ok gotta respond now. 27 year career retiring E9. I volunteered for deployments and my wife knew what to expect. Yes missed a lot of birthdays, holidays, family events, but I made the decision to serve and stay 27 years. I NEVER threw it in amyones face about what I sacrificed for 27 years. I do not demand "thanks for your service" from anyone. Just like firemen and police do not demand constant gratitude, they chose their career, not forced to serve. Why do IT geeks brag about SAT scores, (there is a boatload of 1500-1600 IT folks out there, just ask) why are there so many IM folks who claim they have qualified for Kona but on group rides average 15 mph and suffering, why so many runners who have BQ times but never do more than a 6 mile long run at 10 minute mile pace. Ever met a size 4/6 woman, every woman has been or is a size 4/6 but damn if I you can find one, I have a guy at the gym who swears 650 deadlift at 145 lbs.
Time to bow out of this thread real 4:04, and if you did serve, thanks for your service but hope your shoulder doesn't hurt from patting yourself on your back.