Mark,
The only ones that don't get "it" are the ones that never were. Other then being a husband and father, the most important job I ever had was in the service.
You didn't have to wear a mask. You were accepted for what you were and you did the job you were trained to do. I still think the good times out numbered the bad and the friends I had in the service are the only ones I ever really have kept forever.
Ron