DU VETERANS - FRONT AND CENTER!

[Bunny]

Sign in here and be recognized. Give us your branch, highest rank obtained, any combat action you saw, and years of service. Tell us anything else you may want to share.

We owe you a debt of gratitude, and we salute you today!
So, come on in - you know who you are!:yourock:

[matcom]

1. 19Kilo - M1A1 Tanker

3 years service. Germany. Spec 4

no combat. missed Desert Storm by mear hours

[NamVetsWeeLass]

3. Thank You, Matcom eom

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

37. Thanks Matcom!

[lenidog]

71. Another 19-Kilo

8 years service, saw action during Desert Storm with the First Armored Division. Reached the rank of Sergeant First Class.

[classof56]

79. Thank you for your service, lenidog--and welcome to DU.

Ver glad to have you among our numbers.

[White Feather]

USMC 1973-77 and 81-84.

USMC 1973-77 and 81-84. Reserves through 1991.

I am a rare bird I suppose. I am a Viet Nam era veteran and also a veteran of Desert Storm. I saw no combat.

0311 and 0302



Walt

[FuzzySlippers]

353. Thank you for your service VeteranforKerry!

[Retired AF Dem]

2. USAF

SMsgt 1974-1998

[NamVetsWeeLass]

5. Thank You, Retired eom

[h2erk]

334. Still in the war

I too am a SMsgt. However I'm still in the war. 1973 to present. Just recently deactivated after two tours into Iraq. Two of my son's are also serving with me. I'm a FE and they are LM's. One goes back over Dec 7. Not a good situation over there. Too bad J.Kerry didn't win.

[jdj]

346. thanks h2erk

may God be with you and your sons.

[cally]

347. Thank you for your and your son's service

Welcome to DU. I'm proud you are here.

[RB Proud-Marylander]

387. Thanks for your Service SMsgt!

I will keep you and your sons in my prayers.

[underpants]

4. 19D-CAV SCOUT '90-'93 E4 Bradley gunner Germany no combat

Didn't volunteer when they asked about Gulf1 either

[NamVetsWeeLass]

7. Thank You, Underpants

[tekriter]

6. US Air Force...

1974 - 1978, Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, NE

Sergeant (E-4, Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist)

No combat, but I kept Nebraska safe from the commies! And as I like to remind my Navy co-workers, nobody ever sank an Air Force base.

:hi:

[NamVetsWeeLass]

8. Thank you, Tekriter

[Retired AF Dem]

10. Well we have lost a couple due

to hurricanes and volcanos. :)

[Jo March]

11. Yes, I was at Homestead AFB 36 hours after Andrew hit

Was pretty darn amazing.

[Jo March]

9. 31M/31D - US Army 1990 - 1993

I "retired" as an E-4. I never saw any combat but I served partially under Bush 1. :scared:

[Wickerman]

12. USAF

Just shy of 6 years, no combat. E-5.

Got out early due to a "reduction in strength."

Prior to that I helped Ronnie Rayguns and GHWB bust big deficits wide open!

[qnr]

443. Thanks lunabush

:toast:

[lpbk2713]

13. Navy PO2, 65 - 69

Was overseas 66-69. All I knew about the US was what I read in the papers. Things were a lot different when I returned. Riots, Bobby Kennedy, Dr King. I thought I was watching the end of the USA by long distance.

[pleiku52cab]

61. Hey navy - venice Fla here - Go BUCS

[StephanieMarie]

14. Does Army wife count?

I "served" 12 years as the wife of an Army pilot who saw combat action in the first war in Iraq. He made the rank of Major. We moved seven times in those twelve years. He was also trained as a Flight Surgeon. Then we got out because the Army couldn't offer him the additional training he needed to further his career. We've been out two years, but wonder every day if he's going to get that letter ordering him back to duty even though he was honorably discharged and fulfilled his obligation.

[Cerridwen]

23. My vote is YES!

I have 2 uncles who are retired Air Force. I grew up watching what their wives went through with all the moves, rearing their children, and waiting as they flew in Viet Nam.

You've definitely served your country.



:yourock:

[Retired AF Dem]

24. Yes, completely

I was lucky my wife liked changing duty stations more than I did. She was a great help in my career.

[blondeatlast]

39. Indeed it does. It's a very tough life.

My post, noted below, shouts out to the "Rosie the Riveters," too.

My mom was a Rosie and a vet wife!

[Kierkegaard]

74. How about a Navy husband, then?

My wife served 8 years in the Navy with all sea-going deployments on the USS Samuel Gompers (http://navysite.de/ad/ad37.htm), finishing her duty as a Petty Officer {E5}, and recruiter at Oxford.

[classof56]

84. Yep, you count. My admiration and thanks to both of you! n/t

[Kierkegaard]

165. Thank you.

I'll pass along your kind gesture to Mrs. Kierkegaard ;)

[IndianaGreen]

237. Military spouses certainly count!!!!!

Many military spouses are men who have to raise the kids while their wives are serving.

They all deserve our support!

[commander bunnypants]

15. USN

Corpsman

Petty Officer 3rd Class

DDQM

1989-1993

[qnr]

444. Thanks CB

:toast:

[Brewman_Jax]

16. U.S. Navy

LT, USN, 1986-1992, time spend in the amphib navy.

