[Bernard]

I did 6 years in the Air National Guard, but at the time you had to have 180 days of active duty service to be eligible for VA and education benefits. I don't know if that has changed in the 30 years plus since I was involved.

And I think I got a DD214 when I finished my 120 days of active duty, and a DD215 when I was separated from the IL ANG after 4 1/2 years, and another DD215 when I was separated from the MN ANG at the end of my total of 6 years.

So, if somebody asks, I tell them that I was in the Air Force and ANG, but I don't consider myself a vet, because of the distinction.

However, I do know the proper response to the command, "Attitude Check!", and I know how to use a John Wayne to open an old container of rations.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Now that you mention it, I remember that 180 days in active duty rule to be eligible for benefits. An 18 year old kid in my boot camp company had a heart attack (mild) after a 2.5 mile run and they kept him in a holding company until he had been in for 181 days so he could get a medical discharge. But I didn’t know it applied if you considered yourself a veteran or not.