Today is Veteran's Day. As far as Dad is concerned, it's just another day on the calendar. He was never the type to hype up his military service, not only in retirement, but even when he was active duty. He was always the humble type. Maybe that's where I get it?
Dad spent 20 years in the United Stated Navy as an MR1 (Machinery Repairman - First Class). He went to the ship every day, came home, and repeated the process the next day. I don't think that his was one of those glamorous positions in the military, but that's how Dad chose to spend his career and as far as I can recall, he did his job and he did it well. I tend not to wonder if he enjoyed his job in the Navy, being that he did it for two decades, so I just go to bed at night assuming that he did. I sleep well most nights, just as I'm sure Dad does.
Having said that, I know that he was especially eager to call it a career in the Navy and start his next career as a carrier with the United States Postal Service. Dad has since retired from the USPS as well. As he is now in full retirement, he now receives two federal government pensions and is enjoying life, not doing a damn thing. I suppose he's earned it and really, who am I to judge how he spends his days now? I'm genuinely happy for him and I'm glad he's taking it easy now in his later years.
In the meantime, I'm still working. I'm nowhere near retirement, so I'm going to be doing this working thing for a few more years. I didn't go the route of the military like he did and given how I did academically, Dad preferred that I go as far as my brain would take me, give that whole college/university thing a try, and see where that takes me. That brain of mine, which Dad played a role in creating and shaping, took me through a top-notch, four-year private university, from where I earn my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I've used that degree to this day, which led me to my current job, which I thoroughly enjoy (which I'd probably enjoy even more if it weren't for the people there and the ineptitude they bring with them).
At some point, I hope to see retirement and enjoy the later years of my life. I won't be doing it as a veteran of the United States military though. Dad and countless other servicemen have that distinction though and to Dad and all of the other veterans out there, both alive and deceased, I say...
Thank you for your service.
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