Retired Army here to say you shouldn't feel that way at all. We're all patriots here. As long as you're informed, armed and have the fortitude to defend the homeland at its darkest hour, you're no different than any of us - we just get a paycheck.

I've been to rallies surrounded by patriots with a huge set of balls (and ovaries) and more heart than people I used to serve with. In the end, this is what matters the most. When shit hits the fan, I'd rather be surrounded by true patriots than a few guys who joined the military for the GI Bill.