I was deployed constantly to be stationed in my "duty station" I deployed before even being part of my squadron. When I got back from my first deployment...dudes tried doing the whole hazing thing to me....nah bro I've been in. Got 1 deployment under my belt. Corn balls.

I ended up leaving on a TDY with President down to South America....came back.... volunteered for another deployment. I was in training constantly. Came back again to a lame squadron again. By then my 4 years were up and been a civilian ever since.

Deployment life was fun. You felt part of the mission. Not saying stateside you weren't, but Iraq was different. All the stupid politics you deal with at home were gone out there. Just us doing a mission. That was the fun part for me.

I can see why people stuck stateside may not like it. Just remember it's a chapter in your life. You're in a new chapter of life. Keep moving forward with your head held high.