Attention Veterans!

[5stringJeff]

All US military veterans, please report and be recognized.

My service: West Point graduate, active duty from 1998-2003. I did not deploy overseas, but spent my five years stateside.

[trobinett]

US Army, 1965 thru 1968

72B40 ASA

Spec. 4

1 year Stateside, ARADCOM

2 years SHAPE: Paris, France, and Mons, Belgium.

[CSM]

Joined 1968 retired after 30 years service..(six year break in there someplace)

Ended up as CSM E-9 (Us Army)

[darin]

Army Enlisted 1992-1995 - Germany
Nat'l Guard 1995-1997 - Seattle, WA

16/14S - STINGER/AVENGER Team Leader

Army Enlisted 1997-2000 - Korea, Fort Lewis, WA

71L - Administrative Puke. :( :D


hooah.

http://www.imagehostingsite.com/images/umhjjhmycmhmzuztzdmt.gif

[Pale Rider]

United States Air Force, 1979 - 1987

AFSC: 32697C - Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist, F-16.

E-6, Tech Sergeant.

474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV

61st Tactical Fighter Training Wing, McDill AFB, Tampa, FL

Overseas, Beruit, Lebanon.

[Missileman]

USAF 1979-2000

Missile Systems Analyst Specialist

E-7 Master Sgt

90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, WY

2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, LA

[Gaffer]

US Army 1966-68 (I was drafted)

Dec 66 to Dec 67 Vietnam. 2nd of the 1st Inf, 196th Light Infantry Brigade.

Area's of operation; Tay Nihn, Iron triangle, Chu Lai, Quan Tri, Tam Ky, central highlands and along the Cambodian border. We were even put on standby during the 6 day war until Israel had things under control. They had C-130's standing by on the runway at Chu Lai.

Spec 4

Got out and was put on inactive reserve. Decided to go back in the service but saw how the Air Force live while over there and went with the AF. Went in as an Air Traffic Controler. Didn't like that job and transfered to the Information Office where I handled writing and making news releases. Was a gravy job working 8 to 5 Monday thru Friday. Like not even being in the military compared to my army time.

Went in 1973 and got out 1977, as a Sergeant. Mainly because carter was screwing up the military.

[Pale Rider]

Nice to see the "Force" making it's presence known in here... :salute:

[Psychoblues]

US Air Force, many different divisions and squadrons, August, 1968 to Sept., 1972.

Air National Guard, the Tennessee (truly volunteer) part of it, January, 1983 to December, 1991.

E-9 capable but refused to kiss the asses required to do it.

[darin]

US Air Force, many different divisions and squadrons, August, 1968 to Sept., 1972.

Air National Guard, the Tennessee (truly volunteer) part of it, January, 1983 to December, 1991.

E-9 capable but refused to kiss the asses required to do it.

:bsflag:

[Gunny]

US Marine Corps 1980-2000. Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), retired.

[CSM]

:bsflag:

Oh I believe the dates (looking at your quotes as I refuse to open a post b the lying sob). "E-9 capable" what the heck does that mean? Every enlisted is E-9 capable from the day they first enlist; whether they actually get there or not is an entirely different story. If he means "promotable" there is no way not with twelve years service total and part of that with an eleven year break in the middle...the very best he could do even with waivers for time in service/ time in grade is E-7 (possibly E-8 if he had some pretty exemplry combat acction). No way eligible for E-9.

Essentially, just one more thing proving what many of us have been saying...Psycho is NOT what he would like us to think.

[Gunny]

Oh I believe the dates (looking at your quotes as I refuse to open a post b the lying sob). "E-9 capable" what the heck does that mean? Every enlisted is E-9 capable from the day they first enlist; whether they actually get there or not is an entirely different story. If he means "promotable" there is no way not with twelve years service total and part of that with an eleven year break in the middle...the very best he could do even with waivers for time in service/ time in grade is E-7 (possibly E-8 if he had some pretty exemplry combat acction). No way eligible for E-9.

Essentially, just one more thing proving what many of us have been saying...Psycho is NOT what he would like us to think.

Not to mention if he was to go active duty, he would likely lose at least one Reserve/Guard stripe in the process.

I agree that the very best he could do TIS-wise would be E-7.

[Mr. P]

United States Army
July 73- Dec 77

1/17th (Air) Cav. 82nd Airborne Div.

CW-2

UH-1H Helicopter Pilot, and other duties.

[Gunny]

United States Army
July 73- Dec 77

1/17th (Air) Cav. 82nd Airborne Div.

CW-2

UH-1H Helicopter Pilot, and other duties.

A Huey pilot. I knew you had issues. I've never met ONE that wasn't crazy as a loon behind the stick.

One Major had to prove to me that you can in fact do a full roll in a Huey even though it is physically impossible. I was REAL happy about that.:laugh2:

[CSM]

United States Army
July 73- Dec 77

1/17th (Air) Cav. 82nd Airborne Div.

CW-2

UH-1H Helicopter Pilot, and other duties.

82d means ya caint be ALLL bad!

[Mr. P]

A Huey pilot. I knew you had issues. I've never met ONE that wasn't crazy as a loon behind the stick.

One Major had to prove to me that you can in fact do a full roll in a Huey even though it is physically impossible. I was REAL happy about that.:laugh2:

NEVER let a Field grade touch the controls! Except under direct supervision.:)

I do have issues…here’s why, I guess. I love this piece.



Why Helicopter Pilots are Different!
Harry Reasoner, February 16, 1971


"The thing is, helicopters are different from planes. An airplane by it's nature wants to fly, and if not interfered with too strongly by unusual events or by a deliberately incompetent pilot, it will fly. A helicopter does not want to fly. It is maintained in the air by a variety of forces and controls working in opposition to each other, and if there is any disturbance in this delicate balance the helicopter stops flying; immediately and disastrously. There is no such thing as a gliding helicopter.


This is why being a helicopter pilot is so different from being an airplane pilot, and why in generality, airplane pilots are open, clear-eyed, buoyant extroverts and helicopter pilots are brooding introspective anticipators of trouble. They know if something bad has not happened it is about to.":laugh2: There's alot of truth to that.

[Mr. P]

82d means ya caint be ALLL bad!

Just ALLL American. :salute:

[trobinett]

Posted by Mr. P:

[qutoe]This is why being a helicopter pilot is so different from being an airplane pilot, and why in generality, airplane pilots are open, clear-eyed, buoyant extroverts and helicopter pilots are brooding introspective anticipators of trouble. They know if something bad has not happened it is about to." [/quote]

My father was a bomber pilot, and later, after the second world war, a "test pilot".

He held chopper pilots in the highest regard.

I don't know how you guys did what you did, but you'll have my ever lasting respect.

:salute:

[Gaffer]

In the eyes of us grunts, chopper pilots rated just under the medics when it came to respect. :salute:

[Gunny]

In the eyes of us grunts, chopper pilots rated just under the medics when it came to respect. :salute:

Can't help but respect balls. I just wonder who it is that teaches them there is NO place they can't at least get a skid on ....:laugh2:

[Mr. P]

Thanks guys,I appreciate the nice comments. I am nothing special really. I flew mostly airplanes as a civilian, but for one year I did use that military training to fly an EMS helicopter (Life Flight type stuff. Or as us military folks know it, MedEvac) it was the best thing I ever did in aviation.:salute:

EDIT: Gunny, I got a pic to show you. I'll have to dig er out and scan it.

[Gunny]

Thanks guys,I appreciate the nice comments. I am nothing special really. I flew mostly airplanes as a civilian, but for one year I did use that military training to fly an EMS helicopter (Life Flight type stuff. Or as us military folks know it, MedEvac) it was the best thing I ever did in aviation.:salute:

EDIT: Gunny, I got a pic to show you. I'll have to dig er out and scan it.

Do I need my seatbelt?:cool:

[Gaffer]

Thanks guys,I appreciate the nice comments. I am nothing special really. I flew mostly airplanes as a civilian, but for one year I did use that military training to fly an EMS helicopter (Life Flight type stuff. Or as us military folks know it, MedEvac) it was the best thing I ever did in aviation.:salute:

EDIT: Gunny, I got a pic to show you. I'll have to dig er out and scan it.

My last chopper flight was on a medevac. So you rate even higher. Those medevac pilots were the best. Made no difference what the LZ was like, they were in there.

[CSM]

My last chopper flight was on a medevac. So you rate even higher. Those medevac pilots were the best. Made no difference what the LZ was like, they were in there.

Yeppers! Medics and rotary wing nuts are my heroes ... big time! Last chopper I ever rode was MedeVac too. You rock Mr. P!

[Mr. P]

Do I need my seatbelt?:cool:

No Sir. It's a pic of where I landed and shut-down one day. Sorta goes with the one skid thing. But it's not one skid. :salute:


My last chopper flight was on a medevac. So you rate even higher. Those medevac pilots were the best. Made no difference what the LZ was like, they were in there.

Glad ya made it out, Gaffer. In school we trained to go into tight spots. After school we did the same. If the blades could clear the trees or whatever, we'd do it.:salute:

[Mr. P]

Guys, Guys! Just to be clear I was never in country. I did two medevac flights stateside on active duty, many as a civilian in the year I did it.

[Gaffer]

Medevac pilots are still cool. If there's a way to get in they will find it.

[grunt]

USMC 1997-2005 SSgt E-6


0311 (infantry)first four
7051 (Aircraft Rescue Firefighter) last four


Pendleton
29 Palms
1 yr at MCAS Iwakuni
did 2 years of I&I in Ft Worth, TX
1 yr in Afghanistan (15th MEU)

[Gunny]

Guys, Guys! Just to be clear I was never in country. I did two medevac flights stateside on active duty, many as a civilian in the year I did it.

So which do consider worse? Hostile fire? Or the number of powerlines in this country? I think in that position, I'd as soon get shot at as become the conduit for a gazillion volts.

I've seen on more than one occasion Huey pilots drop their skids so close to the water a Marine could be pulled out by hand. THAT is skill and a lot of balls.

[Mr. P]

So which do consider worse? Hostile fire? Or the number of powerlines in this country? I think in that position, I'd as soon get shot at as become the conduit for a gazillion volts.

I've seen on more than one occasion Huey pilots drop their skids so close to the water a Marine could be pulled out by hand. THAT is skill and a lot of balls.

Damn Gunny, you made me shiver! I’ll not forget the night I dodged major wires but still clipped a small one with the tail rotor. Someone was looking out for us that night.

EDIT: Oh, I forgot about the time I was flying lead while Cobras were firing 7.72 rockets from both sides of us into the LZ. Mud and dirt flying all over the windshield, pucker factor was way up but that still didn’t compare to the wires.

[Gaffer]

when we made an air assault the door gunner always told us not to fire from the door, that he would take care of the cover fire. They were afraid one of us would shoot too high and hit the rotor blades. we did what he asked unless we started recieving fire as we were going in, then we cut loose too. It always pissed the door gunner off but what the hell, we were already in by then. What's he going to do make us come back and do it again? Or, my favorite response, what you gonna do send me to Vietnam?

[CSM]

when we made an air assault the door gunner always told us not to fire from the door, that he would take care of the cover fire. They were afraid one of us would shoot too high and hit the rotor blades. we did what he asked unless we started recieving fire as we were going in, then we cut loose too. It always pissed the door gunner off but what the hell, we were already in by then. What's he going to do make us come back and do it again? Or, my favorite response, what you gonna do send me to Vietnam?

LOL....heard and gave that same response more than once!

[Gaffer]

When I returned from Vietnam we were placed in a holding battlion. A bunch of combat vets waiting to get out. Now we had very little to do while waiting around and someone got the bright idea of training us for riot control. So we did. With summer coming they were expecting a lot of demonstrations and riots in the major cities.

So picture it. A battalion of returned combat vets being sent into quell anti-war demonstrations. We were told we were the last resort. If the guard and police couldn't handle the situation we were to be sent in.

One platoon (mine) was armed with M-14's with fixed bayonets, while another platoon followed with nightsticks. The guys behind us were to pick up the ones we left on the ground as we swept through.

Fortunately they never had to use us. But we were hyped and ready.

[Gunny]

Damn Gunny, you made me shiver! I’ll not forget the night I dodged major wires but still clipped a small one with the tail rotor. Someone was looking out for us that night.

EDIT: Oh, I forgot about the time I was flying lead while Cobras were firing 7.72 rockets from both sides of us into the LZ. Mud and dirt flying all over the windshield, pucker factor was way up but that still didn’t compare to the wires.

I'm an electrician nowadays. When I was working line to try and restore power during a storm, the guy I was with screwed up and blew us both up. He died, and I was left hanging from a bucket by a safety harness for a couple of hours.

That is how my lineman career came to an abrupt end after the household SgtMajL read me the riot act. Been in commercial electrical since.

I'd rather be shot at.:salute:

[Mr. P]

I'm an electrician nowadays. When I was working line to try and restore power during a storm, the guy I was with screwed up and blew us both up. He died, and I was left hanging from a bucket by a safety harness for a couple of hours.

That is how my lineman career came to an abrupt end after the household SgtMajL read me the riot act. Been in commercial electrical since.

I'd rather be shot at.:salute:

Now stop it!..You reminded me of the guy we flew to a burn center AFTER he had stuck a screwdriver into a breaker panel! He was burned pretty good, but alive (I think). I don't know if he was an electrician or a helper.

It sounds like you were lucky!

[Gunny]

Now stop it!..You reminded me of the guy we flew to a burn center AFTER he had stuck a screwdriver into a breaker panel! He was burned pretty good, but alive (I think). I don't know if he was an electrician or a helper.

It sounds like you were lucky!

We stick screwdrivers into live panels all the time. If it slips and you're grounded you get fly with MR P.:laugh2:

He better have been a journeyman. I wouldn't let a helper near a live panel unless I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I could trust him to do what he was supposed to.

And yes, I was VERY lucky. I just happened to be leaning out and away from the basket when it happened and got flipped right out.

[Gadget (fmr Marine)]

USMC 1983-1987 El Toro

[Psychoblues]

Pretty close, gunny. I almost but did not lose a stripe or rank due to my active duty/air guard transfer despite my approximate 11 year absense from the official ranks of the United States Air Force. I was an E-7 as you intimate when I quit. Yes, I said "quit". I no longer could keep faith in my government to use me in the most proficient manner post Persian Gulf I. I fuskin' quit.

As I had other ambitions and income, the military was no longer a priority for me.





Not to mention if he was to go active duty, he would likely lose at least one Reserve/Guard stripe in the process.

I agree that the very best he could do TIS-wise would be E-7.

As you surmise, the time in service equals out to about what you say. I had promises and encouragements but I could not subject myself or my family to more of what I no longer had faith in.

Thanks for your own service, gunny. I'm glad we did not work together or I would have certainly had to take you back of the barracks and beat the living hell out of you.

Just kidding you, gunny. We would would probably have been best of buddies then and remain so now. Many of my very best ex-military friends are as hard core if not more than you. We get along marvelously!!!!!

[BBA]

U.S. Army
Enlisted
17 August 1995 through 25 December 2002
Assigned to Fort Bragg and Fort Lewis
MOS was 75H (Personnel Services Specialist)

[Mr. P]

U.S. Army
Enlisted
17 August 1995 through 25 December 2002
Assigned to Fort Bragg and Fort Lewis
MOS was 75H (Personnel Services Specialist)

Airborne!!!

[Black Lance]

I've enlisted with ANG as an E-3, and am scheduled to leave for BMT on October 7, the day after my 23rd birthday.

[Kathianne]

I've enlisted with ANG as an E-3, and am scheduled to leave for BMT on October 7, the day after my 23rd birthday.

Forgive an old lady that never served; ANG? BMT?

I am assuming 'thanks' are in order, you have them! :salute:

[Angel Heart]

US Army 89-94

Military Police (95B) Alabama, Germany, California

Office Administration (71L) Reserves and California National Guard

Got out as a Spc (E-4)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/angelheart1971/general/DeborahRyan001.jpg

[Mr. P]

Forgive an old lady that never served; ANG? BMT?

I am assuming 'thanks' are in order, you have them! :salute:

ANG= Air or Army National Guard.
BMT= Basic Training.

:salute: Black Lance!

Like yer steel pots, Angel Heart! :laugh2: :salute:

[Kathianne]

ANG= Air or Army National Guard.
BMT= Basic Training.

:salute: Black Lance!

Like yer steel pots, Angel Heart! :laugh2: :salute:

Thanks! I tried to rep, but got the manure message. ;)

[Angel Heart]

ANG= Air or Army National Guard.
BMT= Basic Training.

:salute: Black Lance!

Like yer steel pots, Angel Heart! :laugh2: :salute:

:laugh2: Love the bad ass look too. I took another one with me smiling but can't seem to find a copy of it. I'll have to ask my parents if they still have a copy.

[AFbombloader]

United States Air Force 1988 to present
TSgt
Currently a recruiter but returning to what I do best, loading bombs on F-16's in Korea.
AFSC - 462x0 (or 2w1x1 now, but I refuse to acknowledge that)

Assigned to Langley, Upper Heyford, Lakenheath. TDY to more places than I care to remember. Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom, GWOT veteran.

[jimnyc]

United States Air Force 1988 to present
TSgt
Currently a recruiter but returning to what I do best, loading bombs on F-16's in Korea.
AFSC - 462x0 (or 2w1x1 now, but I refuse to acknowledge that)

Assigned to Langley, Upper Heyford, Lakenheath. TDY to more places than I care to remember. Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom, GWOT veteran.

AFbombloader - Welcome to DebatePolicy!

Thank you for your service to our great country! :salute:

[Abbey Marie]

United States Air Force 1988 to present
TSgt
Currently a recruiter but returning to what I do best, loading bombs on F-16's in Korea.
AFSC - 462x0 (or 2w1x1 now, but I refuse to acknowledge that)

Assigned to Langley, Upper Heyford, Lakenheath. TDY to more places than I care to remember. Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom, GWOT veteran.

Welcome!

[Pale Rider]

ANG= Air or Army National Guard.
BMT= Basic Training.

:salute: Black Lance!

Like yer steel pots, Angel Heart! :laugh2: :salute:

BMT = Basic Military Training

[Pale Rider]

United States Air Force 1988 to present
TSgt
Currently a recruiter but returning to what I do best, loading bombs on F-16's in Korea.
AFSC - 462x0 (or 2w1x1 now, but I refuse to acknowledge that)

Assigned to Langley, Upper Heyford, Lakenheath. TDY to more places than I care to remember. Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom, GWOT veteran.

Very good to have you here AFBombloader, from a fellow AF veteran of eight years. I was wearing TSgt when I got out too, but I had a line number for MSgt and never sewed it on.

[Classact]

US Army 13 Nov. 67 - 1 Jan. 80 Specialty 95B50 Military Police, Additional skill as Physical Security Specialist (Arms, Ammunition's and Explosives Security Inspector)
Airborne with two assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division and One assignment with XVIIIth Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

Duty overseas in Korea and Germany.

