The two are not mutually exclusive. I'm proud and honored to serve regardless of the job I'm in. Even on the worst days, I'm proud to wear the uniform. I expect our RPA brethren probably don't love life, but are still proud to serve. Have I enjoyed non-flying assignments (CAOC)? No, but I performed to the best of my ability regardless.
When your commitment is up, your quality of life is a huge factor on whether to stay or go. Attack me all you want, but like I said, had I still been stuck in my previous assignment, I would have departed-- like the 75-100 VSP applicants from said airframe. Is it hypocritical to love serving but consider separation/VSP when you're trapped in an airframe with a PCS freeze and funding only through 30 Sep 14? I'd argue that's common ing sense.
So back to why I'm staying in-- I enjoy serving in the active duty capacity for now and for me, the mission outweighs the queep.