I realized the other night during my walk home that had I stayed in the Marines, I'd be going on my 12th year in the Marine Corps and would only be 8 years from drawing a nice retirement check for the rest of my life. That's a crazy thought.

Or I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan. Or maybe I'd be dead. Who the hell knows.

I'd probably be a lot thinner and in better shape. My hair would be shorter. My joints would still hurt, maybe even more than they do now.

I'm glad I served. I'm glad I got out when I did.

- Matt