Today is the first “full day” of Spring. Feel the warmth
Grandson Collin is headed back to the Marine base in San Diego. He has about 1 month before a pending medical discharge would be granted. Collin has lots of options. His training is in “high pressure hydraulics” such as those used in aircraft and helicopters. I don’t know how those skills transfer to the public sector but apparently the demand from Boeing to Commercial airlines is very strong. Another option is to go to college on the equivalent of a “GI Bill”. That means the Marine Corp will pay for his schooling. Whoa! I think there is also a program where the “Corp” pays for technical training. Oh, to be 23 again!
I am reminded of “days gone by”. My Uncle Jerry (my mother’s brother) had spent 4 years in the Army and received an honorable discharge in 1954. He was about 23 at the time. I was a Freshman in high school. Jerry opted to take advantage of the “GI schooling program” and came to live with our family as he attended the local college. His study skills were poor! I was teaching him Algebra for his college courses. Jerry eventually “re-enlisted” in the Navy. I think he got a $6,000 bonus. He became a “Sea-Bee” which is the naval version of engineering construction. He retired on a government pension at age 38 and he did get a college degree while in the service.
I’m not suggesting that Grandson Collin should re-enlist but it worked for my Uncle Jerry. The military is cutting back on spending and I think there will be a continued reduction in personnel. Re-enlistment may not be an option.
I was always intrigued by the concept of retiring at age 38 with a pension. Yes sir, sitting on my a– and collecting monthly checks would have been okay!
Love,
Dad