[rppper]

149. Navy...submarines....88 thru 97.......

sk2/ss...logistics and supply god, not to mention the best damn helmsman EVER...lol...anyhow 4 subs and a tender...helped end the cold war, helped launch a few missiles at bahgdad in the first gulf war...thought i'd never live to see another either....i was naive.

thats me on the far right...taken during "alpha" sea trials for the uss tucson way back in 94...

[Brewman_Jax]

424. Congrats!

and welcome back! Were you East or West coast? I was West for my first 4, finished on the East.

[rwork]

17. I go way back.

US ARMY. Basic traing in Colorado in "Jan".,1962.Two years in Germany.

[qnr]

445. thank you rwork

:toast: I used to have to visit Sylt regularly when I was stationed in Italy.

[Cuban_Liberal]

18. USA, 10th Mtn. Division, Ft. Drum NY

E-7, 3 years, 2 1/2 months in Afghanistan.

[LosinIt]

63. Fort Drum, cool I mean that, have you spent a winter there yet?

I'm originally from Theresa, right up the road. We know from cold there, yeah? Thank you by the way! Keep safe. You've been around here for quite a while, I remember some of your posts.

[LynzM]

19. Thank you to all DU vets!

Thank you for your service to our country and to citizens in other parts of the world who you've helped!

[acmejack]

20. Chief Sonar Technician

US Navy 1973-1984

[classof56]

83. Thank you--and welcome to DU! n/t

[ihaveaquestion]

21. US Army - 3 years

plus 10 years army wife.

[qnr]

446. thanks ihaveaquestion

:toast: They're both tough jobs.

[Bunny]

22. You know, the Right paints us as unpatriotic wimps.

Look at all the good folks here who served, honorably I might add, unlike the current CinC. :mad:

And I know there are a lot more members here who haven't signed in yet. So the Right can take that unpatriotic wimp crap and put it where the sun does not shine!

[blondeatlast]

55. Amen to that!

Let's see them report THESE threads to DHS!

[qnr]

187. Doesn't make a bit of difference to them actually.

See, as opposed to the many hundreds of thousands of citizens that were serving in the military to serve their country, we were only doing it to serve ourselves. I get that all the time.

[Amich]

345. remember the right though

More than half of the repugs didn't serve. so they are more patriotic get the logic? :)

[Voltaire]

25. Cryptologic Technician (Collection) First Class

United States Navy March 23 1979 - October 12, 1992. Service in Okinawa, Washington, D.C., Edzell, Scotland, Rota, Spain and the National Security Agency. Desert Shield veteran. Proud, feisty and unashamed liberal! Always!

[hippiechick]

29. I salute you.

Thank you for continuing to defend your country - now from the threat within. :)


:hippie:

[grendelkhan]

176. Air Force Cryppie

Korean Linguist: 6 years in the Republic of Korea, 3 years flying with Compass Call in Arizona, 3 Years training kids at Goodfellow AFB in Texas.

Born Again Christian and Liberal in the tradition of Christ.

[lonewolf0507]

180. I am a CTR also, who are you?

eom

[Voltaire]

199. Who am I?

I am Voltaire, of course!

[deminflorida]

26. U.S. Navy - Retired 1996

Sixth Fleet Deployments 1982-84, Beirut, Lebanon

Participated in Operation Urgent Fury -Grenada 1983, after returning home from extended deployement (Girl Friend moved out while I was gone and cleaned out my apartment, Thanks, Ronnie...by the way..).

Desert Storm 1991 - My first marriage breakup followed that one. Again thank you George H.W. Bush for not finishing the job when we were there. Oh well I have my seventeen year old, a new wife from Europe and a five year old daughter. It was very hard for my now seventeen year old, so she thanks you too.

Former Yugoslavia campaign, Shore deployments from Europe in support of U.N. Peace Keeping operations 1995-96.

Early retirement 1996 after 15.5 years of service...I now live peacefully in the Florida Panhandle with a beautiful family and fight more meaningful battles against right-wing republicans and evangelical fanatics.

[qnr]

447. thanks deminflorida

:toast: Kinda kept you occupied, huh? :)

[blue neen]

27. Our gratitude goes out to all of you.

We appreciate your service to your country. We also salute the sacrifices of your families. :toast:

[Zorro]

28. USN 74-78

Left active duty as an E5, ended with the reserves as an E6.

Spent a year in a hostile fire area (Asmara, Eritrea 75-76) and finished up with two years at Souda Bay, Crete.

[rppper]

157. i loved souda bay....

went there twice on two med tours....good sea story from the 1st visit...the entire crew..most anyhow...from our xo down, went drinking at a club called note benne's in kania. we all drank shots of ouzo(sp?) while hanging upside down on a trapeze like contraption there at the bar....like all good submariners, we polished off all the bars stock of ouzo that night, not knowing it was an opium based drink. needless to say we did not get pee tested for the remainder of the med run. great memories from crete...wonderfull people and a beautifull country.

[TX-RAT]

30. US ARMY 69-72 Staff Sargent.

101st Airborne ( Air Assault ) 11 months Vietnam, Awarded 1 Purple Heart, 1 Bronze Star with Valor.
17 members of the 101st were awarded the Medal of Honor.

[Roxy66]

60. Wow...this is so powerful...thank you for everything you have done

for this country. We love our servicemen!!!:grouphug:

[jukes]

65. TX-RAT

vetwife's husband was a screaming eagle. good guy, you shd hook up.

[TX-RAT]

122. Looks like i got there just as you left.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

69. My husband was in the 101st

in 1986.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

106. Bet the attacks on Kerry pissed you off something fierce

Thanks for your service.

