It's a problem when you can't accept the fact that you're no longer in the military. You don't see cops or firefighters wearing their old uniforms after they retire, do you? I hope not! So why would you feel the need to try and appear to still be in the military when those days are long gone? Seems odd to me...
They earned the cloths they wear. And can recognize each other being they alone are allowed to continue to wear insignia.
For all the crap and non-welcomes home I recall Nam vets wearing thier jackets after.
Meanwhile I wore an army coat for many years gifted me by a refugee. No , no insignia.
Worn over a sweater I had a winter coat. Which due to budget was welcomed.
Probably still have it.
Veterans wearing hats denoting such get thanked here.
Others get thier bill paid at a restaurant without knowing who did it but as a thank you.
I'm not military. Or gung ho military. But I recall my generation awaiting it's turn. War ended (temporarily anyways) and we didn't go.
Had I not married young I'd have enlisted. Hindsight says I should have anyways.
You know Veterans? And where they stand returning to society today?
You know enough and you find they are not exactly heralded when it's time to receive medical care.
Knowing someone has been in the service matters to other Veterans. After all , you're not going to relate to them. If you did you wouldn't be fretting about what someone minding thier own is wearing.
When I was broke (most my life) military clothing was and is found durable.
And I've still sewn to repair articles. I hunt game. And that includes thier environment , often not gentle on clothing.
A used green wool heavy military shirt from an era few today can recall or care about cost me 3 dollars. Later I found a $5 in a pocket. Tell me you can beat that!
It served me well in the North. And still will.
My jeans knee tore today. Not my style having worn enough patches in my life.
Being one legged means I cut the other leg off new jeans. Not exactly a value given the cost of a new pair.
So I shouldn't go to the closet and grab a military pants to wear?
How about boots? How much for a good pair? Then I only wear one. Value?
Might as well throw away a hundred dollars.
Meanwhile a pair of military boots await when needed. A lady gave them to me after my trying a couple pair on for size. Can't beat that cost for durable footwear. And you'll not find me in less than sturdy footwear. Not because I'm an outcast military or tacticalcool freak or military wannabe. Worse , I'm not even a threat to society.
I didn't ask why they had surplus gear at thier barn sale. But it was a good cause they were directing the proceeds towards. So I bought some cold weather underwear cheap. I hope that doesn't offend you even if you can't see them.
I see value in thrift and durability. Had I money to buy the latest fashion or P.C. clothing I'd still direct it elsewhere. I'm no model.
The two camo sweatshirts I'm rotating were 40% off new. Not even scary patterns but hey , they are made of recycled material (yeah Earth!) and haven't shrunk to expose my belly yet.
Had I your money I'd find a place that sells medium tall sweatshirts and pay a premium.
Maybe even in a psychedelic or rainbow pattern or something more suited for the publics eye.
You know , to be more like someone I'm not to be accepted for who I am rather than what I look like. Even if I'm not.