It's not like I'm some kind of veteran and there is this huge age gap. I identify with them more off the field. I need to set an example, which is great, and I look forward to doing just that.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
My younger brother is a decorated combat veteran and was a platoon leader in Iraq.
I've never really felt like a veteran. I've never felt like the guy who's like, 'OK, everyone needs to look up to me and respect me.' I've always just been one of the guys that people are excited to get in the ring with. That's all I want.
The mere dates of my existence do not interest me, except in one connection. When the Great War started I was too old to be acceptable as a volunteer; when conscription followed I was too old to be conscripted.
Young players are starting to come up as well and they will see me as one of the older, experienced ones.
Whenever I'm given a chance to support veterans' initiatives, I try to do that. Children and veterans - if they're involved, you can pretty much count me in.
I spent five years working very hard to develop a relationship with the veterans' service organizations. We have together worked some major projects.
I'm hesitant to ever take on the crest of the veteran. So I don't know who I am to warn the younger writer about the perils to come. I think maybe the most dangerous influence is to think you have all the answers and should be giving counsel.
Veterans' issues are quite close to my heart. I find it quite hard to talk about, actually.
I went through some real challenges growing up. I joined the Army two weeks out of high school when I was 17, and never looked back.
I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid.