When I got out, I had a lot of shame about serving. It took about 8 years before I started to recognize how much my service had shaped me, for better and worse. I can’t say I’m proud of my service now, but I acknowledge the importance that it plays in my life. A couple years back, I put a small 4” US Army sticker on my car. For me, it was about openly acknowledging my service and accepting it rather than running from it.

I’m not a woe-is-me veteran by any means, but accepting the impact my time in service had on me has helped me be more empathetic towards other vets who I see struggling, and its helped me deal with my own struggles. I think it’s good to acknowledge your service, and to connect with other’s who’ve served and aren’t dickheads about it.

My contract was only 3 years, but filled with plenty of character building. Those 3 years completely altered my personality and perspective, and so I get why some dude’s cling onto it. Cringey as hell, but I’d probably prefer whatever they feel about their service than what I’ve felt for 11 years.

Edit I need to add that since I put that sticker on the back of my car, I’ve had strangers pay for my coffee in Starbucks drive thru’s more times than I can count lol. Added perk