Key positions:
Detachment Sergeant HHD, 728th MP Bn. Camp Carrol Army Depot Korea
Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of XVIIIth Airborne Corps & Ft. Bragg Physical Security Branch of the Provost Marshal(supervised inspection teams of AA & E for Ft. Bragg and state RC.
Operation Sergeant 273rd MP Co DC National Guard (Full time Active Duty Management)
Operations Sergeant Provost Marshal Office Ft. Lee, VA
First Sergeant 4th MP Co Ft. Carson CO
Operations Sergeant, Office of the Provost Marshal 2nd Infantry Div. Tong do Chan, Korea (DMZ)

Coolest things I did: Parachuted onto a sand bar in a river in Korea from 600 feet with full combat gear on a training exercise in 1969.

Worked with the first Project Delta Force commander Col. Beckwith at Fort Bragg setting up security of the Delta Force special weapons and ammo. The Delta Force later conducted a failed mission in Iran during the hostage situation.

[Immanuel]

U.S. Coast Guard Reserves 1980-86

Search and Rescue

SF Bay Area

And Obama... I never had to threaten anyone's life. I would not claim to having saved a life but I helped save quite a bit of property.

Immie

[theHawk]

USAF 1999-2004.

Staff Segreant.

Tech Control!!!

[82Marine89]

BRANCH: United Sates Marine Corps

DATES: 1982 - 1989

RANK: Corporal of Marines

MOS: 2111 Small Arms Repairman / 8531 Primary Marksmanship Instructor

UNITS:

3D Tank Bn, 3D MarDiv MCAGCC 29 Palms
3D Maintenance Bn, 3D FSSG Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan
HQ Co, HQ Bn, School of Infantry, Camp Pendeleton

[pegwinn]

USMC
1981-2003 Retired after the unit got back from Iraq

Got a kid in, got a son-in-law in, got another kid talking to the recruiter.

I might just make a fireteam leader yet.

[Black Lance]

Got out of Lackland (home of USAF Basic Military Training for you non-airmen) in December. I am now stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. I am in technical school, training for my three skill level. I am going to be a maintanence management systems analyst, assuming of course that I don't give into the temptation to enter some codes into the computer "by hand".

[actsnoblemartin]

Yeah, Thank You so much

words cant express the graitutde i feel for you, and every service personnel


Forgive an old lady that never served; ANG? BMT?

I am assuming 'thanks' are in order, you have them! :salute:

[Mr. P]

Got out of Lackland (home of USAF Basic Military Training for you non-airmen) in December. I am now stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. I am in technical school, training for my three skill level. I am going to be a maintanence management systems analyst, assuming of course that I don't give into the temptation to enter some codes into the computer "by hand".

:clap: Welcome back young man! And welcome to the brotherhood of those who serve and have served!

:salute:

[82Marine89]

Got out of Lackland (home of USAF Basic Military Training for you non-airmen) in December. I am now stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. I am in technical school, training for my three skill level. I am going to be a maintanence management systems analyst, assuming of course that I don't give into the temptation to enter some codes into the computer "by hand".

:salute:

[actsnoblemartin]

:salute:

I say all our veterans deserve more respect, and not just words, gaurantreed jobs, and career training, free health care for life and other benefits, they risked our lives, the least we can do is make their return to civilian life more comfortable


:salute:

:salute: to all of you

[trobinett]

:salute:

I say all our veterans deserve more respect, and not just words, gaurantreed jobs, and career training, free health care for life and other benefits, they risked our lives, the least we can do is make their return to civilian life more comfortable



:salute: to all of you

Thank you.

[Pale Rider]

Got out of Lackland (home of USAF Basic Military Training for you non-airmen) in December. I am now stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. I am in technical school, training for my three skill level. I am going to be a maintanence management systems analyst, assuming of course that I don't give into the temptation to enter some codes into the computer "by hand".

Aaaahh yes... Lackland AFB... "The Gateway To The Air Force,"... been there, done that. Loved it. I recommend the Air Force to anyone. Best chow halls of any branch. I ALWAYS ate breakfast on base. For a buck and a quarter I could get a huge omelet, toast, bacon, hash browns with sausage country gravy, (SOS), and three glasses of grape juice.

[Mr. P]

Aaaahh yes... Lackland AFB... "The Gateway To The Air Force,"... been there, done that. Loved it. I recommend the Air Force to anyone. Best chow halls of any branch. I ALWAYS ate breakfast on base. For a buck and a quarter I could get a huge omelet, toast, bacon, hash browns with sausage country gravy, (SOS), and three glasses of grape juice.

I used to eat at the Generals' mess hall at Ft. Bragg, it was good but couldn't hold a candle to the AF enlisted mess hall.

[Black Lance]

Aaaahh yes... Lackland AFB... "The Gateway To The Air Force,"... been there, done that. Loved it. I recommend the Air Force to anyone. Best chow halls of any branch. I ALWAYS ate breakfast on base. For a buck and a quarter I could get a huge omelet, toast, bacon, hash browns with sausage country gravy, (SOS), and three glasses of grape juice.

No offense Pale Rider, but if you "loved" BMT, then either the program was much easier back in your day, or you must be something of a masachist. Being at tech school and surrounded by NPS (or "pipeline") tech school students most of the day I have heard many new airmen discuss their BMT experience, and while opinions do vary, adjectives like "fun" or "loved it" don't come up often.

I agree entirely about the food though. I have been on active duty since November, and I have never eaten a bad meal at Lackland or Sheppard AFB. It's the one advantage we non-priors have over the TDY students in our class.

[TheStripey1]

USAF July 1966 - July 1970

I enlisted to stay out of the draft AND Viet nam and when I was stationed in Bermuda for a three year tour, thought I had accomplished my goal. Six months later, they closed the base, so me and this other fool decided to volunteer for nam and off we went...

We arrived in country at Tan Son Nhut AB (Saigon) in October '67 and found that the base commander had had all the sand bags removed from around the buildings and replaced them with flower beds... and all the weapons were locked up... it was just like stateside duty... only worse...

My job was manifesting passengers for their flights up country and then transporting either them or their baggage out to the aircraft, and then picking up either for return to the terminal. IF you went thru TSN between Oct 67 and late Jan '68, chances are good that I may have transported you...

I went on a couple of mobilities, resupplying the warriors with the tools of their trade... ammo... You Called, We Hauled... and decided that that was far better duty than what I was doing so I volunteered to be on permanent mobility... best thing I did while in country... not only was I finally issued a weapon, but I was surrounded by the 3rd Brigade of the Big Red One!

I spent almost half my tour there...

Much to my surprize, when I signed up for VA health benefits last year, that the area I was in was heavily sprayed with Agent Orange... I go for my Agent Orange protocol testing next week and I have to say... I'm a tad apprehensive about it... not that I fear I have any of the myriad of diseases that are associated with AO exposure... I am just apprehensive about the test itself...

Any of y'all had it?

This year, I joined a local group of Viet Nam veterans dedicated to helping other veterans... I will keep y'all apprised of our activities, should you wish to hear about them.

[Mr. P]

USAF July 1966 - July 1970

I enlisted to stay out of the draft AND Viet nam and when I was stationed in Bermuda for a three year tour, thought I had accomplished my goal. Six months later, they closed the base, so me and this other fool decided to volunteer for nam and off we went...

We arrived in country at Tan Son Nhut AB (Saigon) in October '67 and found that the base commander had had all the sand bags removed from around the buildings and replaced them with flower beds... and all the weapons were locked up... it was just like stateside duty... only worse...

My job was manifesting passengers for their flights up country and then transporting either them or their baggage out to the aircraft, and then picking up either for return to the terminal. IF you went thru TSN between Oct 67 and late Jan '68, chances are good that I may have transported you...

I went on a couple of mobilities, resupplying the warriors with the tools of their trade... ammo... You Called, We Hauled... and decided that that was far better duty than what I was doing so I volunteered to be on permanent mobility... best thing I did while in country... not only was I finally issued a weapon, but I was surrounded by the 3rd Brigade of the Big Red One!

I spent almost half my tour there...

Much to my surprize, when I signed up for VA health benefits last year, that the area I was in was heavily sprayed with Agent Orange... I go for my Agent Orange protocol testing next week and I have to say... I'm a tad apprehensive about it... not that I fear I have any of the myriad of diseases that are associated with AO exposure... I am just apprehensive about the test itself...

Any of y'all had it?

This year, I joined a local group of Viet Nam veterans dedicated to helping other veterans... I will keep y'all apprised of our activities, should you wish to hear about them.

Hey, good luck on that Agent Orange testing and please do keep us apprised.
We were all in together at one time or another, no reason to change that now. Tis a bond that can't be broken. :cheers2:

[Kathianne]

USAF July 1966 - July 1970

I enlisted to stay out of the draft AND Viet nam and when I was stationed in Bermuda for a three year tour, thought I had accomplished my goal. Six months later, they closed the base, so me and this other fool decided to volunteer for nam and off we went...

We arrived in country at Tan Son Nhut AB (Saigon) in October '67 and found that the base commander had had all the sand bags removed from around the buildings and replaced them with flower beds... and all the weapons were locked up... it was just like stateside duty... only worse...

My job was manifesting passengers for their flights up country and then transporting either them or their baggage out to the aircraft, and then picking up either for return to the terminal. IF you went thru TSN between Oct 67 and late Jan '68, chances are good that I may have transported you...

I went on a couple of mobilities, resupplying the warriors with the tools of their trade... ammo... You Called, We Hauled... and decided that that was far better duty than what I was doing so I volunteered to be on permanent mobility... best thing I did while in country... not only was I finally issued a weapon, but I was surrounded by the 3rd Brigade of the Big Red One!

I spent almost half my tour there...

Much to my surprize, when I signed up for VA health benefits last year, that the area I was in was heavily sprayed with Agent Orange... I go for my Agent Orange protocol testing next week and I have to say... I'm a tad apprehensive about it... not that I fear I have any of the myriad of diseases that are associated with AO exposure... I am just apprehensive about the test itself...

Any of y'all had it?

