1991 SPRING

1991

Spring

Camp:  YELLOWSTONE RIVER, MONTANA 

250623 Monday / Summer

Day: 7,306; Vets 22: 3,828 / 160,732

The numbers above represent: The age of The Odyssey in days: 7,306

The number of Veterans who have committed suicide this year to date: 3,828

The number of Vets who have committed suicide since The Odyssey commenced: 160,732

These numbers might not mean much to the average American but,

to this Veteran they are worth playing Amazing Grace and Taps for each night.

ODYSSEY LETTER

Twentieth Anniversary Edition

Howdy Sunshine!  Hello America!

It’s time, again, to grab yourself a cup of joe and saddle up to the digital campfire, for the next tale as told to the Whispering Wind is about to begin.  Get comfortable and stay awhile for you won’t be disappointed.  And, as you do, imagine the poetic sound of the Native American flute harmonizing with your inner being. 

FIVE YEARS?!

In the spring of 1991 the chain of command had issued me written orders to attend a command career counselor course.  When the instructor broached the subject of retirement his lead off question went something like this: How long do you think the average life expectancy is for active duty military personnel who have served twenty years of service?  Naturally hands were going up and double digits were being spewed forward.  His brazen reaction was to raise one hand with all five digits fully extended while at the same time acknowledging the responses from the student body with, “You’re all wrong!  Its five years!!”  My lightning fast retort was just as blatant, “I’m going to give twenty years of my life to this canoe club in hopes of receiving five in return?!”  These ears heard, “That is correct.”  Right then and there my approach towards a military career had been reshaped.

     The instructor explained why the five years and as a career counselor for the Navy over a twenty year period, I am unable to argue his point.  I saw firsthand the truth of what he had shared. 

     It is required by federal law that anyone transitioning from the military must attend the week long Transition Assistance Program (TAP).  This course is well versed in assisting any service member whether he or she is exiting after 2 years, four years, six years, 10, 15, 20 or more.  The question I often asked myself, as an instructor, on day one of this course: How many are listening because they desire the information and how many are in class simply because they have to be and hear nothing?  Less than 50% ever had a pen and paper in front of them for taking notes or for writing down questions about other topics that have yet to be discussed.

     And there were many topics discussed, including these---and some others I’m sure I have long since forgotten about---which were discussed in detail: job search, resumes, job interviews, health insurance, life insurance, budgeting, goals, wills, civilian assistance programs, Veterans Administration (VA), college, tuition assistance, Montgomery G.I. Bill (in all of its facets), CLEP Tests, future military obligation, pension, Survivor Benefit Program (SBP), health care, Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) (military pay system), DD 214 discharge papers, federal / state veterans benefits, national cemeteries, and so much more.

     The experience going out the door for some isn’t much different than when they walked through it for the first with that long ago recruiter: Most hear only what they wish to hear and then gripe about it later that they were never told this, that, or the other thing.

     Generally speaking, as service members approach retirement all too many of them don’t think about life after the military; haven’t prepared for it.  Many haven’t put money aside to aid in the transition.  Many don’t know where they’ll live, meaning: state, city, town, or form of dwelling.

While others can’t make up their minds whether or not to have a job lined up before they go out the gates or wait until later.  Some think that their pension will suffice until reality hits them.  Some believe they can get by with their pension and a part-time job…again, until reality hits them.  Then they become overwhelmed by stress and anxiety.

     Another factor that hits retirees hard: Boredom.  After leaving the military they don’t know what to do with themselves.  Boredom sets in and their health and morale turn.  No longer having to live up to the daily fitness requirements of the military all too many push aside the daily or weekly regiment of physical activity and good eating practices and wonder why the health of their aging bodies is failing them.  Ever notice it doesn’t take long for retirees to become obese? 

      Another contributing factor to a short life span after the military: sedentary life style.  Throughout a military career there is always that young buck coming up behind you that wants your jobs, so you have to fight to keep it.  You’re constantly moving and grooving in trying to make rank while at the same time trying to stay ten steps ahead of that individual whose clamoring for your job.  Retirees often walk out into the world without a plan and when the bottom drops out of their life they don’t know how to recover.  The incentive to look for answers---that young buck---is no longer there driving their will.

     As the clock keeps on ticking and time passes the retiree by a will, I mean a WILL is needed and that too has been neglected.  The average retiree puts in 20+ years of his or her life into the military and for what?  Only the individual can answer that.

     I was surprised by what had been heard that day in 1991.  The thought of not knowing whether or not I could survive Uncle Sam’s love affair for war to even make it to twenty years (to be eligible for retirement) had a way of weighing heavy on the mind.  Then, I’m told should I make it to retirement there is a good chance I won’t make through the first sixty months that follow.  What a discouraging thought.

     In July 2005, CPO Paul “Sweet Pea” Aleshire, USNR and I retired during the same month of the same year from the same command.  Though I was retiring from active service he earned his pension as a reservist.  Not twenty months after we hung up our uniforms for the last time I spoke my final words of goodbye to a shipmate.  Sweet Pea’s passing knocked the wind from my sails.  How was it possible?  We were nearly the same age.

     In 1999, having attended the command career counselor school, it was shared that the average life expectancy for personnel looking to retire after twenty years was bumped up a whopping twenty-four months thus making the grand total seven years compliments of technology.

     Again, I was in disbelief by what was heard.

     Would civilians change their way of life or their professions if they knew the work involved diminished their time on Earth?

      If what was shared with the class in 1991 was an accurate statement then I have beaten the odds four times, thus far. Hallelujah!

The story continues with: 2002 Winter. 

That’s it from the road.  Until next time…

Walk in Beauty,

Rev. BEAR

One Happy Camper Still living His Drea