Category: Let's talk
Hi everyone. I have a big problem. I have just been selected as bugler for a VFW, and I am already the bugler for another VFW. I am really excited, but I am also attending university. The last time I was there, one of my professors told me that if I miss another day of class, then I'll get a bad grade. I know I will miss because of honor guard duty. If I drop out, nothing will happen, but if I keep going, I will fail because of missing. What should I do? I am so honored to be able to serve my country in this way since I can't go into the actual military. Should country come first? If I don't play Taps for the honor guards, then they have a horrible digital bugle they used before I got there. Yuck, it sounds horrible. Just ask if you want a sample. Any advice will be appreciated.
Well, I'm a very strong patriot. I'd do anything for Greece if only I were there, a citizen and I were asked. That said, I also firmly believe in education. College is not for everyone. I think too many people, who would be better in other places, are pushed into it or go in too young and don't know what they want to do. that said, if you really are into your studies and are a good student, I think you should stick with it. Your country should understand your decision and hopefully, there'll be another chance for you to do something like this. Also, how far along are you? I mean, how many years have you been going and what semester are you in? That could make a difference as well. I'd think it over and see what means more to you and how long each would last. Maybe, you could join the military in some capacity or you could explain it to the vfw and see if they have scholarships and can help you as far as payment. Also, see if they could speak with your school. It depends on how much your band performs. Maybe, if they don't perform as much, your professors will be more understanding. And you did say that you're already a member of another VFW band, so you are serving your country.
This is my second semester of university.
I understand your dilemma. I share that situation, as I can't serve in the armed forces, either. I've ben fortunate over the years though, because I've been able to work with a few veterans in my day job. If there are any military hospitals nearby, that might be another way you could serve. The downside of leaving university is that you will miss out on some real opportunities to help your musical growth. If music is what you want to do as your life's work, you'll find this crucial, as it can be dificult to maintain an active network of musicians when you're not in that environment constantly. Good luck,
Lou
For me, it comes down to these questions. Which is more important to you? And, which benifits you the most in the long term? Being patriotic is wonderful, but I don't believe personally in putting patriotism over long term success. IMO.
I wouldn't mind if all I did for the rest of my life was honor guard and performing for vets, and I also volunteer at my local VA hospital.
Well, firstly, what do you think is better for your country, you with your education and a job or you playing some instrument or other in some band and living off their social security system, if playing in some kind of a marching band is actually something you consider rather than a university education you probably don't have anything to do at a university in any case.
Tiff, you're not a patriot if you'd do anything for a country that you are not a citizen of, it's more of a traitor (from a U.S. point of view) so that'd not exactly a definition of a patriot, it entails that you are a citizen of said country I believe.
All that being said, I think tax money to your country's armed forces will do better in the long run to pay for medical treatment, supplies, weapons etc than the sound of some wind instrument or other in a band, and such a thing carries absolutely zero future career perspectives.
I agree with the first part of your post. If a person can get an education and feels comfortable there, then he/she could continue. An educated person, in this context, can do more for his/her country. As for me, I can't help where I was born or my bloodline. I don't believe in unprevoked attacks and the like, but I've never felt like an American, even when I was a child and didn't know anything. My dream is to work and save up enough money so that I can go to Grece and to one day become a citizen. As it is, I do what little I can from the sidelines, even if that just means learning Greek, studying Greek history and culture, reading the news and politics, wearing my flag pin when I go out and putting up my big flag in the summer, celebrating Independence Day every year on the 25th of March and signing the occasional petition if it's open to people outside the country. Btw, I'd donate to the military if I could, but that's not an option. I'm hoping, that with my education, I can one day make a difference, however large or small that may be.
Tiff, to clarify, I certainly have no problem with that nor do I think it's wrong in any way.
But, say, if Greece was invaded by the U.S. and the Greek secret service asked you to take revenge by attacking a U.S. military installation in Michigan, would you do it? I'm just saying you can't be patriotic if you live in the U.S. but feel you belong to a different nation, not until you move there and become an active part of that nation. And, whether one feels it or not, I think one has some obligations to one's official country, not just to the country one associates the most with. The U.S. provided education, social security system etc and while you (or I or anyone else) live there I think you have some obligation to do what you can to try to improve the country, even if you, of course, can also help the country you feel associated with and contribute, if I get my meaning across.
cheers
-B
I understand your viewpoint in an academic sense. However, if I were asked by Greece to do this I would. For me, to not do it would be betraying what I consider to be my country and I could never really feel good about myself afterword. How, then, could I ever ask anything from them when I didn't come to their aid at a crutial moment? Well, guess now that I spilled the beans, spy work is out of the question. *smile* More seriously, if I were asked by some quack Greek in the street to do it I wouldn't because that wouldn't make sense to me. Btw, if any other country ever asked me to go against America I wouldn't. It's loyalty to Greece, not htotal hatred of America, that would prompt me to act.
Tiffanitsa
, as an american, I would like to be the first to start a collection for your dreams to come true. In my opinion, you belong here less than the Mexicans crossing over the boarder in search of a better life. Maybe you can copy and paste this last post of yours to a letter to the Greek government. They may fund relocation for you. I certain feel that I would not feel comfortable being your neighbor. Knowing that you wouldn't have my back in a potential hypothetical situation like WB brought up.
Now, I think that Greece is a beautiful country, and it may be a goal of yours to live there, to say that you would betray America if a situation like that occured is the act of a traitor. Any money or benefits that you currently collect, should be given to those more fortunate. Too bad you can't deport someone that doesn't come from anywhere.
Thom
This is a tough question. I was faced with same problem, I was in 2 working bands but quit to get the education. My thought may be part time at least?? I personally you should get the degree. Music is great but realistically will it provide food rent etc money? good luck!
Okay, I have withdrawn from this semester, and am going to come back and major in social work to help veterans.
hahaha Yeah, the Greek government helping me. That's about as likely as me getting my sight tomorrow. I wish with all my heart and soul that it were true, but it's a pie in the sky vision. If they did, though, I'd make damn sure that they wouldn't regret it. I'm soooo tempted to do this now, even though I know it'll do no good. To get back on topic, I think you chose a route that none of us would've considered and it was a great idea! Now, you have the best of both worlds, you'll be going back to college at some point and you'll be able to help the people you love. Good job! Just make sure that you can do what you want with a BA in social work. I have a BA in sociology and there's very little I can do with it unless I go for my MA. Very upsetting. Btw, my boyfriend was in the Hellenic Air force band, which is a very honorable thing, as there's only one band for them, unlike with the rest of the military. Now, granted, the Hellenic military is comprised of conscripts, but perhaps, America has something like this. I don't know if, say, they'd let you go to a dangerous zone like Iraq, but they may place you in a more peaceful setting where U.S> soldiers are based. You might want to ask them about this.