[TX-RAT]

136. An attack on anyone who served, pisses me off.

[Sporadicus]

31. US Navy & Naval Reserve

E-6

Yom Kippur War (our ballistic missile sub was sent to a location where Soviet fast-attack subs were already patroling. As a sonar technician, I listened to the Russkies making wide circles around us, effectively telling us, 'don't try anything funny...we know where you are!).

1973 - 1993

In order to start grad school, I went into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) in November 1989, just months before Saddam invaded Kuwait. If I hadn't gotten into the IRR, I would have spent the better part of a year floating around in the Persian Gulf with the rest of my old unit. I felt something akin to 'survivor's guilt,' but my request was valid and approved before the onset of any hostilities.

[qnr]

448. Thanks Sporadicus

:toast: that name is great

[jhain]

32. Huge thanks to you all

Today and every day!

Love, Jude
Mom to a USCG guy!

[Richardo]

33. You rock, bunnyj - GREAT idea...

I thank each and every one who has put on the uniform of this country and protected us...

SaaaaaaLUTE :toast:

[Bunny]

35. You rule, Richardo! Thanks!

[indigo32]

34. Thanks to all of you!

[blondeatlast]

36. I started one yesterday that will drop now. Here it is:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x1979378

Some of our vets checked in there, as well.

[Phillycat]

38. Thank you all!!

:loveya: Thank you for protecting my country for me. :loveya:

[Aristus]

40. Hi matcom! Fellow 19K M1A1 tanker here.

U.S. Army 1986-1993, Sergeant (E-5), Gulf War (no combat, but our base was Scudded.) I served my country proudly, in uniform, under hostile fire. And I'm a LIBERAL DEMOCRAT! NOW AND FOREVER! TAKE THAT, FREEPER COWARDS! .........sorry........ O8)

[qnr]

449. Hi Aristus

:toast: They'll never understand :shrug:

[elderly man]

41. United States Marine Corps ( 1948-1952)

2nd Amphibious Reconnaissance Company.
Can still place 5 shots in an inch group at 100 yards.
Admire Generals Zinni, Hoar,and Van Riper.
Also Major Scott Ritter.
Also General James Jones who favored containment in Iraq and
was subesquently replaced as commandant of the Corps, but remains
somewhere on active.

Semper Fi

[GCP]

49. Welcome to DU

And as a mother of two jarheads, thanks for your service!

[oneighty]

42. E-5 Mineman USN

EOD/SWD/DV2 Underwater Swimmer

Korea Minesweeper and Mine Disposal Team 1952.

Eight years active duty. 51-60

Oh what fun!

180

[fishnfla]

94. Props to you, sir

Thanks for everything, Ed. Especially the stories. Love the stories

[Hello_Kitty]

256. I was a Torpedoman's Mate 1987-1997

I used to work with Minemen at the weapons facility where I was stationed in New Jersey. We're two of the oldest rates in the Navy.:hi:

[oneighty]

319. Good on you!

Mines have changed dramatically over the years as I bet have torpedoes. I participated in a practice mine plant at New London the year the George Washington was launched. Cold water and SWIFT currents.

180

[trof]

43. ALA ANG '63-'71

Flew the RF-84/F.

[qnr]

442. Thanks trof

:thumbsup: from a coastie :toast:

[qnr]

44. USCG 1977-1992

RM1 (EOCT and Practical factors through E-8, but wanted to stay an operator, so I never took the servicewides).

Never saw any combat - though daily Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and 80 other jobs kept me well occupied. Technically not retired, but 100% service connected disability.

[jukes]

45. jukes

infantry, "D" Co, 1/5th Cav, 1st Cavalry (Airmobile) '68/'69


the other 1 we lost because we didn't belong there.

[JimmyJazz]

368. and a special thanx to you, jukes

:loveya:

[pleiku52cab]

46. United States Army - SP5 - RVN Dec 68 Sep70

Any freepers out there can turn me in to the Hopeless Security also

[qnr]

450. thanks pleiku52cab

:toast: I know just what you mean.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

47. US Army, active duty, 91 Charlie 82-87.

Thanks for the thread...I love our vets. MKJ

[qnr]

451. thanks BleedingHeartPatriot

:toast: as a sea service type, I'll never understand those MOS things

[nykiera]

48. US Army

1980-1984 Sgt. 1980-1984. Also some time in Army Reserve.

[qnr]

452. thanks nykiera

:toast:

[Touchdown]

50. ARMY ...91A -Medic, 3/11 CAV Germany. 84-87

No combat, but some I saw some real horrific athlete's foot, and gonorhea!

And ...I am NOT a Band-Aid, so STOP saying that!

[qnr]

453. thanks Touchdown

:toast: um... ok :)

[Love Bug]

51. USN

3rd Class Radioman
'74-'77

The only combat I saw was fighting off any sailor trying to drag me into the backseat of their car! :evilgrin:

[qnr]

454. Thanks Love Bug

:toast: RM here too.

[TahitiNut]

52. USARV-HQ, SP/5, Tet '69, 1968-69

To my late father (USN SeaBee in WW2), my late uncle Ron (USCG 1951-54), my late uncle Dick (Army Airborne 1947-49), my late uncle Bernard (US Army Europe WW2), my late aunt Ann (WAC in WW2), my late uncle Paul (US Army Air Corps, Hickham Field during Japanese Attack), my late uncle Bert (US Army WW2 Battle of the Bulge), my uncle Frank (US Army WW2 Middle East), my late uncle Elvin (US Army Pacific, WW2), my cousin Tim (US Air Farce, 1964-66), and my late uncle Roy (US Army Europe, WW2) ... 'Happy' Veterans Day.

