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I’ve recently had some personal breakthroughs when it comes to talking about my military experience. I figure Veteran’s Day is a great day for a vet to talk about such things, so here you go.
Thank you to all the vets, past and present, healthy or struggling, home or abroad – and the families that support them.
As usual, I got teary-eyed when I talked about this. When I told Angela about the tears, she came to give me hugs in my office and a discussion about what it’s like to be a veteran ensued.
[Aside: veterans’ partners have a very similar reality to those of vets. There’s another side to the story that I hope Angela will share one day when she’s ready.]
Many veterans don’t have three things:
- The ability to process their emotions
- The understanding that there are many ways to be strong and that talking about their experiences helps others understand the world
- A platform to share their experience
I have all three. As I’ve mentioned before, there are more ways to being a Guardian than carrying a shield.
There are a lot of people to thank today, so I’m going to get on it. Be well.
Charlie,
Thanks for sharing your insights. It will help a lot of people.
Thanks Charlie.
For this. For being you. For everything.
Lots of gratitude here. I’m glad to know you.
Thank you for sharing this, Charlie.
The deliberation and awareness you bring to any topic is always insightful, but it’s even more powerful when you touch the unspoken.
Thank you.
Such a touching post, Charlie. Really affected me. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Charlie. For serving, for sharing, for continuing on and building up others all over the world–even people whom you have never met (like me) and whose influence you can’t even know about. The lives you continue to touch beyond your military experience expand and grow because of the things you learned and are willing to share with us who did NOT share that military life with you.
It is sad to know that there are those who do not support military–in fact in a town nearby I just heard of a funeral taking place where they are asking people to come and make a human wall to protect the family of the fallen soldier from the protesters.
God Bless you, Charlie, as you continue to grow personally and in your endeavors. I hope one day to meet you in person and share the positive things you have given to me and my husband in our journey to become entrepreneurs.
Tracy
Marianne Williamson was right:
When we let our own light shine, we give others permission to do the same.
I am in awe of your growth this year.
And I am very proud to be your big sister from another mother. 😉
Thank you Charlie.
Is it okay to say that I’ve sort of been waiting for this day, Charlie?
You’ve always been a bright light. But now you stand IN your light. And it’s good.
Hugs.
Karri
Thank you. I grew up military, so have some understanding of what it means and a lot of respect for those who serve. There are people who are still alive because of the work you did, and that is not a small thing.
Whether you perceive yourself as a hero or not, you are one.
Thank you for your service Charlie and thank you for inspiring us with your blog posts.
Love you Gilkey! I come from a family of military men – both my grandfathers served in the world wars, my dad was in 2 Indian wars, my uncles, my cousins and other relatives who fought and died in service.
Although not from the US, I believe military families all over the world have the same challenges and blessings.
Being away from family for 2-3 years at time in a field or war zone posting, moving every 2 years is hard, thank goodness for the community and family-likeness of squads that bonds us all.
My mom tells me stories of her being in Kashmir with other military wives, in a house with blacked out windows as they heard bombing around them. A life I personally have never had to experience, and can’t begin to imagine what it feels like for people in the front.
Not that many stories from dad but I see his values displayed every day. Honour, courage, integrity, family.
The same that I see in you.
Bravo Charlie. (ha that just slipped out, military kid to military man!)
I typically keep work & home separate but you are SO awesome I had to share this with everyone Charlie. SO you are now part of my “home” too. Thank you for your willingness to be raw and human! I absolutely LOVE you for it! I’m thrilled to be around YOUR campfire! And dont plan on leaving it!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Jen
Why did I wear mascara today? Now it’s all messed up! I’m grateful for your sharing, tears and all, and honor your service. And your honesty.
My grandpa, who served in the infantry during WWII met up with his 42nd Rainbow Division 2-3 times a year. After my grandma died I went with him most of the times. I have never met with such deep appreciation for life as in the company of those veterans. They made it a point to laugh and tell stories (the same ones over and over even) and raz each other as much as possible in one weekend. The memory of all those who weren’t there was always palpable. This is my first Veteran’s Day without my grandpa. Your bravery and eloquence brought him right back here with me.
Thank you.
Wow, thanks for sharing Charlie. I am amazed by your courage. Congrats on your breakthroughs and insights. You have definitely let your light shine and in turn give permission to others to let theirs shine too 🙂 . Amazing!
I have loved your posts where you tell stories about your military experience, and what it’s taught you about leadership, decision making, and moving forward productively even when things suck. They are some of my favorites.
I admit that in my past I’ve been one of those academic types who had a hard time separating my feelings about US military policy from my feelings about veterans and people in the military. Your willingness to share your stories openly, honestly, and with emotion has had a huge impact on me. Thank you for being all of you. XOXO
Thank you, to you. You are Beautiful.
Thank you Charlie. For everything.
It’s my privilege to have grown up an Army brat, and I have always thought some of the most wonderful men and women are to be found serving in the military.
You are no exception. The best testament you can give to your fellow soldiers is to live big and not forget them.
Keep being real.
thank you for so generously sharing your heart like this on a day that isn’t always associated with the heart except by those who have served and who have made that heart connection with the military.
I so appreciate your wisdom, your tenderness and your compassion for those who give in the service. i don’t think of it as all or some. the gift that is asked is given by those who serve, however it plays out. you have made a beautiful day more beautiful by reminding me of this. And made me appreciate both your many skills and your inspirational powers all the more.
Thanks for your insights, and for your service.
Wow, Charlie- thank you :
For serving, for sharing your thoughts & your heart here…
I know you had me crying…
Thanks to all the vets!
No protesting here!
Just saw this, Charlie. God bless you. I relate in so many ways. And so grateful for your insights.
And that you’re in Portland.
Thanks, Charlie. By sharing these insights, you have helped me (and no doubt others) understand a little more about what it means to be a wartime vet. The vets in my life have not shared much, but I suspect they share at least some of the same feelings. By speaking out, you’re helping to give all vets a voice they may not be ready to express by themselves and allowing the rest of us to support them better.
Hey Charlie,
This is beautiful, thanks for sharing so deeply from your heart.
I totally honor your service in the military, and your dedication to the safety and well-being of all of us.
In one of my past lives, I was the executive director of a small faith-based nonprofit that was dedicated to peace and justice issues. There was definitely a bias in many of that organizations’ members against military folks, and I felt quite sad about that. While I may disagree strongly with our government’s policies and with our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have nothing but respect for the men and women in the military who have given so much to protecting all of us.
A number of years ago, I did an interview with a young man who was in the Army National Guard as well as living at a Zen center… it moved me very much. If you’d like to read it: http://jizochronicles.wordpress.com/writing/to-protect-and-serve-a-buddhist-in-the-national-guard/
All the best to you, and thank you so much for your good work in the world, through your years of military service and through Productive Flourishing.