I wanted to have a section for U.S. for the Veterans. I had the privilege of joining in the last few years my Papa Dash was alive. He was an Army Veteran and talked seldom about his Service and his families Service. It wasn’t until I joined that he sat me down and showed me his treasured photo album and we had four solid years of bonding over serving. I’m forever grateful for that time because it really helped me gain perspective on serving. Everytime I would call he always answered and hung in with the same phrase “Duty, Honor, Country” It wasn’t until I was older that I realized not all service members have that experience to shape their perspective. Now I’m at a point in my career where I relate more to Veterans than I do with service members still serving because of how long I’ve been out of Active Duty and even though I’m still serving in the Reserves I still am navigating the “civilian world” I recently met another a female Veteran and it was so nice speaking to another female who could relate to my experiences. After that conversation I drafted this post. But, before we get into I want to say this all based off my personal point of view and stories that other Veterans have shared based off their own experiences after serving. Thirteen years ago I clicked on a button on Virtual MPF that confirmed I would applying for separation. It’s one of my best memories. I guess because I felt proud to take ownership in my next moves. By the end of my first four year enlistment with active duty I had made what felt like the second crazy decision in my life by separating. I was twenty-one and eager to move on to a new chapter and get back to what life was like before I joined. I know I’m not alone with that feeling because over the years I’ve talked to many Veterans who choose not to reenlist and they all say that they couldn’t wait to get back to my old life. It all begins when you decide to hang up your uniform.