[pantouflard]

427. Wow - you have one tough, amazing family...

No way to express the gratitude we feel nor the sorrow over so much loss. Thank you for sharing this. You are loved and appreciated here. Thank you, thank you.

[StaggerLee]

53. USN 1985-1990 (E-5)

USS Worden CG-18 for 3.5 of those years. (Pearl Harbor)

My unit escorted Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Persian Gulf in the summer of '87.

I was stationed at Alameda NAS on October 17th 1989 when mother nature decided to do her little dance.

Thanks to all veterans and their families, past and present but especially to those pulling tough duty in these very difficult times.

[qnr]

455. Thanks StaggerLee

:toast: So, did you get earthquake pay?

[Ron Green]

54. US Army, 1966-1969. E-5. I still remember my base pay:

$278.70 per month.

[TX-RAT]

59. Thats cutting a fat hog

Mine was $323.00 when i got out.

[up-in-arms]

263. My pay was about $80/month

as a Private E-1 when I joined in 1968. If I remember correctly, the Demcratic Congress voted a significant military pay increase in 1970 or 71. I was in Germany at the time..

[HereSince1628]

279. I remember my take home as a recruit...$46.10 in 1971

Of course I had a Class E savings bond (mature value $20, I think I paid a bit more than $17 for each one) kept from my salary each month which reduced it somewhat but even so it is laughable, isn't it?

[trof]

307. $300 mo. as a second balloon in pilot training 1963.

More money than I had ever made in my life.
I literally could not spend it all.
No matter how much I drank.
Nickel beer in the O Club.
Them was the days.

[Democracy Died 2004]

56. USN 10 years E-7 that's Chief to all my shipmates

loved it all of it. but then again the military wasn't near the political whore of the government it is today.

[qnr]

456. thanks Democracy Died 2004

:toast: Man, do I understand that feeling (about the services in general, not the personnel so much)

[blondeatlast]

57. Thank you, thank you all, and thanks to those who

preceded you.

[AverageJoe]

58. Not me, but my dad was a marine

who earned a Purple Heart in Korea. Just wanted to honor him here.

[qnr]

457. A toast to your dad, AverageJoe

:toast:

[woofless]

62. USAF Viet Nam era

Sgt. (E-4) Ground radio, served in Incirlik, Turkey and the Pentagon.

All my brothers and sisters, thank you for your service.

Woof

[qnr]

458. Thanks woofless

:toast: I used to make regualar trips to Kargabarun, when I was stationed in Italy.

[rlow757]

64. USN - 1975-81 - E-5, USNR(A) 1981-86 - E-6

Radioman, 2nd class, aboard USS Eisenhower; worked with White House Communication Agency during President Carter's visit; Navy Expeditionary Medal for Persian Gulf deployment during Iranian hostage crisis, 1980.

[qnr]

459. thanks rlow757

:toast: Interesting times....

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

66. Can I do it on behalf of Mr. Moonbeam?

He was active duty Army from 1985 until 1996. 11 years. He joined at the age of 17. He served in the first Gulf War, with the 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, TX. He was mechanized infantry, MOS 11Mike. Bradley Armored Personnel Carriers were his specialty at that time, he had been a gunner and a driver.

He got out as an SSG (P). He was awarded the Purple Heart in the first Gulf War, among other medals and commendations.

He ended his military career where it started, at Ft. Benning, GA.

In between, he served as part of a NATO peacekeeping force on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt (while with the 101st Airborne) and was stationed in Germany for three years with an armored division.

He was a front line "grunt" and loved it. His arches fell (ouch), he has a rod in one ankle and has had numerous surgeries on both knees.

I have always been very proud of him. Had he stayed in, next year would be 20 years. But he was very burned out on the Army and wanted to see what else life had to offer. Also he didn't want his daughter growing up as an Army brat like he did. He wanted her to grow up in one place her whole life and have the same friends throughout school.

I married him when he was a SPC and he wore his Class A uniform. He was a very gung-ho soldier and served his country well.

[qnr]

460. Of course: A toast to Mr. Moonbeam

:toast: Even if he didn't serve in a "real war" :grr:

[Az_lefty]

67. U.S. Army 88M/19D SFC

Active Army 72' then National Guard 78'
Desert Storm 1991
Iraq Initial Invasion 2003

[hobbit709]

68. USAF

1969-73. Italy and Turkey. Sgt.

[MsFlorida]

70. Air Force, Crew Chief, A10's & A 7 D Fighter Jets

E-5, 4.5 years

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

72. USN 70-76 Hospital Corpsman with USMC, USCG 78-98

USN HM2(FMF)... 1 Tour with HMM-365 in 71-72, later with 4/9 invlolved with the evacuation of Vietnam and Cambodia

USCG boat driver, involved heavily with the futile war on SOME drugs, DEA NY TaskForceCrack 1987, retired with the Big Dog's signature on my BMCS (E-8)

[Bunny]

73. I'll do it on behalf of my kids' father.

USMC, Lance Cpl. Nam 69-70. Purple Heart.