This year, I joined a local group of Viet Nam veterans dedicated to helping other veterans... I will keep y'all apprised of our activities, should you wish to hear about them.

Have you visited here (http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/)?

I take my students here. It's also my dad's division from WWII at Omaha. They have a great exhibit of that.

[DragonStryk72]

US Navy: Rank MM3 (machinist's Mate 3rd class)

Stationed on the USS Bataan LHD-5, amphibious carrier (gator freighter). 1997-2000, medical discharge

[TheStripey1]

Hey, good luck on that Agent Orange testing and please do keep us apprised.
We were all in together at one time or another, no reason to change that now. Tis a bond that can't be broken. :cheers2:

Thanks, P... that means a lot... :cheers2:

and about the test... I go tomorrow... hoo boy...

The Health book they gave me at the VA talks about some of the symptoms of PTSD and some of the things we can do to help alliviate them... one of them was helping others...

So I'd rather talk about the vets group and the all projects we are involved with... perhaps a different thread would be in order... yeah... a different thread...

[TheStripey1]

Have you visited here (http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/)?

I take my students here. It's also my dad's division from WWII at Omaha. They have a great exhibit of that.

No... but I have now, and I bookmarked it...

:cheers2:

[Kathianne]

No... but I have now, and I bookmarked it...

:cheers2:

;)

[TheStripey1]

Thanks, P... that means a lot... :cheers2:

and about the test... I go tomorrow... hoo boy...

The Health book they gave me at the VA talks about some of the symptoms of PTSD and some of the things we can do to help alliviate them... one of them was helping others...

So I'd rather talk about the vets group and the all projects we are involved with... perhaps a different thread would be in order... yeah... a different thread...


ok... the part of the test I was most dreading did NOT take place... the colonoscopy... instead, it was mostly a discussion with the doc about my medical history and a furthur discussion about what the earlier blood tests had shown...

:dance:

so far I do NOT have any of the diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure... that's a big load off my mind, I have to say... and I slept like a baby last night...

they did take more blood though... I sure hope I have some left... :laugh2: and urine too... and X-Rays and then sometime in the future, I'll have the colonoscopy... but until then, I'm good to go...

IF you are a Viet Nam vet and have not had your AO testing yet...
head on down to the VA and git'r dun... ya heah?

:salute:

[Mr. P]

ok... the part of the test I was most dreading did NOT take place... the colonoscopy... instead, it was mostly a discussion with the doc about my medical history and a furthur discussion about what the earlier blood tests had shown...

:dance:

so far I do NOT have any of the diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure... that's a big load off my mind, I have to say... and I slept like a baby last night...

they did take more blood though... I sure hope I have some left... :laugh2: and urine too... and X-Rays and then sometime in the future, I'll have the colonoscopy... but until then, I'm good to go...

IF you are a Viet Nam vet and have not had your AO testing yet...
head on down to the VA and git'r dun... ya heah?

:salute::thumb:

:drillsarge: "Ya, git'r dun! !!!!!!!!!!!"

[TheStripey1]

obtw, the doc said I would be getting some mighty fine drugs before that colonoscopy... and here I thought it was going to go in sans them... silly tiger...

I wonder what they are... any idea? Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll knock this light weight right on his... well... actually not on that since that is where the scope goes...

:dance:

[Mr. P]

obtw, the doc said I would be getting some mighty fine drugs before that colonoscopy... and here I thought it was going to go in sans them... silly tiger...

I wonder what they are... any idea? Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll knock this light weight right on his... well... actually not on that since that is where the scope goes...

:dance:

I don't know what they use butt I've heard they're really good!

[5stringJeff]

so far I do NOT have any of the diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure... that's a big load off my mind, I have to say... and I slept like a baby last night...

Great news!!! :thumb:

[Gaffer]

Good to hear Tiger. I can honestly say the VA has been very satisfactory for me. Great service and treatment.

The stuff they give you for the test will put you in la la land. Same stuff they use when they put a stint in your arteries. You will need someone to drive you home.

[namvet]

USN. RM2 E-5 Vietnam war - 1966-1970 served on 3 ships. 4 cruises assigned to the US 7th fleet. :salute:

[Missileman]

USN. RM2 E-5 Vietnam war - 1966-1970 served on 3 ships. 4 cruises assigned to the US 7th fleet. :salute:

Welcome!

[namvet]

Welcome!

thanks. seems to be a lot a vets on here..............

[Mr. P]

thanks. seems to be a lot a vets on here..............

There are and brothers all, even when we disagree. :salute:

[namvet]

my late dad and uncle served in WW2 - i wish so much they could have seen this


jW2PZ2qFoiM

[Gadget (fmr Marine)]

my late dad and uncle served in WW2 - i wish so much they could have seen this


jW2PZ2qFoiM

Welcome, again....

I had the opportunity to share a little video I took of the WWII Memorial with my grandfather who passed away last June. He liked it very much and was most greatful that our tax dollars did not go to pay for it....he even told me that he thought it was a waste of time, because it wasn't necessary to recognize what he and his generation did, because it had to be done, it was nothing extraordinary....

I will be going to Rolling Thunder this Memorial Day, and pay my respects to all of our fallen veterans, as I have done many times in the past.

Thank you for your service!

(and pay no attention to Mr P....he wasn't Navy or Marines.....Love ya "P"!!!)

:salute:

[AFbombloader]

Welcome, again....

I had the opportunity to share a little video I took of the WWII Memorial with my grandfather who passed away last June. He liked it very much and was most greatful that our tax dollars did not go to pay for it....he even told me that he thought it was a waste of time, because it wasn't necessary to recognize what he and his generation did, because it had to be done, it was nothing extraordinary....

I will be going to Rolling Thunder this Memorial Day, and pay my respects to all of our fallen veterans, as I have done many times in the past.

Thank you for your service!

(and pay no attention to Mr P....he wasn't Navy or Marines.....Love ya "P"!!!)

:salute:

Welcome to the board. My father was in the SeaBees from 64-66 and did some time in Viet-nam. Much respect to you.
Info update on me and my service. My retirement request has been approved. As of 1 Feb 2009 I will have to grow up and find a real job! This just might get me out of Korea a few months early.

AF:salute:

[jimnyc]

USN. RM2 E-5 Vietnam war - 1966-1970 served on 3 ships. 4 cruises assigned to the US 7th fleet. :salute:

Welcome, Vet. Thanks for your service to all of us. :salute:

[namvet]

thank you all. its always great to be on a board with vets. it was an honor for me to serve. even though my war was not very popular. regarless of the branch we all wore the red whilte and blue. and we were all part on the same team.

"Yea, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we will fear no evil - cause we're the meanest motherfuckers in the valley !!!!"

[DannyR]

Just adding a thank you to everyone for serving. Most of my family has served and I've got nothing but respect for all of you.

If not for a few twists of fate, I'd possibly be a Navy officer myself today. But alas that wasn't meant to be.

:salute:

[bullypulpit]

US Navy 1984-1989, Photographer's Mate 3rd.

Served 2.5 years at FICEURLANT and 2.5 years aboard the USS RANGER, CV-61.

[sgtdmski]

United States Army 1989 - 2000

1989 - 1994 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC member 3rd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The Blue Devils.

Served two Tours

Operation Just Cause
Operation Desert Shield/Storm

1994 - 1996 US MEDDAC Panama

1996 - 2000 US MEDDAC Fort Sill Oklahoma

dmk

[emmett]

We're glad you are here Sgt. Anytime you'd like to tell of some of your experiences, the vets on here are always interested in hearing them. While many of us align ourselves on different sides of different issues, we have managed to, for the most part be respectful of one another in this regard.

Again.....a belayed welcome!

[bullypulpit]

U.S. Navy, 1979-1984, Photographer's Mate

FICEURLANT - 6/80 to 6/82

USS Ranger, CV-61 - 7/82 to 11/84

[HogTrash]

West Pac/Marine Amphibious Unit[MAU] - Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos-Pakistan...Semper Fi

[SassyLady]

Thanks to all warriors for your commitment and sacrifices.......and to your families for supporting you.

[Outraged Citizen]

Current Enlisted E-5 USAF

2A371, A-10/F-15/U-2 Avionics Systems

Fear The Hog!!!

[HogTrash]

Current Enlisted E-5 USAF

2A371, A-10/F-15/U-2 Avionics SystemsThank you and welcome to DP.


Fear The Hog!!!Awhh shucks, that was a long time ago.

I've mellowed with age and am now pretty harmless.

[Pagan]

USMC

1984 - 1994
Persian Gulf Aug 90 - Mar 91

Semper Gumby

[namvet]

FYI

Toll Free Numbers for Contacting VA

link (https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/cci/phonenbrs.php)

[darin]

Bump and Happy Veterans Day - and Thank you, all of you, for your service and dedication to our Nation.

[namvet]

free chow for vets today. grab your 214 and go to chili's or applebee's

[namvet]

Bump and Happy Veterans Day - and Thank you, all of you, for your service and dedication to our Nation.

thanks pal

[Mr. P]

Bump and Happy Veterans Day - and Thank you, all of you, for your service and dedication to our Nation.
:salute:

[SassyLady]

Thank you to all service members and their families, both current past and future. You are my heroes!

:salute:

[SassyLady]

This Memorial Day - Thank you to all service members and their families, both current past and future. You are my heroes!

[Kathianne]

I echo what Sassylady says, but want to keep in mind that Memorial Day is to honor those that are gone; Veteran's Day is the one to honor all that have served:

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m7UglB_G3zs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kathianne]

Last year:

http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2010/05/memorial-day-2010/


Memorial Day 2010

Posted by SWJ Editors on May 30, 2010 5:08 PM | Permalink| Print |

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

-----

On the morning of August 16, 2005, as my wife Retta and I sat with Wes and Abbey just after breaking the news to them of Mikes death earler that morning, then 13 year old Abbey buried her head into my shoulder, sobbing these words: "he was supposed to chase away my first boyfriend, he was supposed to cheer at my graduation from high school, he was supposed to be an uncle to my children..." These words seared my heart, broken as it was. I shall never forget them. She lost her oldest brother that day, her "Bubs" which she called him short for his nickname, Bubba.

