I served in the Canadian Air Force from 1973 to 1982. It was "Royal" from 1924 to 1968, and is "Royal" again now since 2011, but it wasn't when I served. I was a pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor. I spent my entire career in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, except when they sent me on various training courses.
It was a ton of fun, both the flying and the instructing, and I have fond memories of those times. I am still in contact, mostly via Facebook, with many of the people I flew with. It means coming out to them whenever I establish contact, but I have had no negative reactions.
Last year, at my wife's urging, I had my hearing tested. The audiologist measured a profound high-frequency hearing loss. He suggested applying to Veterans' Affairs for assistance. I did, and they agreed that my hearing loss was service-related, due to hanging around jet engines for five years. They gave me a small pension and a full ride on any hearing treatments, including new top-of-the-line hearing aids every four years. Not pleasant losing my hearing, but nice to get the support that I earned.