[classof56]

87. I'm sure your kids are rightly proud of their dad. I thank him, too! n/t

[Bunny]

90. Yes they are! Thanks! n/t

[Medical Speaking]

75. USMC

Cpl, 1stBn, 7th Marines, Charlie Co. 1st Marine Div.
Vietnam 1966-1967

Semper Fi

[feminazi]

76. thanks to all of you for your service.

:toast:

[giant_robot]

77. USAF, Sgt, 1986-1991

I served an extra seven months because I got stuck in the stop-loss implemented in the first gulf war. (Nobody was calling it a back door draft back then.) To add insult to injury, my room mate in the barracks got released on an early-out while I was retained on stop-loss. But me? Bitter? No-o-o-o-o-o-o. </sarcasm>

[caught on a limb]

78. U.S. Navy - SEABEES

Senior Chief Builder(SCWS)
1975-1995
Retired Mud-Sailor

Where? Phewwwww!

Let's just say, I've never been to Antarctica!

My best to all of you 'cause you all rock!

Thanks.

[vetwife]

86. Vetwife here my ..... husband was with 101st Airborne Co. B 2nd/501

Served 70-71 Vietnam Combat In country....Served 6 years, Honorably discharged.
CIB, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallentry, Army Commendation,Jump wings, Sharpshooter, Expert M14,2 overseas bars,
and that is all I can think of without the DD214 in front of me.
Served in country attached with 75th Rangers
Camp Eagle, FB Sally, FB Rifle,
Engagements...Ashau Valley, Laos, Phu bai, DeNang,Quantree,Kah San

In Germany ...1st Armored Div. Bamberg, Germany
Busted Down from Sgt. to private and tons of article 15's..Guess the attitude of combat took its toll !

Reserves...3 years...
On behalf of me and my husband , thanks Jukes !
...................................................................
Me...I am no vet..I just fight like Hell for them !
I did start a veterans organization !

[TX-RAT]

153. Tell him we're proud of his service.

70-71? Same time i was there. Would like to have met him. 101st was very close.

[vetwife]

225. Maybe you did run across one another..Thank you for your service

He has memory loss so tremendous that he cannot see one face of one soldier he fought with. The docs say part of the trauma. Blank Faces. His doc told me privately and he never speaks consciously of his experiences, that it is just as well he doesn't remember too many events. From what I have witnessed in flashbacks, she is right on the money. He sees the bodies and the mortars and the destruction but no faces. He can see a firefight but again..no faces.

[TX-RAT]

235. I am so sorry. Any help from the VA?

Not seeing the faces could be a blessing in disguise. He is a true HERO.

[vetwife]

311. He is 100 percent total and permanent now after I made

trips to Washington and went toe to toe with a Full Bird Colonel.
and fortunately he has a good doctor now in Atlanta. He doesn't see himself as a hero but I think all but the Swift boat vets are heros.
Their service was appreciated but they refuse to face reality and need medication and help more than any bunch of vets and that includes McCain that I have encountered. Thanks so much for your reply.

[Tyler Durden]

80. E-6 (HM-1) USN/USMC Field Medic 8400/8404/8536/8532

1979-1992

Corpsman/USMC Field Medic/ADV Lab Tech/ICU Tech

Broken Arrow Team Leader

24 hour on base dustoff alert, Norfolk NAS (duration of Dessert Storm)

The only enlisted man in the history of the US Armed Forces to ground AIR FORCE ONE (Ronnie was on board and wanted to hold my MEDEVAC chopper with a coding soldier on board. I told Andrews Tower my medical emergency took precidence over everything except War Flash, and they grounded him for 20 minutes.)

Don't bother looking it up. I tried, and the tower log has been expunged and the medical record of the soldier is missing so I can't get his name.

[Love Bug]

179. Hey, I believe you!

Good for you-- it was the right thing to do. Did the guy survive?

[demosincebirth]

81. 101st Airborne Div. '56-'59

Ft. Campbell, Ky

[TX-RAT]

144. Didn't know they had planes back then.

[demosincebirth]

230. Yes they did...

with big rubber bands

[TX-RAT]

232. Thats good, I like it.

[infognome]

82. Medical Technologist - Army

1961 - 1981 MSG - No combat after enlisting (I hang my head in shame)

[cally]

355. Welcome to DU

and thanks for your service.

[lenidog]

85. This one is for my grandfather

Especially seeing as this was once Armistice Day. My grandfather though passed away now 24 years joined the 28th Division at 18 in 1915 to gain extra money to help support his mother and his siblings. He got called up as a part of the force sent to chase Pancho Villa one the Mexican/American border, then American entered WWI and he was sent overseas and fought on the Western Front. Finally when it was all over 86 years ago today he was sent as a part of the American Expeditionary Force to Russia. He didn't get home till early 1920.

[GreenPartyVoter]

88. *hugs for all our vets!!*

------------------------------------------------------
Fight the fraud; fund the recount!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm

[Sequoia]

89. Reporting for Duty

(Sorry JK)

USAF, Spokane WAshington 1974-1978, Buck Sargent

[x-g.o.p.er]

91. Active Duty...

Army and Air Force. Just went over 18 years. I started out as a boom operator on KC-135's, then as a CH-47 helicopter pilot in the Army, an MH-53 special operations helicopter pilot in the Air Force, and I am now flying a desk as a staff officer.

I've been deployed to the Balkans and to Afghanistan, and saw combat in both. I now get to fight the Battle of Neverending Paperwork, lol, and it's one I will never win.

