08/03/2025
(Kinda long post...)
As of today, August 1, 2025, I am officially retired from the US Army after serving for 20 years and 10 days. It was an honor and a privilege to serve side by side with my brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you. To my friends and family thank you for the support and encouragement. It helped me become motivated and keep going till the end. Thank you.
There were alot of sacrifices. From being deployed multiple times and away from the family to hard training that took a toll in my body. Now I can rest and enjoy my time with them. Unfortunately, my body is not what it used to be 15 or 20 years ago in which I cannot fully enjoy life. From lower back pain to multiple failed surgeries. I can no longer do alot of physical activites with my family or friends or any activites that I used to enjoy. Now I just have to adjust and get used to it.
I think I did ok while I was in. I did what I was told and accomplished every mission, do what I was required to do in order to advance (JM, SERE, SOF CA instructor, etc.) led soldiers and other foreign officials, finding solutions to issues or potential issues and briefed generals and ambassadors...but it was just ok.
Eventhough I wasn't able to achieve what I wanted to achieve in the army, I am still thankful and grateful because I met wonderful people along the way, get to travel to a lot of countries (almost 20 countries), been in the news and other media, learned alot not only for my knowledge but also about myself, and the Army provided support my family. I am thankful.
I'm looking forward whats next and I do have plans... I just have to keep going. Again, thank you everyone.
-SFC (ret.) Ethan V.