Dammit! Do not be ashamed!

We are special indeed, part of uniquely qualified cardre of Americans who served in the American armed forces. But, I think we tend to forget this and do ourselves a disservice. Please allow me to elaborate.

The most recent numbers I know of indicate that 26 percent of Americans aged 17-25 are qualified for military service. Of that 26 percent, nearly half choose to go to college instead. (Sure, some get commissioned — but not many.) It boils down to only one or two people out of every 10 being able to get into the military. The fact that you made the cut is something to be proud of — and I don’t want you to forget it.

After boot camp, we all have a swagger and a bit of an attitude. Over time that fades somewhat. But at the core of our being, we are proud — and rightfully so. Then, something happens. We may work for a jerk while on active duty and service to country becomes just a job. Then again, everyone we’re serving with is part of that special group of Americans, too. Whatever my buddies back at home are like, chances are my comrades in arms, in total, are better. Our comrades set a new standard for us. But, while we acknowledge that we work with people who are truly outstanding, we often fail to recognize that we are outstanding, too. Perhaps we don’t want to seem conceited or arrogant, so we don’t give ourselves the credit we deserve. But, outstanding becomes our new “average.”

At some point, we decided to leave active duty. But, the civilian sector doesn’t treat us as a member of an elite 15 percent. It sometimes seems that our service has no value to future employers. We’re offered menial jobs that are beneath our abilities, or told we’re over-qualified for the position they want to fill. One way or another, we aren’t “right for the job.”

This just happened to someone I know. He is a Navy Captain; nuclear power-qualified, sub commander, etc. He is also a certified fitness coach, with a master’s in Homeopathic Medicine. He’s articulate, passionate, and someone we would all want on our team. He applied for a job in wellness (which ties into his fitness and homeopathic experience), as he was remarkably well-suited for the job. They never even called him back. After the initial interview — when they told him they were impressed and it looked good for him – they never called him back. Not only is such behavior rude and disrespectful to my friend. It’s demoralizing to the rest of us.

After being dismissed too often, and getting no points for having served on active duty, many veterans begin to question whether their sacrifice was even worth it. Some become angry and bitter. (I know, because they write to me.) They forget that they are part of a select group of Americans who chose to serve, and who served with honor. They minimize their service, and it becomes something to be embarrassed about rather than something to be proud of. Each year on Veterans Day, how many of us pause to say to ourselves, “Yeah, I am part of the elite few, and I am proud of myself for what I did. I am part of something bigger than myself.”

If you don’t give yourself credit from time to time, for being part of that 15 percent, nobody else will. And although a potential employer may not value your experience, you know better. I encourage you to find the place where you and your skills are appreciated. I know all this because, like many veterans, I am following this path. Save yourself some trouble and take this advice/experience: don’t devalue what you did because, when you do, you devalue yourself and that’s just wrong — because you are special.

Stay Inspired.

Thanks for visiting, thanks for reading.

Copyright © 2009 Palmer Pinckney II