I love my country and I am proud to have served, and to still serve.

[fishnfla]

97. Thanks to you, sir

I remember when you first came on board here, now you almost got a thousand posts.

Packers 21-Vikes 10, sorry about that.

[x-g.o.p.er]

241. Thanks. As for the score...

I think the Packers win, unfortunately, because the Vikings can't win outside on the road, as unbelievable as that is to a kid that grew up watching them play at the old Metropolitan Stadium.

Packers 27, Vikes 23. Packer nation becomes their old, obnoxious, but lovable selves (lol), and Viking nation goes into their yearly state of apoplexy--fire Tice, make Red sell, bench Culpepper, blah, blah, blah.

But the Vikes still go 11-5 and win the division. The only other loss they get all year is in Washington the last week of the season.

[TN al]

92. US Army...

...68N Avionics Mechanic X1 Apache helicopter
'87-'97 Sergeant
Fort Carson CO
Katterbach GE
Fort Campbell KY

[Bunny]

93. I just shamelessly nominated this for the Home Page.

I didn't think you could nominate your own threads, but I did because I'd like for any visitors to see just how many of us liberals have served with honor, and how much those who did not serve appreciate them.

[qnr]

96. Yes, I just noticed it was up there :) n/t

[Bunny]

100. Boy am I embarrassed!

I should have checked the Homepage before I nominated it. Looks like someone beat me to it! Thanks!

[markbark]

95. US Army Sept-83 to Aug-89

Got out as a smiling Sergeant(E-5)
Started as a 54-E (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense)
and finished out my "career" as a 97-B (Counter-intel)
Duty stations in Germany, Alabama, Georgia and Maryland

Happy Vet's Day all! :hi:

[tinnyguy1777]

98. US Army, E-4, 3 years--------

Had a good time, actually. Peace time Army. Basic at Ft. Leonard Wood. Went to a 44 week + Radar Repair school at Ft. Monmouth, N.J. Spent many great week-ends in N.Y. City, and at the Jersey shore. Met many wonderful girls there. Loved it.
Then duty in the Canal Zone at Madden Wye, at a Signal Corps repair depot. Class A's, inside work, air conditioned building, went by boat every 2 weeks to a Honest John missile site out on Panama Bay, and got to drive the C.O.( a Major) across the Isthmus every 2 weeks. Plus, no marching, or KP, or extra duty. Had full time access to Panama City, and all the benefits that go alone with it. (wink-wink) No wonder they called the Zone, "The Country Club of the Army". It's hard to believe we gave it back to the Panamanians.

[eataTREE]

99. Thank you all.

It is because of your service and the service of your brothers and sisters in arms that we now have the freedom to congregate on places like DU and petition our government for redress of grievances. We are every one of us in your debt.

[NoSheep]

101. Thank you for your service AND your commitment to truth.

:toast:

[lenidog]

253. Phone Cards for soldiers

This is the perfect place and it maybe somewhere else on this site but if not here it is. Follow this link and it will give you info that allows you to give something very important to soldiers. PHONE CARDS so they can call their friends and families.


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/11/11/41516/559

[captain_change]

102. Airborne Medic/ Tanker

Medic - 91B1P -SP4
HHC 2/508th Inf, 82nd Airborne
Multi-national Force & Observe, Sinai Egypt
Grenada

Army ROTC Scholarship

Armor Officer - Captain

[lenidog]

103. This one is for Gunny Druck

This one is for a for a friend of mine Gunny Druck a lifelong Dem and always a Marine. The first action he saw was during Korea where he became a part of the "Frozen Chosen" at the Chosin Reservoir. Then a tour in the Dominican Republic, two tours in Vietnam. His final tour was the scariest ever he would proclaim, Presidential chopper duty for Richard Nixon.:scared:

[Mr. McD]

104. US Army , 1968-1971

Viet Nam 1969-1971, SP5, Huey crewchief.


Plus 10 years in the California National Guard.

[SF Bay Area Dem]

105. Capt. United States Marine Corps - Invasion of Panama, Dessert Storm

United States Marine Corps. 1983-1992 - Captain

"Proud veteran and Democrat who has served the country he loves and has fired rounds off in anger defending it during wartime"

HMX1 - Quantico Virginia
1st Marine Division, HQ Battalion, 1st Military Police Company (NCIS), Camp Pendelton California

TDY Panama Invasion 1989
Deployment: Operation Dessert Shield, Operation Dessert Storm
*********************************************************************

How dare a conservative right wing armchair patriot question my service and love of country simply because they disagree with my ideology. There are millions more veterans who served in both peacetime and wartime who are Democrats just like me.

Deal with it.

[vetwife]

107. thanks Bunnyj

[NoSheep]

108. Thanks...and it looks like a welcome is in order!

[qnr]

114. Welcome to DU, and thanks for your service n/t

[RB Proud-Marylander]

379. Uh RAH!!!

Happy Belated Birthday (Nov 10th), Marine!

[skygazer]

109. Wow, what a great thread

Thank you all so much, veterans. You are my heroes! :toast:

[steveeboy]

110. 20151 USAF Target Intelligence 1984-1988

hey all,

been meaning to sign up for a while, finally did so...

e-4 usaf
20151
mostly stationed at andersen afb, guam
1984-1988

[steveeboy]

116. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIL DOGS!!!

Just wanted to wish the USMC vets and active duty people happy birthday.

The Navy always fucks over the Marines, but they just keep on looking sharp, kicking ass, and taking names.

