FIRST PERSON | I enlisted in the Marine Corps mere days after high school graduation and my 18th birthday, and went on to serve more than 21 years. I experienced many changes during my career, and have witnessed more than a few since retiring -- some I agree with, others I don't. Some constants have remained, however, and I'm still proud to be a veteran and bear the title Marine.
During my first enlistment, women in uniform still caused heads to turn and while most of us were welcomed into the ranks, many were not. Being one of the first women to serve in the Fleet Marine Force, my sisters and I were watched carefully and a report was made to higher headquarters on how well we integrated, what challenges we faced.
We overcame them all, though not always without difficulty, and opened doors for women to serve in other units at all echelons. Today, it's not only common to see women in uniform, they're serving in billets and locations that we could only dream of 20 years ago. I'm not ashamed to say that I hope my years of service played a part in making that happen.
Women might not be facing the same obstacles I did, but men and women serving today are still challenged nonetheless. Like it or not, they face them head on, as have generations before them. Times change, uniforms change, rules change -- but the basic premise of good order and discipline remain a constant throughout.
The military has changed over the years, but society has too. During the Vietnam era, it wasn't uncommon for uniformed personnel to be spit upon, and veterans to be called baby killers, among other things. Veterans didn't seek help because it wasn't available, or they were ashamed. Today's military has many more resources available to them and are no longer labeled for getting the help they need and deserve. America's support of her military is evident everywhere, from yellow ribbons to red shirts on Friday.
Not all changes in veterans' benefits are positive ones, however. My military retired pay comes under fire annually, and although I was promised free health care for life, I have to stay under a certain income level to retain no-cost care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those who pay for civilian health care face increased rates continually. Today's military will likely see more benefits cut as they draw closer to retirement.
Is serving today worth it? I think so. No matter how long they serve, they'll carry lessons learned from military service long after hanging up their uniforms. I hope Americans continue to thank veterans for their service, and quit wishing each other Happy Veterans Day.
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