Amen padawan. I couldn't have said it any better.
I also served, though not as long (7 1/2 years) and I never once gave a second thought when told I had orders to a far off land where danger was a possibility.
I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during
Operation Desert Fox and even though Iraq didn't retaliate, there was a definite sense of urgency and everyone was fearful of incoming scuds. We all had to carry our wartime equipment (including chemical and biological safety gear). Even during that period of my military service, although scared, I would not have traded places with a guy stationed in some base in the states who didn't happen to get selected to go. I felt I had a duty to be at the particular place I was at during that time frame.
I never signed on for college tuition, or BX priviledges. I was drawn to the military primarily to get out of the place I was currently, and as a sense of duty instilled by my parents. My dad served his stint in the Army during Vietnam, not as a draftee, but as a volunteer. I felt that it was my turn and I'm quite glad I did. I don't know where I might have ended up if I hadn't made that decision to join the Armed Forces. Probably at some dead end job making minimum wages.
It's a shame so few young people don't feel an obligation to serve their country. The feeling of pride and patriotism that it rewards you with is something that money (or college) can't buy.