@TAB my dad still blames everyone else for his issues. The army gets most of the blame, or his ex wives. Or his current wife the stepmonster. Mind you she is evil in a womans' body so she deserves it. He was no model father and I am actually grateful my parents split when I was quite young. My stepsisters and stepbrother had to deal with dads' crap more than I ever did. He was quite manipulative and narcissistic and it's only the past 10 years that I've had a relationship with him.
I have his medals, he keeps a copy to wear on ANZAC day and I wear the real ones. He didn't want stepmonster getting her hands on them, especially since she met him after he'd left the Army.
My grandfather (dad's father) was on the HMAS Sydney and died on his 21st birthday when the Cormoran sunk it. He never got to meet his son, dad was born 8 months later.
The casualties of war are higher than just the military killed in action.
Regardless of your motivation, you served. And that I respect.