-- Mudville Gazette

[Kathianne]

If you read the last post, you noticed the reference to the Mudville site. Here's a bit more, grab a hankie:

http://www.mudvillegazette.com/033688.html


...But none of these things are why Abbey Stokely was last to graduate with her class tonight. Abbey Stokely graduated last tonight because she was the Valedictorian and by tradition the last to receive her diploma and graduate. Before rising to give her speech to send her classmates into the future, she watched with bittersweet pride as a member of Thomas Broadwater's family came forward to receive his diploma posthumously. Then, she nailed her speech in front of thousands of friends, family and strangers. Just as she finished, a downpour hit and drenched the graduates and the crowd. A mile away not a drop.

I first wondered why it rained there. But then, as I saw the rising full moon emerge from behind the clouds, The same Moon over Yusufiyah I watched night after night as Mike served in Iraq, even as I prayed for his safety and wished to feel close to him, knowing he had seen the same moon 8 hours before. It was then I wondered if it was Mike's tears of joy and pride for his sister that had just drenched us all.

firstandlast.jpg

The Moon over Yusufiyah was shining bright over Sharpsburg tonight.

And I was reminded again that the highest cost of Freedom is A Lifetime of Love.

Robert Stokely
proud dad of Abbey Stokely, Wes Stokely
and Mike Stokely KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq.

Ok, you need to go to the site to read, while tempted to break the rules and post the whole article, alas, I can't. I'm telling you, hankies needed!

a bit more:

http://i55.tinypic.com/i6y49x.png

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mNA0oovayLk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[KSigMason]

9+ years E-5 in the ARNG, most of it on some kind of active status, not the traditional ARNG soldier :D

2002-2005 | 216th MI CO
-Intel Analyst (OIF III)

2006 - Present | A BSTB 116 CAV BDE
-UAS Standardization-Instructor Operator (OND)

[ConHog]

22 years full time Arkansas National Guard. Retired last year as an O-4. MP. Served in Iraq twice, spent 6 months along the southern border in 2006, and in between worked full time on a multi service drug task force. .

Glad to have served, glad to be out.

[Agnapostate]

I joined the Marine Corps in May of last year and graduated from recruit training on April 6, 2012.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562671_3668045269168_1515908588_3255576_9155170_n. jpg

I've tried to change some of my ways since I was talking to some of you on here a couple of years ago, and want to say that I'm sorry for the verbally abusive way that I interacted with a lot of the members here.

[CSM]

I joined the Marine Corps in May of last year and graduated from recruit training on April 6, 2012.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562671_3668045269168_1515908588_3255576_9155170_n. jpg

I've tried to change some of my ways since I was talking to some of you on here a couple of years ago, and want to say that I'm sorry for the verbally abusive way that I interacted with a lot of the members here.

Holy Crap! Thanks for your service and I mean that sincerely!

To say I found your previous postings/style somewhat annoying would be an understatement. Doing what you are doing has restored my hope in the youth of America. I do not excpect everyone to agree on everything all the time but there is a reasonable and logical way to discuss issues without arrogance, abuse, etc. March on, Marine! I got your back (as much as I can from this piece of the internet).

[jimnyc]

I joined the Marine Corps in May of last year and graduated from recruit training on April 6, 2012.

I've tried to change some of my ways since I was talking to some of you on here a couple of years ago, and want to say that I'm sorry for the verbally abusive way that I interacted with a lot of the members here.

No need to apologize, at least from my perspective. I don't recall you being a troll, but rather giving as good as you got. Words get a little wiser as we get older, and I'm banking the Marine Corps will get ya there even faster!

Congratulations, Marine. :salute:

[Gaffer]

I joined the Marine Corps in May of last year and graduated from recruit training on April 6, 2012.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562671_3668045269168_1515908588_3255576_9155170_n. jpg

I've tried to change some of my ways since I was talking to some of you on here a couple of years ago, and want to say that I'm sorry for the verbally abusive way that I interacted with a lot of the members here.

:salute:

Congratulations Marine. I doubt you'll have much time for messages boards as your going to be going into some sort of advanced training. Got a specialty picked out?

[Agnapostate]

Holy Crap! Thanks for your service and I mean that sincerely!

To say I found your previous postings/style somewhat annoying would be an understatement. Doing what you are doing has restored my hope in the youth of America. I do not excpect everyone to agree on everything all the time but there is a reasonable and logical way to discuss issues without arrogance, abuse, etc. March on, Marine! I got your back (as much as I can from this piece of the internet).


No need to apologize, at least from my perspective. I don't recall you being a troll, but rather giving as good as you got. Words get a little wiser as we get older, and I'm banking the Marine Corps will get ya there even faster!

Congratulations, Marine. :salute:


:salute:

Congratulations Marine. I doubt you'll have much time for messages boards as your going to be going into some sort of advanced training. Got a specialty picked out?

Thanks, gentlemen; that means a lot to me, especially to hear from some veterans. My military occupational field is infantry (0300), and my specific MOS will be determined at the School of Infantry.

[ConHog]

Arkansas National Guard 1988-2010.

Retired as a Major.

Deployed to Kuwaiit/Iraq 1991
Iraq 2003
Texas/Mexico border 2006

Boot camp in Ft Dix , what a hell hole. Two glorious summers spent at Benning. I was military police.

[Mr. P]

I joined the Marine Corps in May of last year and graduated from recruit training on April 6, 2012.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562671_3668045269168_1515908588_3255576_9155170_n. jpg

I've tried to change some of my ways since I was talking to some of you on here a couple of years ago, and want to say that I'm sorry for the verbally abusive way that I interacted with a lot of the members here.

Congratulations young man!! I find this most fitting for you. :salute:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.



Robert Frost

[aboutime]

I've only been a member since Friday, and was directed here to check-in.

I think I am older than most all of you since I first joined the navy in May of 1964, at 17 years old.
I'll make it short. I retired from the Navy in August of 1995 as an E-7.
For those of you from the Army, Air Force, and Marines. I was a Navy Chief.
I had broken service, which explains why after so long. I was able to become a Chief since I had to start over...as Prior-Service, without going back to Boot camp.
I listed my many ships during my Introduction. But they were many, and Sea Duty was a priority for most of my 5 enlistments.
Thanks to all of you during this Memorial Day weekend...for helping to remember All Who Gave so that We might celebrate our Freedom to be here.

[aboutime]

:salute:

Congratulations Marine. I doubt you'll have much time for messages boards as your going to be going into some sort of advanced training. Got a specialty picked out?


Semper Fi from an Old Sailor, father of a Marine, and Army Helo pilot.

[Kathianne]

I've only been a member since Friday, and was directed here to check-in.

I think I am older than most all of you since I first joined the navy in May of 1964, at 17 years old.
I'll make it short. I retired from the Navy in August of 1995 as an E-7.
For those of you from the Army, Air Force, and Marines. I was a Navy Chief.
I had broken service, which explains why after so long. I was able to become a Chief since I had to start over...as Prior-Service, without going back to Boot camp.
I listed my many ships during my Introduction. But they were many, and Sea Duty was a priority for most of my 5 enlistments.
Thanks to all of you during this Memorial Day weekend...for helping to remember All Who Gave so that We might celebrate our Freedom to be here.

:salute: Thank you for your service. Thank you for being older than me by a decade! LOL!

[aboutime]

What a real pleasure it is to come here, unafraid of speaking just the right words...that would earn a ban...in another life (forum).
As my signature says. The 1st Amendment is my guide. Something all of us appear to be slowly losing, and the full results won't be known until November 7th...when we all know whether the America we all love will stay, or disappear with the stroke of a tyrant's pen.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

What a real pleasure it is to come here, unafraid of speaking just the right words...that would earn a ban...in another life (forum).
As my signature says. The 1st Amendment is my guide. Something all of us appear to be slowly losing, and the full results won't be known until November 7th...when we all know whether the America we all love will stay, or disappear with the stroke of a tyrant's pen.

I firmly and resolutely disavow any man's authority to take my God given rights. That goes double for the scum now infesting the Whitehouse! I am a strong believer in the Rule of Law and our Constitution! Far too many have died to give me and mine the blessings we have enjoyed all our lives. To do less in return would be completely dishonorable. In addition defense of this great nation is defense of one's own family.
He may stroke his pen my friend but he will not get the easy victory that he and his ilk dream about..
I'm sure many men far better than I will agree with that and swell the opposing ranks should ever just cause arrive!...-Tyr

[red state]

TYR Wrote: "I'm sure many men far better than I will agree with that and swell the opposing ranks should ever just cause arrive!"

Tyr is correct. Many 'good ole boys' from both the North and SOUTH will rise to the occasion and fill the ranks of REAL Americans who know what made this Nation free, kept her free and what it'll take to ensure that she is ALWAYS free.

Vote Allen West in 2016! It appears that 2012 is lost either way now (with Obama and/or Obama LITE).

~RED STATE

[aboutime]

TYR Wrote: "I'm sure many men far better than I will agree with that and swell the opposing ranks should ever just cause arrive!"

Tyr is correct. Many 'good ole boys' from both the North and SOUTH will rise to the occasion and fill the ranks of REAL Americans who know what made this Nation free, kept her free and what it'll take to ensure that she is ALWAYS free.

Vote Allen West in 2016! It appears that 2012 is lost either way now (with Obama and/or Obama LITE).

