Living My Best Life And Paying It Forward...

[UnionMillsNW]

Hey Folks,

This weekend I was so fortunate to summit South Sister in Oregon with my girlfriend and a group of amazing people.

The views and camaraderie were soul cleansing.

It has been 8 years since I left the Marine Corps and some of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of finding a daily purpose and surrounding myself with an uplifting tribe.

I found meaningful work and intentionally take the time to seek out new adventures and opportunities...it's a far cry from when I first left the service and just stayed at home with a bottle of whiskey.

The transition out of Active Duty wasn't easy, and I continue to see my brothers and sisters in uniform struggle as they search for purpose and meaning in a life after the military.

In about two months I'll be running the Marine Corps Marathon to raise money for a non-profit that assists Veterans and military spouses in finding meaningful employment. (If you'd like to help contribute to my goal of raising funds for veteran employment shoot me a DM and I can send you a tax deductible link)

Employed veterans and spouses are more likely to thrive in the community and at home.

I couldn't have made the transition out of the military without help and I am so thankful for the friends and family that made it possible.

What have you found meaningful after leaving the military?

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[Member 53328]

Got out 2 years ago and I am trying to figure it out. Been sober for 5 months now. Kicked a lot of unhealthy habits but the transition is far from easy. Glad you found your way brother. It's a journey. That's for sure.

 

[KKG]

To start with, Thank You for your Service. Fortunately, when I left the Army in '71 after My Tour I ended up working for a Security Firm at SeaTac. This was after Dan Cooper, there never was a DB Cooper except in the Warped Minds of the Media, had done his thing. That have me a good chance to help out others returning from SE Asia. Since I came through SeaTac at 0200 hours, Christmas Morning, the usual Protester were home dreaming about what was under the Tree. The rest of the year they were making an Rectal Pain of themselves. Spitting on Returnees, Spitting on their Food, Dumping a cup of Soda on the Uniform etc. As the Head of Security I had the VERY Great Pleasure of putting several of them in Cuffs and turning them over to the Port of Seattle Police who were not yet an "Armed" Agency. That helped me through more than one night in those days.

Again, Thank You for your Service! KKG

 

[UnionMillsNW]

Got out 2 years ago and I am trying to figure it out. Been sober for 5 months now. Kicked a lot of unhealthy habits but the transition is far from easy. Glad you found your way brother. It's a journey. That's for sure.

Thanks for sharing. I've found that the first two years were the hardest. Glad to hear you're kicking the unhealthy habits. Stay in the fight!

 

[Dungannon]

Married my fiance after getting back from Vietnam, with six months left in service. Posted to Fort Carson in Colorado. We did a lot of hiking, and talking about our future - including what we would give up or defer in order to meet two initial goals: home ownership and finishing our education.

I didn't miss the military in any way, shape or form. Grew a beard at my wife's suggestion, and let my hair grow to my shoulders. I'm a task oriented guy so drinking and idle time were a threat to getting my life in gear. Kept running until my knees gave up. Counseling helped me through some displaced anger. I avoid negative people [then and now], downer music and movies, etc. Twice I met guys from my unit while on business trips; never again. I won't live in the past.

 

[Member 5605]

Thank you, glad to see you are grabbing life and going with it and being aware of those struggling with their transition.

 

[Ura-Ki]

Outstanding Marine!
My own Journey after I retired was some what like yours, No idea what I was going to do, no real direction, and no real purpose! I got pretty lucky, I got a Job working on the mountain running a snow grooming cat and I found the peace and quiet and alone time in the middle of the night was just what I needed! It's not an easy thing the transition to civilian live , especially doing what I did in the service, but you find a way through it some how, you have to! I never got into the drugs or alcohol thank God for that! Best of luck in your journeys!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Meaningful ...
For me , my job.
I teach / work as the Behavior Specialist at a Elementary School.
To help these kids , get through life , or even just a day at school can be very challenging ....but extremely worthwhile when it all comes together for them.

Just appreciating each day that I have...and what I have done ...I have seen a lot of loss , and heartbreak with what and where I have been while in the Army....being here now is worthwhile...my past and my experiences , are something to learn from and grow from
Andy

 

[308]

Didn't serve. VN was wrapping up and parents said enough neighbor kids died and I couldn't join up. That being said, I have been retired for a year now and can empathize with the feeling of WTH do I do now. I have surrounded myself with good men and that helps.