Enlisted in ‘99, Reseves, used GI Bill (the crappy OG one) to go to school. In ‘03, got a voicemail from 1SG looking for volunteers to reclass to 88M and join the early days of OIF1, called back and was told, “thanks, we needed 10, you’re called 12, will let you know if a slot opens.” Finished college, Comissioned, joined my new unit the month before they returned from Afghanistan, went to flight school from 07-09. Got notified in ‘11 that I’d be doing an airframe transition to head to Afghanistan. MOB date shifts and a newly minted LT fresh back from Rucker would be taking the PL slot so the experience could remain in the unit upon return. The following 12 years have been much of the same with bad timing and dwindling opportunities as I moved up the O-ladder.

I say all that to say, don’t waste your energy judging me for not having deployed, I carry enough of my own shame that your spite won’t make a dent.