The difference between how I value my military service and how the US values it...
On a personal level, my service means a lot to me because of how it helped me. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful group of people around me. I had fantastic friends in my squad and our drill sergeants were the best. Most of them had served in combat and understood what war meant. They held nothing back in making sure that we, especially as women, could defend ourselves. Nothing like hearing a drill sergeant yell "Kick him in the balls! That's what they're there for!" LOL.
On the other hand, I have to look at how much my country values not just my service, but also those that I served with, that came before me and that followed. Vets are still employed at lower rates than non-Vets. 23% of the homeless population are veterans. Getting medical and mental health services are still difficult for a huge number of veterans.
Many Vets volunteer to serve for a variety of reasons. No matter what that is, they are putting on a uniform and saying that they are willing to die for their country whether the cause is noble or not.
Those in political office (I'm looking at you, repukes) have determined that they do not value our service. They've shown it by cutting into benefits and other necessities for veterans. The government shutdown had a detrimental impact on veterans and our nation as a whole. They have shown time and time again that they care about veterans when it's photo-op time, but when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is...well, they've failed miserably.
That is the difference.
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