Retirees and obsessive military service identity

I

Islandgypsy

New Member
Recently retired and somewhat confused by the bold and dominant display of military hats, vests, flags, camouflage clothing etc. Not a criticism. Wouldn’t want to appear politically incorrect. But the sudden change in people I knew pre retirement makes me wonder about their motivation.
 

I'm the same way. I'm a Vietnam Vet too. But I fell either the need nor the desire to wear a bunch of paraphernalia to advertise it. Seems like jingoistic narcissism to me.
 

Welcome, Islandgypsy! Maybe the community in which you live has something to do with it? This area is chock full of vets, and what you describe isn't common.
 
The only military related gear that I wear is my US Navy ballcap. I wear it because I like it, I'm proud of my service, and it keeps the sun and rain off my hair challenged noggin.

I'm certainly not obsessive about it but I do encounter vets or wanna be vets who might fit that description. We used to call such people gun show commandos.

I don't wear my cap every day but wearing it has resulted in some wonderful chats with other vets whom I would never have met othewise.

In short, I earned the right to wear it if I want to and bleep anyone who has a problem with that.
 
Last edited:
Trade said:
I'm the same way. I'm a Vietnam Vet too. But I fell either the need nor the desire to wear a bunch of paraphernalia to advertise it. Seems like jingoistic narcissism to me.
Click to expand...

BINGO! My son in law`s father fits this description to a "T". He did serve in the military,but never left the States. Yet about 30 years ago,he started wearing POW/MIA shirts and hats all the time. Anyone would have thought he was a former POW. To this day,he wears a hat that says "VietNam Era Veteran. VietNam "Era"???? So what? I have all the respect in the world for the men who served in Vietnam. But to wear a hat that would appear to most people to say that you served there is over the top, to me. But then, you would have to know this man to know what a phony he is. My brother in law-who DID serve two tours in VietNam, but very rarely ever mentions it, cringes when he is around this man.
 
One of the political parties is encouraging this action as a means of showing loyalty to the military branch of our government. It's a political thing.
 
gennie said:
One of the political parties is encouraging this action as a means of showing loyalty to the military branch of our government. It's a political thing.
Click to expand...

Not hardly. I proudly wear the hat my daughter gave to me and I'm doubly proud that I and both my daughters served in the Army.
Nonsense to try to stick politics in this.
 
Come to think of it, I guess I am a hypocrite. I have about 8 cheap tank tops that I wear a lot during the summer and 4 of them have "ARMY" on them and the other 4 have "USAF". Plus I have about 3 or 4 of those "ARMY" PT shirts that I wear. I was in the Air Force for 4 years, and I justify wearing the "ARMY" shirts because my oldest son is retired Army. Plus I always wear military style canvas web belts. And I've got a coffee cup that says "Veteran of the United States Air Force". But I draw the line at the hats. And I would not be caught dead with anything that's Camo. I despise Camo anything.
 
There is a veterans group here in our retirement community. It is common to wear hats to group events. The veterans share a common bond and enjoy getting together. The oldest are WW2 vets.
 
I suppose it depends on your personality. I've thought about getting a cap with an emblem, even shopped on E-bay. But, then I thought, would I really want to wear it in public? Would it be like saying, "Hey, I served in the military"? That's not me. But, if it makes some people happy to display their service, I'm fine with it. Maybe getting old and losing some of your abilities, it's a way of saying, "I used to be a tough guy". The last time I visited my cardiologist, there was a really old feeble guy in a wheelchair with a US Marines cap. I wouldn't deny him that. I bet he earned it.

The military was just a small part of my life. I'm proud that I served my time. But, I don't feel the need to advertise it.

Don
 
Islandgypsy said:
Recently retired and somewhat confused by the bold and dominant display of military hats, vests, flags, camouflage clothing etc. Not a criticism. Wouldn’t want to appear politically incorrect. But the sudden change in people I knew pre retirement makes me wonder about their motivation.
Click to expand...
I served on active duty in the Navy for over 31 years, but only a few of my neighbors are aware of that. I don't wear ballcaps or have stickers on my car or signs in my front yard. I do wear my Navy peacoat when the weather is cold, and I do have my dress blues hanging in the closet for my final departure. I know a lot of military retirees like me who do not dwell on their military past including a number of Admirals and Generals who have largely disappeared down the trail.

I have also known military retirees who cannot let their past go and "get a life", they hang out at the Chief's Club, or the Officer's Club. I have seen them put their former rank on their desk/office name plates at their places of employment during their follow-on civilian careers. I always found that practice to be disgusting.

And then we have all those people who try to make hero's out of themselves. Some of them are vets, but many are just people who try to wrap themselves in the flag for attention.
 
Grampa Don nailed the bear skin to the door

When you life is bereft of meaningful purposeful events you cling to those
that you 'now' attribute value to (you know, like me).

One more time, read the prologue to 'Something of Value'
 
I've always thought that for some folks it was the most significant/important part of their lives and they want to celebrate it and be honored for it, no harm in it as far as I'm concerned.
 
I served in the Marines and did my tour in Vietnam. I don’t go in for any of that self glorification crap. Last Monday, Veterans Day, a lot of restaurants were offering free meals, others free ice cream, etc. I have never involved myself with those freebies.

When I came home from Vietnam, I was treated very well in my hometown, but elsewhere, not so nice. Fast forward about 18 or so years and all of a sudden, every military person is a hero. I guess there was a change of heart. I was a baby killer in 1972 and now I’m a hero and people that I never knew are thanking me for my service. I appreciate the kindness, but what changed?
 
I was a Corpsman ( Medic) in the US Navy (1968-72). I never saw fighting, nor was I ever in danger, I do not consider myself any kind of hero. The ones, who didn't come back. or were wounded, or risked their lives are the heroes. They deserve nothing but the best. We all shared a common experience, and that bonds us. But I have to say that I wince when I see some of my buddies bedecked in medals, ribbons, banners, and rings, jewelry and hats.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top