~RED STATE

Good to see you found us here.
That other place is really suffering, and looks pretty boring about now.
Almost reminds me of Obama, sitting alone in a room...arguing with his teleprompter, and the teleprompter is winning the argument.
But then. What's so unusual about liberals telling themselves lies, and believing it???

[red state]

ABOUT TIME, that's an exceptional analogy.

"THEY" will argue with a fence post (knowing darn well that the fence post was right all along) HA!!!! I appreciate your welcome and so that I do not seem rude or unfriendly in any way, I want everyone to know that I'm still learning the ropes on this site and am not very good at giving out thank you posts and all that stuffl YET. I am so thrilled to have left the other site and expect that this site will provide great insight and joy.

I had hoped to stick around the other site long enough to poke at them (after we've gotten that clown of theirs out of the White House) but I simply couldn't stand it any longer and I truly didn't wish to stay after my pals had been banned or left of their own will and in frustration at how the double standard had gotten worse. This site seems to be fair and balanced with a bit more respect towards one another. I'm the world's worst in getting frustrated and calling stink for what it is (STINK) but I'll try to control myself as a new member. Still, when you're arguing with idiots...the respect factor seems to fly out the door. HA!!!

Thanks again for the welcome!!!!

~RED STATE (not the other guy...whoever he is) HA!!!

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

[QUOTE=red state;553389][B][I][COLOR="#800000"]ABOUT TIME, that's an exceptional analogy.

"THEY" will argue with a fence post (knowing darn well that the fence post was right all along) HA!!!! I appreciate your welcome and so that I do not seem rude or unfriendly in any way, I want everyone to know that I'm still learning the ropes on this site and am not very good at giving out thank you posts and all that stuffl YET. I am so thrilled to have left the other site and expect that this site will provide great insight and joy.

I had hoped to stick around the other site long enough to poke at them (after we've gotten that clown of theirs out of the White House) but I simply couldn't stand it any longer and I truly didn't wish to stay after my pals had been banned or left of their own will and in frustration at how the double standard had gotten worse. This site seems to be fair and balanced with a bit more respect towards one another. I'm the world's worst in getting frustrated and calling stink for what it is (STINK) but I'll try to control myself as a new member. Still, when you're arguing with idiots...the respect factor seems to fly out the door. HA!!!

Thanks again for the welcome!!!!



I agree this site is totally different and has that complete lack of hovering gestapo the old place had. My friend, take my word for it , there are some damn fine members here already . Give them a chance to see your calmer side.
Welcome aboard and maybe start an archery thread so we can bullshht about what keen eyed bullseye hitting artists we both are!-:laugh:-Tyr

[Arbo]

US Navy

In in 1994, ET1/SS out in 2003.

Forward Electronics (scopes/iff/ew) and Comms.

USS Georgia (SSBN-729). Then NLON Subbase (Groton) as an instructor first for C school (advanced electronics on scopes/iff/ew) then A school (basic electronics on same).

[jimnyc]

US Navy

In in 1994, ET1/SS out in 2003.

Forward Electronics (scopes/iff/ew) and Comms.

USS Georgia (SSBN-729). Then NLON Subbase (Groton) as an instructor first for C school (advanced electronics on scopes/iff/ew) then A school (basic electronics on same).


Good to see another Vet here on the board. Thanks for your service to our great country! :salute:

[Abbey Marie]

Bumping this in case anyone wants to tell us about their service, or read up on anyone else's. No insults tolerated here.

[Bilgerat]

US Coast Guard

1972 - 1995

Retired as MK (Machinery Technician) 1st Class (E-6)

I wore many other hats tho

Now resting my bones in Florida
:beer:

[Abbey Marie]

US Coast Guard

1972 - 1995

Retired as MK (Machinery Technician) 1st Class (E-6)

I wore many other hats tho

Now resting my bones in Florida
:beer:


:salute:

[jimnyc]

US Coast Guard

1972 - 1995

Retired as MK (Machinery Technician) 1st Class (E-6)

I wore many other hats tho

Now resting my bones in Florida
:beer:

Ya just HAD to be the Coast Guard, huh? LOL I have the logo's next to veterans Avatars, but the only other one I had outside of the 4 major branches was for a former member here who was a member of the British Royal Marines. Now we have a US Coast Guard usergroup too, as well as a logo for you. :)

Thank you for your service! :salute:

[namvet]

US Coast Guard

1972 - 1995

Retired as MK (Machinery Technician) 1st Class (E-6)

I wore many other hats tho

Now resting my bones in Florida
:beer:

we had some cutters in Nam

:salute:

[Bilgerat]

Ya just HAD to be the Coast Guard, huh? LOL I have the logo's next to veterans Avatars, but the only other one I had outside of the 4 major branches was for a former member here who was a member of the British Royal Marines. Now we have a US Coast Guard usergroup too, as well as a logo for you. :)

Thank you for your service! :salute:

I assume (yes, I'm aware of what that could mean (lol)) that I have you to thank for the logo

:clap:

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

US Coast Guard

1972 - 1995

Retired as MK (Machinery Technician) 1st Class (E-6)

I wore many other hats tho

Now resting my bones in Florida
:beer:

:salute:

Welcome to the circus.....-Tyr

[aboutime]

:salute:

Welcome to the circus.....-Tyr


Welcome as well. USN Ret 1964-1995 Began as Signalman, converted to Radioman.

Tyr was right. Just pick a RING out of the Three, and have at it.:laugh:

[namvet]

Welcome as well. USN Ret 1964-1995 Began as Signalman, converted to Radioman.

Tyr was right. Just pick a RING out of the Three, and have at it.:laugh:

AT I didn't know your were an RM. so was I. 66-70.

dot dash dot HE :laugh:

[aboutime]

AT I didn't know your were an RM. so was I. 66-70.

dot dash dot HE :laugh:


BRAVO ZULU...BT...AR. Been a long time. I was also a Morse code operator. Learned that as an SM, flashing light. Still use semaphore to tease my grandkids too! I went to Great Mistakes, Ill. for Boot. Company 212, Color company May - Jul 1964.

Small world huh? I had broken service. When I went back in. They sent me to San Diego, RM-A school, then, Morse Operator with those lousy ROYAL TYPEWRITERS.
After I got to the fleet, 2nd Fleet, Norfolk. I went to Teletype Repair school...and before I retired in 95. They did away with them too.

[namvet]

BRAVO ZULU...BT...AR. Been a long time. I was also a Morse code operator. Learned that as an SM, flashing light. Still use semaphore to tease my grandkids too! I went to Great Mistakes, Ill. for Boot. Company 212, Color company May - Jul 1964.

Small world huh? I had broken service. When I went back in. They sent me to San Diego, RM-A school, then, Morse Operator with those lousy ROYAL TYPEWRITERS.
After I got to the fleet, 2nd Fleet, Norfolk. I went to Teletype Repair school...and before I retired in 95. They did away with them too.

I pounding brass to. at one time up to 60WPM. but TTY was our bread and butter. you say TTY school??


http://i59.tinypic.com/a134hz.jpg

same here brother. went to RTC Diego for boot. CO 249 :salute:

[aboutime]

I pounding brass to. at one time up to 60WPM. but TTY was our bread and butter. you say TTY school??


http://i59.tinypic.com/a134hz.jpg

same here brother. went to RTC Diego for boot. CO 249 :salute:


TTY school for me was in 81, in Norfolk on what they used to call NOB (Naval Operating Base). Everything has changed these days.

I enjoyed the repair side a lot. Fact is. I still have a Mainshaft, with all of the clutches too. My friends called it my Retirement gift so I wouldn't get rusty, or bored :laugh:

My NEC for TTY Repair died when they changed over to High Speed Printers that went along with NAVMACS.
Wonder how many remember that? And NEW DAY with the KWR-37's....TIME TIC....ANYONE?

[namvet]

TTY school for me was in 81, in Norfolk on what they used to call NOB (Naval Operating Base). Everything has changed these days.

I enjoyed the repair side a lot. Fact is. I still have a Mainshaft, with all of the clutches too. My friends called it my Retirement gift so I wouldn't get rusty, or bored :laugh:

My NEC for TTY Repair died when they changed over to High Speed Printers that went along with NAVMACS.
Wonder how many remember that? And NEW DAY with the KWR-37's....TIME TIC....ANYONE?

all my active service was ship board. so i had to fix those machines at sea. ships out there bummed spare parts off each other and were exchanged during unreps. I fixed the UGC 28 page printers (100wpm) plus a UGC 6 which had the tape dispenser. that's the model I trained on at school.
just before i left to go home i heard rumors about a 500WPM machine called a burpie. never saw one.
we had 2 machines on fleet broadcast that ran 24/7. damned they were noisey


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJn2jravA9g

everythings went out on the Collins URC 32 tranceivers. we had 3 of these. ship board radio rooms were small and crowed with equipment.

http://jproc.ca/rrp/urc32.jpg

[aboutime]

all my active service was ship board. so i had to fix those machines at sea. ships out there bummed spare parts off each other and were exchanged during unreps. I fixed the UGC 28 page printers (100wpm) plus a UGC 6 which had the tape dispenser. that's the model I trained on at school.
just before i left to go home i heard rumors about a 500WPM machine called a burpie. never saw one.
we had 2 machines on fleet broadcast that ran 24/7. damned they were noisey


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJn2jravA9g

everythings went out on the Collins URC 32 tranceivers. we had 3 of these. ship board radio rooms were small and crowed with equipment.

http://jproc.ca/rrp/urc32.jpg


Gotcha. Oh, what memories. Copying 4 channels of Broadcast, TERM, and TGO all within a tiny room, surrounded by Patch cords, crypto equipment, and those wonderful, confusing Switchboards. And what everybody forgot was...WE HAD TO KEEP THE PRINTERS running, tearing off YELLOW rolls of paper, and trying to STAY AWAKE while typing SUPPLY MESSAGES on the UGC-6 keyboard?
I once put all of the keys from a keyboard in a tray full of CLEANING FLUID..overnight.
Next day, when I got back to Radio...the keys were all SWELLED UP to double their size. BRAINFARTS always win.
Most people have NO IDEA how many parts there are in One Printer.