Semper Fi

[cally]

356. Welcome to DU

Thanks for your service.

[agarrett1]

111. Inappropriate Icon

First off, to answer the question. USAF, 1988-1991, Captain. I served in the first Gulf War, at Mont de Marsan, and later in Cairo.

Now, another point. Given the subject matter, I will admit to considerable discomfort at your icon. An upside down flag is absolutely inappropriate for this particular subject.

Drew Garrett

[qnr]

115. I disagree, it is an international signal of distress, which

is absolutely appropriate. It's an avatar, across all of their posts, not just for this particular one.

Aside from that, welcome to DU :) and thanks for your service.

[DS1]

123. I don't think so.

I think if you really consider what our guys have died for, not only would they be pissed at self-censorship in their name - I doubt they'd support a war that was based on a pack of lies.

[Bunny]

132. Well, I mean no disrespect. The upside down flag symbolizes

distress. But given the nature of this thread, I've changed it back to Old Glory - long may she wave!

Thanks for your service and welcome to DU!

[up-in-arms]

265. Thanks again, Bunny...

... for doing that! My hat's off to you.

[Democracy Died 2004]

320. Well many of us fought and served so that that American

can post an upside down flag.

[Selwynn]

422. I couldn't disagree more. In fact there could be nothing more appropriate

...thank the symbol of a country in distress.

[CynRio57]

112. HQ EUCOM

I served in the Army from 1977-1980, obtaining the rank of SP4. I was stationed at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.

Thanks, bunnyj.

[blue neen]

240. Thanks for your service to our country.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[DrDan]

258. I was at Sembach for 3 years -

But I sure enjoyed trips to Stuttgart - what a beautiful city

[leeroysphitz]

113. U.S. Army, regular, paratrooper, 31C

B co. 319th M.I. battalion, 525th M.I. Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps.
stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C.
1989-1991

Rank: specialist 4th class.

Comments: I was in the first gulf war while attached to th 101st airborne division. I did my duty without complaint but the fact is I didn't really buy it then and I REALLY don't buy it now.

Anyone else from Bravo out there?

[LyndaB]

130. Thank you, Vets

I signed up just so I could say thank you to all the Vets and their families here.

I'm a lifer family member - grew up as an Air Force Brat from 1961-1980, and then an Air Force spouse (EOD) from 1987 until a three years ago when he retired. Did my time when he did his during Desert Storm - learned how to knucklebite it as a kid when Dad was away.

Keep up the good fight, in uniform and here at home!

[upperleftedge]

117. Vet for peace

USN '62 to '65 (Minority enlistment; joined before I was 18 got out the day before I was 21.) Third class Personnelman. Rode the Washtenaw County LST 1166 for two years in the Far East. Transfered two weeks before it went to the Delta to join the brown water navy. I hear Kerry used to send radio messages from her. I spent my last year typing STO's sending skinny shaved headed boys to die in 'Nam.
I marched against the war the year I got out and will keep marching against war until I die. I love my country and honor those who serve her. But I hate war.

peace now

[cally]

362. Thank you and

welcome to DU.

[DS1]

118. USMC - E4 - Republicans - 4

I've drank a LOT of seawater ;-)

[mailman82]

119. USMC Retired

Viet Vet 1967-69. I tip my cover to all you Vets. Semper Fi!

[yoseph]

120. Mud Jarhead

SSGT/ USMC / 2nd Recon / 3missions to South America
1 to Beirut.
1974-1980 Medical Discharge
Silver, Bronze, 3 Purple Hearts, 15 Campaign Ribbons.
Au-rah!

[cally]

359. Welcome tto DU...thanks for your service..nt

[sphinx77449]

121. Long time ago !!

USAF ~ MAC

Norton AFB & March AFB

1977 ~ 1981

Senior Airman ..... the CM'd to slick sleeve ...

Me and a weenie Butterbar didn't see eye to eye ... I was young and he had the UCMJ on his side.

[Moondog]

124. USAF

Lt Col, Retired

Desert Storm. Drew hostile fire pay a number of times in a number of places, but the only shots fired in anger I ever encountered was during Desert Storm.

20 years, 2 weeks, 2 days. Most locations in western Europe, the mideast and SW Asia. Three tours in the Pentagon which were, by far, the worst of a bad lot.

[Skittles]

275. welcome to the DU, Moondog!

I was born on Chanute, spent 15 years as and Air Force brat (dad a meteorologist), spent four years as Air Force enlisted. The military is in my blood!!! :hi:

[Steely_Dan]

125. 1/64th ADA, Ft. Lewis, WA, 1LT

I was in the service at Ft. Lewis Washington (Tacoma) right after the Viet Nam war. I was a young lieutenant in charge of a Chaparral (sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles)platoon with bunch of great troops.

-P

[BobRossi]

126. USAF

USAF 1971-1974 early out.
E4-Sgt.
Castle AFB 93rd FMS
No combat (sept' bustin the lifer's balls)
Was in same time Shrub was getting out, still have every sheet of paper in my military file, including the article 15 for my hair touching my ears!
Best way to support our troops is to BRING THEM HOME NOW!
Iraq is un-winnable, period.
Send plastic turkeys to big turkey in the Whitehouse for Thanksgiving!

[Say_What]

154. "Send plastic turkeys to big turkey in the Whitehouse for Thanksgiving!"

