The term "medically retired" sounds like something a lot worse than it actually is.
It's a weird term with a lot of clauses. To make it even weirder, I am specifically considered "Permanently & Totally Disabled" for life.
The DoD rates all of your medical records and uses confusing calculations to give you a final rating. My lower back injury, which was caused by the Marine Corps (rather than being found as caused by outside/personal), is considered to be unfixable. That means I spent years taking all of the proper steps to try to fix my back to go back to a "Fit for Duty" status. They were not and will never be able to fix me, therefore I was medically separated from the Corps. At that point, the DoD reviewed my case (which took around 8 months), and gave me my final rating. My back is the bulk of my final rating, but I do have other physical and mental issues that were caused by the Corps, so those are also factored in. In my case, I received what some would call "the golden ticket"; a rating of 100% disabled. Moreover, I have a 100% rating AND the "Permanently & Totally Disabled" part that I mentioned earlier. As a whole, this is being "medically retired". This gives me free medical care for life, as well as monthly compensation for life. I receive above $1k but under $4k (being vague on purpose), for life. But I'm also in chronic pain, for life (unless something amazing happens). I can't even shovel snow.
With that being said, I got "lucky". There are guys with missing limbs from combat and such weren't rated as severely as I am. This subject is very controversial and a huge wtf on the DoD.
Q: When are you going to get to the Pacific Northwest? The natural home of the Tacoma?
This spring/summer, 100%. And I will let you know. I've been to Crater Lake but beyond that, I'll need a guide for OR.
Q: Any future plans for your Instagram or Youtube channel?
Actually...
Last week I decided to take a break from Instagram. I've been using Instagram since the app was created and I used to love it because it was a no bullshit photo sharing feed for your friends and family. We all know what it's like now. I still don't hate it though, but I was getting burnt out from feeling obligated to "make a good post" every few days. I'm sure I'll download it again eventually. But for now, Tacoma3G.com is my happy place.
YouTube: Man, I really did want to make content. We've done things that people would love to watch. But it always felt so unnatural to make sure we are considering the camera and what the viewer would see. It was like having a 3rd person with us and having to always ask them, "is this good or should I do it again?" But... I do still want to get into it and I think it might end up clicking for me one day.
