I am an army veteran and proud that I served a few years.

Being away from family at such a young age brought manly fears.

All of a sudden you are part of team that will do as we are told.

They teach us fighting techniques and how to be bold.

We all grow up fast in that environment, we are no longer boys.

We learn how to use some incredible equipment that are not toys.

Many times we are deployed to some foreign country to fight for the USA.

Also, many times this deployment will result in the ultimate price to pay.

Thank God many of us returned to civilian life unscathed for all to see.

It didn't show our mental condition that had been affected, at least this was me.

Taking time to transition to civilian life takes it's toll, it was difficult to adjust

But to go on with life as a civilian was a challenge but an absolute must.