[namvet]

Gotcha. Oh, what memories. Copying 4 channels of Broadcast, TERM, and TGO all within a tiny room, surrounded by Patch cords, crypto equipment, and those wonderful, confusing Switchboards. And what everybody forgot was...WE HAD TO KEEP THE PRINTERS running, tearing off YELLOW rolls of paper, and trying to STAY AWAKE while typing SUPPLY MESSAGES on the UGC-6 keyboard?
I once put all of the keys from a keyboard in a tray full of CLEANING FLUID..overnight.
Next day, when I got back to Radio...the keys were all SWELLED UP to double their size. BRAINFARTS always win.
Most people have NO IDEA how many parts there are in One Printer.

sometimes to damned many parts


http://i58.tinypic.com/153bbx5.jpg

[aboutime]

sometimes to damned many parts


http://i58.tinypic.com/153bbx5.jpg


Great, and funny photo. Reminded me of lots of long nights when that one, lousy setting just wouldn't stop skipping a SPACE, or Added an EXTRA LINE FEED.

Truth is. My Chief instructor joked about REMOVING all Hammers from Radio...except the SLEDGE HAMMER for Emergency Destruction.:laugh:

[Born2DecadesLate]

US Army 1988-2014
75th, yes that 75th - although I was regularly detached from said unit to do things that we can't talk about. Things that never happened.
Sergeant Major.

I spent time overseas in Columbia, Panama, Iraq (twice), Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti, Central Africa Republic, Kenya, and Afghanistan (4 deployments total) and a handful of other places which won't be discussed.

[Abbey Marie]

Bumping this in case anyone wants to tell us about their service, or read up on anyone else's. No insults tolerated here.

Just another bump of an old post of mine.

[aboutime]

Just another bump of an old post of mine.


Thanks Abbey. No insults intended. (I hope). As Jack Webb used to say "Just the Facts!"

[darin]

US Army 1988-2014
75th, yes that 75th - although I was regularly detached from said unit to do things that we can't talk about. Things that never happened.
Sergeant Major.

I spent time overseas in Columbia, Panama, Iraq (twice), Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti, Central Africa Republic, Kenya, and Afghanistan (4 deployments total) and a handful of other places which won't be discussed.

I played in the NFL.

[jimnyc]

Just another bump of an old post of mine.


I played in the NFL.

With all due respect, we shouldn't be above what we request of others. We know this was in the cage already, we should keep it there. IMO, this thread should be exactly what it's for, for members to add their information.

[red state]

SeaHawks? Steelers?.......or both (simultaneously)? :poke:

Seriously though.....you've done more by SERVING the military to gain recognition than ANY football player ever could in my book.

:salute: (NOTE: not latte' in hand).

[Elessar]

U.S. Coast Guard Active Duty from May 1978 to July 2003

BM1 / E-6, advanced to BMC /E-7, but declined and retired to take:

GS-11 / Search and Rescue Spcialist, USCG from Aug 2003 to the present - Dec 2014.

:salute:

[aboutime]

As Christmas, and New Years are almost here.

Please remember thousands in Uniform will not be here with their family.

As this music is intended to remind us all.


http://youtu.be/Omd9_FJnerY

[namvet]

section 60 Arlington


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsRgO658cMI

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

section 60 Arlington


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsRgO658cMI
Very beautiful video but I got nauseated every time Obama appeared in it..
An absolute desecration for that worthless worm being anywhere near such brave and honorable fallen men and women~!-Tyr

[Max R.]

My dad was career Army as is my brother. I'm the black sheep by having joined the Marine Corps in 1975 under the PLC(A) program. After graduation in 1978, I was commissioned and sent to TBS then flight school. My Marine flying career was in CH-46s at MCAS Tustin, CA and MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. After two deployments with HMM-164, I was in sent to HMT-301 as a flight instructor before being RIF'd along with 400 other Marine pilots. Many got out, several went Navy including myself. Given a choice of NAS North Island or NAS Jacksonville, and being sick of CA after almost 5 years, I chose Jacksonville where I trained in the SH-3 with an anti-submarine warfare mission. One Med deployment (USS Saratoga) and a 2 month mini-deployment taking the USS Independence from Philly, around Cape Horn and dropping her off in San Diego before flying back to NAS Jax. After two years of shore duty as a flight instructor at NAS Whiting Field, I was part of the downsizing of the Navy when the Cold War ended. I finished my time in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1997.

PLC training, second increment 1997. I'm the one in green:

http://oi60.tinypic.com/2m6phqw.jpg

Med deployment in 1987:
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2ponk0p.jpg

A year before I retired when the Navy made the mistake of promoting me and I lost my flying billet:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/fvikgh.jpg

[Max R.]

Sorry, the date on that PLC picture is '77 not '97.

[Gunny]

My dad was career Army as is my brother. I'm the black sheep by having joined the Marine Corps in 1975 under the PLC(A) program. After graduation in 1978, I was commissioned and sent to TBS then flight school. My Marine flying career was in CH-46s at MCAS Tustin, CA and MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. After two deployments with HMM-164, I was in sent to HMT-301 as a flight instructor before being RIF'd along with 400 other Marine pilots. Many got out, several went Navy including myself. Given a choice of NAS North Island or NAS Jacksonville, and being sick of CA after almost 5 years, I chose Jacksonville where I trained in the SH-3 with an anti-submarine warfare mission. One Med deployment (USS Saratoga) and a 2 month mini-deployment taking the USS Independence from Philly, around Cape Horn and dropping her off in San Diego before flying back to NAS Jax. After two years of shore duty as a flight instructor at NAS Whiting Field, I was part of the downsizing of the Navy when the Cold War ended. I finished my time in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1997.

PLC training, second increment 1997. I'm the one in green:

http://oi60.tinypic.com/2m6phqw.jpg

Med deployment in 1987:
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2ponk0p.jpg

A year before I retired when the Navy made the mistake of promoting me and I lost my flying billet:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/fvikgh.jpg

DO we know each other? Crap, we could be twins except I was a grunt. Father is a retred USAF Chief and brother is a retired Army Capt. Grandfather is a retired Army SgtMaj. But the black sheep of the family had to go join the Corps. My family lived in JAX from 80 -99. Before that we lived in Homestead.

I'm starting to wonder if you flew any of the birds I was on. If so, screw you. Making my LCpl puke on my boots was NOT cool. :laugh:

Ooh-Rah and semper fidelis.

As an aside, I remember the first time I got on a 46. I asked what the f- is with all this hydraulic fluid? The crew chief responded that it's when the hydraulic fluid isn't there, THEN you need to worry.

People have no perspective. And I know us grunts like to pick on scarewingers. One of the happiest moments of my life was 2 F-18A's coming out of nowhere and leveling the field. And some screwball 46 pilot dropping his bird 1 foot above the sand so we could all climb aboard. We may not always agree politically, but you got my respect for that. THAT mattered. A political message board does not.

[Max R.]

DO we know each other? Crap, we could be twins except I was a grunt. Father is a retred USAF Chief and brother is a retired Army Capt. Grandfather is a retired Army SgtMaj. But the black sheep of the family had to go join the Corps. My family lived in JAX from 80 -99. Before that we lived in Homestead.

I'm starting to wonder if you flew any of the birds I was on. If so, screw you. Making my LCpl puke on my boots was NOT cool. :laugh:

Ooh-Rah and semper fidelis.

As an aside, I remember the first time I got on a 46. I asked what the f- is with all this hydraulic fluid? The crew chief responded that it's when the hydraulic fluid isn't there, THEN you need to worry.

People have no perspective. And I know us grunts like to pick on scarewingers. One of the happiest moments of my life was 2 F-18A's coming out of nowhere and leveling the field. And some screwball 46 pilot dropping his bird 1 foot above the sand so we could all climb aboard. We may not always agree politically, but you got my respect for that. THAT mattered. A political message board does not.LOL regarding making grunts puke since that was common joy. Not completely malicious either. A CH-46 is the biggest f**king target in an LZ. No crewmember wants any grunts lolly-gagging getting on or off. Do it quick so we can GTFO ASAP!

One of the most fun Frags we had was to give post-bootcamp AIT Marines their first ride in a helo. Yes, we did our best to scare the shit out of them and to motivate them to leave the helo as quickly as possible. What they didn't know was that every aircrew I knew would risk their lives to go into a hot LZ to pick up wounded or stranded Marines. We were all Marines, of course....and still are. That doesn't mean we didn't have fun messing with the grunts.
http://boards.buffalobills.com/images/smilies/usmc3.gif

Re NAS JAX, I was there from Jan 86 to late 89.

[Gunny]

LOL regarding making grunts puke since that was common joy. Not completely malicious either. A CH-46 is the biggest f**king target in an LZ. No crewmember wants any grunts lolly-gagging getting on or off. Do it quick so we can GTFO ASAP!

One of the most fun Frags we had was to give post-bootcamp AIT Marines their first ride in a helo. Yes, we did our best to scare the shit out of them and to motivate them to leave the helo as quickly as possible. What they didn't know was that every aircrew I knew would risk their lives to go into a hot LZ to pick up wounded or stranded Marines. We were all Marines, of course....and still are. That doesn't mean we didn't have fun messing with the grunts.
http://boards.buffalobills.com/images/smilies/usmc3.gif

Re NAS JAX, I was there from Jan 86 to late 89.

