service in the Army and Army National Guard. I am a veteran of 2 wars, and I would do it all over again in a heart beat. Why? It is an honor to serve my country, and I was privileged enough to do it a long time.

Answer 4

Yes, I would absolutely serve again. I served six years active duty in the Marine Corps. Not only was my experience gratifying, it was something that can never be replaced as the catalyst for me from adolescent to manhood. I was in during a time when it wasn't chic or much appreciated by the public, I'm not bitter but merely stating my perception of society's mindset back then. In fact, serving for me had and still has intrinsic value. There is a certain amount of personal satisfaction to be gleaned from self sacrifice in pursuit of a worthwhile ideal, namely the preservation of our American way of life and the endeavor to uphold the Constitution. If I go on I may get teary-eyed. And nobody likes to see a grown Marine cry?! Hope I gave you some insight regarding your question.

Answer 5

In a second! Serving was an awesome experience and I thoroughly enjoyed being posted overseas and participating in current events.

It was an outstanding opportunity to serve my country, and I would do it all over again in a moment's notice!

The only thing that bars me is Crohn's Disease in the guts (which makes me medically disqualified-they turned me down in 2003), but if the Army would supply me my Sulfasalazine, I would be proud to reenlist and man an artillery position in Iraq.

Formerly, I was a gunner on a Lance Missile Crew and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Answer 6

Three days after the attack on America I made an official request to come back to active duty from the Navy Retired List. Unfortunately, Federal law barred me because of age. Apparently only flag and general grade officers and physicians are exempted from that law.
I spent 25 years in the Navy Medical Department. Thirteen of those years was as an enlisted Hospital Corpsman. The President granted me a commission and I spent the next twelve years as a health care administration officer. Eight of my 25 years were with Fleet Marine Forces.
As the first born son of Norwegian immigrants, I considered my service to be small thanks for the opportunity of having been born and raised in the U.S.

Answer 7

Yes, in a heart beat. I served 12 years Army. I was a Military Police. Was in Panama during Just Cause. Then spent a year in Saudi during Desert Shield/Storm. My son joined in January. He is now serving in Iraq. So yes, if they called me today, I would be there. It is a honor to serve your country. I come from a Military back ground, so it was the way of life. Out of all my sibling I am the only one that went in to the service.

Answer 8

Yes I would. I'm a disabled veteran. I enlisted in 1980 during the Iranian hostage crises fully expecting to go to war to rectify the situation.

I contacted a recruiter again after 9/11 to see if I was eligible to re-enlist but never followed through. I may be too old and broken but I can still pull a trigger.

Answer 9

i might in ten seconds, yet as i grow to be medically discharged, they probably does no longer take me. Plus, the F-4s and A-7s I worked on in 'Nam are fond recommendations now, and antiques for the EAA conventions. i might must be retrained for F-18s and at age fifty 3 i think of that they had be greater effectual off with somebody a tad youthful than i'm. i think of all the 'Nam vets that still can might do this one in a heartbeat in the event that they needed us.

Answer 10

I sure would and I'm much more knowledgeable then I was back then since I've stayed it the same career field the Air Force trained me in. Lots of history....too much to share on here. But Carter was my boss....(blech)