Y'all did that shit on purpose. That ain't funny.

As far a lolly-gagging goes, I had two bags I wasn't leaving behind. I sat in the hatch with an M-40A1 just hoping someone would pull some sh*t. I was pissed.

I know what you whack-a-doodles will do. We were always taught y'all sucked. If you got the balls to drop a bird, hold it steady, in a hot hot LZ, and pick us up ....? If you're waiting for a complaint don't hold hold your breath. Sitting target for an RPG.

Just glad you were there.

[Max R.]

Y'all did that shit on purpose. That ain't funny.

As far a lolly-gagging goes, I had two bags I wasn't leaving behind. I sat in the hatch with an M-40A1 just hoping someone would pull some sh*t. I was pissed.

I know what you whack-a-doodles will do. We were always taught y'all sucked. If you got the balls to drop a bird, hold it steady, in a hot hot LZ, and pick us up ....? If you're waiting for a complaint don't hold hold your breath. Sitting target for an RPG.

Just glad you were there.

Like this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNEzlJcd9OE

We would never leave Marines behind. Once Marines were dropped (preferably in a cold LZ), the plan was always to have two birds (a primary and an alternate in case the first went down) for medevac with two Cobras as cover.

[Gunny]

Like this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNEzlJcd9OE

We would never leave Marines behind. Once Marines were dropped (preferably in a cold LZ), the plan was always to have two birds (a primary and an alternate in case the first went down) for medevac with two Cobras as cover.

I loved having Cobra's for cover and the pilots were a hoot in Thailand. :laugh:

[Rat]

US Army 1973-1990.

[jimnyc]

US Army 1973-1990.

:salute:

[aboutime]

US Army 1973-1990.


Rat. Welcome. USN 1964-1995.:salute:

[Motown]

US Army 1988-95. ETS'd as a SSGT E-6. 7th ID (Light at that time), 24th ID, 2nd ID.


National Guard 1995-2000 and then 2002-2005.


11B all the way through except for the last hitch, I was still 11B but I worked in S-2. Left the Guard as a MSGT E-8.


I don't normally talk about my time in the service, the only civilian I've ever talked about it with was one of my sons when he told he wanted to enlist. It's kind of hard not to here though, there seem be a lot a veterans on this board.

[tailfins]

US Army 1988-95. ETS'd as a SSGT E-6. 7th ID (Light at that time), 24th ID, 2nd ID.


National Guard 1995-2000 and then 2002-2005.


11B all the way through except for the last hitch, I was still 11B but I worked in S-2. Left the Guard as a MSGT E-8.


I don't normally talk about my time in the service, the only civilian I've ever talked about it with was one of my sons when he told he wanted to enlist. It's kind of hard not to here though, there seem be a lot a veterans on this board.

Why wouldn't you want to talk about it? It's part of your life's experience. I'm sure you learned lots of interesting things.

[Motown]

I don't know exactly why I don't like talking to civilians about it, I just don't.

[Abbey Marie]

I don't know exactly why I don't like talking to civilians about it, I just don't.

Maybe you think they won't really get it (your experiences), so why bother?

[Gunny]

Why wouldn't you want to talk about it? It's part of your life's experience. I'm sure you learned lots of interesting things.

Most vets don't. As Motown says, it's hard not to on the board. The means of communication here sort of dictates. While I am the same person in real life I am on this board, I don't talk much at all. I "talk" more on the board in a day than I do in 2 weeks in real life. But for someone like me who spent the first 40 years of his life in the military as a dependent then a Marine, it's REALLY hard not to. Same with ANY career military person.

But there IS a disconnect. I'm a lousy civilian and I'll be the first to say it. Y'all are generally disorganized, inefficient, wasteful, and closed-minded.

[Motown]

But there IS a disconnect. I'm a lousy civilian and I'll be the first to say it. Y'all are generally disorganized, inefficient, wasteful, and closed-minded.

Yeah, they are disorganized aren't they? And I bet you do suck something awful but at least you aren't the only one.

[Gunny]

Yeah, they are disorganized aren't they? And I bet you do suck something awful but at least you aren't the only one.

Not sure I like the way you said that.:laugh:

I'm a hardass prick by civilian standards, but I'm really not a mean person. Babies, kittens and puppies are like WTF-ever dude.:laugh: Get me angry, we got a different discussion going on. Another civilian-military discrepancy. I don't go into combat to lose and when it's on it's ON. I have been chastised more than once hereabouts for such behavior. :)

[Motown]

Maybe you think they won't really get it (your experiences), so why bother?

I had to think about this. I don't think it's that they don't get it, my experience is that most civilians don't want to get it. They want to say thanks for your service and they have preconceived notions about what the military is like and they prefer to keep things that way.

[GravyBoat]

I was in the army for six years during the Cold War.

:saluting2:

[jimnyc]

I was in the army for six years during the Cold War.

:saluting2:

Thank you for your service to our great country!

[High_Plains_Drifter]

United States Air Force: 10/1979 - 10/1987, TSgt.
Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist, F-4D, F-16
Lackland AFB - San Antonio, TX - Basic Training
Chanute AFB - Rantoul, Ill - Tech School
Nellis AFB - Las Vegas, NV - 474th Tactical Fighter Wing - AGS
MacDill AFB - Tampa, FL - 63rd Tactical Fighter Training Wing - AGS

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Saw this on facejoke, had to post it....

https://image.ibb.co/iFHnNz/THE_RIGHT.jpg

[Elessar]

Saw this on facejoke, had to post it....

https://image.ibb.co/iFHnNz/THE_RIGHT.jpg

Good One! Love it! So true!

[aboutime]

We may have sounded angry, or confused when we joined.
We may have been upset for being away from home so long.
But...we...UNLIKE THOSE WHO NEVER JOINED US....never Stopped Loving Our Country!
I will forever, be proud of my service...even for those who Disrespect America.:saluting2:

http://icansayit.com/imavetdoit.png

I remember the last sorry excuse for a president...calling Me, and Other Veterans...Home Grown Terrorists.

And most of us can be heard saying..."Kiss My Ass You Traitor!"

[Evmetro]

US Navy, 86 to 96

Worked on P3 and H53 out of Sigonella. Lots of detachments throughout Europe and middle east during desert storm. Even went on detachement to Hell, Norway. Been to hell and back and saw it froze over. Worked on C2 out of Norfolk. Airframes, AMS

Absolutely no regrets, I'd do it all again.

[icansayit]

US Navy, 86 to 96

Worked on P3 and H53 out of Sigonella. Lots of detachments throughout Europe and middle east during desert storm. Even went on detachement to Hell, Norway. Been to hell and back and saw it froze over. Worked on C2 out of Norfolk. Airframes, AMS

Absolutely no regrets, I'd do it all again.



I used to be Aboutime (below). Retired Navy 1964-95. Saw the P3's Orion's in Norva, and Puerto Rico. They still sound awesome but now being used by NOAA for Hurricane duties.
Served on the USS Nassau LHA - 4 During both Shield and Storm. Miss it as much as you too! Also last saw Sigonella around 1985 or 86.

[Evmetro]

I used to be Aboutime (below). Retired Navy 1964-95. Saw the P3's Orion's in Norva, and Puerto Rico. They still sound awesome but now being used by NOAA for Hurricane duties.
Served on the USS Nassau LHA - 4 During both Shield and Storm. Miss it as much as you too! Also last saw Sigonella around 1985 or 86.

I was in Sigonella for 7 years, so I have lots of great memories in Sicily. The P3 that I worked on there was an old P3a that had been converted to a limo for the 6th fleet admiral. Kinda like an air force one, but for somebody a little less important.

[icansayit]

I was in Sigonella for 7 years, so I have lots of great memories in Sicily. The P3 that I worked on there was an old P3a that had been converted to a limo for the 6th fleet admiral. Kinda like an air force one, but for somebody a little less important.

You Airdales! :laugh: My first year in the Navy 1964...Commander Fleet Air Norfolk working as a yeoman for Navy Pilots who assigned squadrons, and pilots to the Carriers headed for Vietnam.

Then last, on the Nassau with Marine Harrier pilots during Desert Storm. HARRIERS ARE "L O U D" .
Welcome aboard Shipmate. I was an RM then....Now they No longer exist.:salute:

[Gunny]

You Airdales! :laugh: My first year in the Navy 1964...Commander Fleet Air Norfolk working as a yeoman for Navy Pilots who assigned squadrons, and pilots to the Carriers headed for Vietnam.

Then last, on the Nassau with Marine Harrier pilots during Desert Storm. HARRIERS ARE "L O U D" .
Welcome aboard Shipmate. I was an RM then....Now they No longer exist.:salute:

You got THAT shit right. That would be the 6 of the 12 that worked, anyway :)

[Evmetro]

I parked a few AV8s when I worked the transient line, and I remember they were indeed loud. The transient line was kinda fun, since I got to direct almost almost every kind of NATO aircraft there was. I just directed them to their parking spot, fueled them, and transported pilots to their lodging. Only worked t line for about a year, but saw almost every aircraft.

[Abbey Marie]

I was in Sigonella for 7 years, so I have lots of great memories in Sicily. The P3 that I worked on there was an old P3a that had been converted to a limo for the 6th fleet admiral. Kinda like an air force one, but for somebody a little less important.

I was just in Sicily in October. What were your favorite spots?

[Evmetro]

I was just in Sicily in October. What were your favorite spots?
I lived in aci trezza, since it was my favorite spo . Had a view if the cyclops rocks, and I could see the toe of Italy across the water on a clear day.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

I've been trying to enlist in the new Space Force. Just saw that starting May 1st, NCO's and officers can swap over from the Air Force into the Space Force.

Don't know what my chances are as a 64 year old, service connected disabled veteran, but I keep trying... ;)