Excellent idea!! Welcome to DU, USAF!! :hi:

[Gyre]

127. USCG '76-'80

Search and Rescue, 44' motor-lifeboats, pacific-northwest. Boatswain's Mate 2nd. Heavy-weather designated. Seems like a million years ago.

Gyre

[qnr]

129. Hey, another Coastie :) 4 of us here that I know of now n/t

[Turbineguy]

128. Lt . USNR

Inactive. I graduated from school and was commisioned 2 months after the fall of Saigon. My job served in lieu of Service. I worked as a civilian for the US Navy for a few years on "oceanographic research" ships and an underway replenishment tanker. I was in the Merchant Marine.

My vessel carried the Christmas Dinners for the Troops in GWI. Hardly of note in comparison to some here.

Better watch out! This sort of thread could get you reported by some ultra left wing people! Providing Aid and Comfort to Those who Served!

My Son is in the Marines, currently serving in Okinawa.

[Demrock6]

145. Wow!

Thanks all of you Veterans. I am so sick of the right thinking they are the only ones that stand for anything good. I an not a Veteran but prayers to my friend Cpl. Paul H. who is a marine fighting in Falluja as we speak.

Times over their are tough buddy, but hang in their! Much respect and love to all Veterans.

[leftynyc]

131. May God/Goddess bless each and every one of you (eom)

[RadioFreekentucky]

133. US Army

SSG Chinook unit ,Viet Nam 1967-1968

[cally]

369. Thank you to all the new DUers

I appreciate your service.

[Liberal Veteran]

134. Sigh....okay Navy FC2 (E5), no combat.

Fortunate for me.

[VaYallaDawg]

135. USN, 1962-66, E-5, sea duty/Vietnam.

And thanks for the recognition, and let me join in the salute to all other veterans as well.

[Mandolinista]

137. 11B/11H SSGT

OH Army Natl. Guard (73rd INF BDE)1982-1989, 10th MTN DIV (1/87 INF,2/22 INF) 1989-1994, WAMC Ft. Bragg, 1994-1996.
Ran convoy security ops in and around Mogadishu, Somalia 1993.

"Deeds not Words"

[cally]

370. I'm stunned...so many new DUers on this thread

Welcome and thanks for your service.

[cavanaghjam]

138. Two points

1) some posters are wary of biography, they would rather let their arguments stand without the aid of their own histories to make their words more powerful. You may not find all the vets come forward.

2) no one hates war more than a soldier.

[cally]

372. I'm stunned...so many new DUers on this thread

I agree with you..many vets will not post on this thread. Many have. Welcome to DU.

[deadparrot]

Welcome and thanks to all our new DU vets!

[ThreeCatNight]

139. USN '74-'78 EM3

Two Med cruises. Nothing like a 5 month, all expenses paid (not to mention a paycheck) European vacation. Back when Europeans kinda liked us.

[zeek]

140. Lieutenant, USN

Naval Flight Officer. Saw combat flying in northern and southern Iraq.

[Plain old Doug]

141. Thanks

23 years reserve and active duty time spread out over the period of 1957-1982. Air National Guard, Coast Guard Reserve and Coast Guard. Sort of an off and on thing :-).
Doug (E6)

[Ezlivin]

142. USN Submarine Service, E-5, 77-81

I served aboard the USS Skate, based in Pearl Harbor, and loved my crew. Also got to meet my future wife (also an E-5) at the Mariner's Club; we just celebrated our 26th anniversary on November 2.

After we got married, we said we were an "E-10" in rank.

:)

[chinesebandit]

143. Front and Center

Army,a mere spc.4 and saw plenty of action in Viet Nam.Was an 11b2p(infantry paratrooper) in both a line co. and recon platoon with the 1st Air Cav. 1965-66. Was wounded in Oct.1966 in the central highlands outside of Bong Son,S.Viet Nam on a reconnaissance mission. Have recently written a book or sort of screen play that is both autobiographical and fiction dealing with Viet Nam and post Viet Nam.Am saddened by the Kerry loss in this past election.I am troubled by the lack of understanding many vets have regarding Kerry's post Viet Nam activities.I was not an anti war vet in the 60'& 70's but I respect his courage and convictions during those troubled times.

[Bunny]

158. Thanks for your service and welcome to DU!

And thanks for your kind words re: Kerry.

[BamaGirl]

146. Army 93-96

Got out an E-4. And I've been an Army wife for 10 years.

[smirkymonkey]

147. Thank you, Veterans!

[Amsterdam Hooligan]

148. 173rd Airborne and 1st Cav.....RVN......69-70-71

My First Post.........I served with the 173rd Airborne at LZ English and LZ Uplift and LZ Crystal. Served with 1st Cav in An Khe..........

Silver Star, Soldiers Medal,(2) Bronze Stars(1 with Valor), Army Arcom.,22 Air Medals..17 months and 22days in RVN...............


I`m from Columbus,Ohio and still the same "ole hippie liberal" I was 35 years ago..........A damn proud of it.......

[Mandolinista]

151. hats off to you

Hooligan, People who don't know should look up the history of the 173rd. Thanks for your service!
:toast:

[Dees]

326. Also a follow up on Pfc Milton Olive

Congressional Medal of Honor winner(posthumously) from the 173rd RVN 1965 I think.

[Nightowl_2004]

384. Thank you for your service

My cousin parachuted into Iraq with the 173rd (2-503) I'd second Mandolinista, anybody who can should take the time to learn about the history of "The Herd." I'm a military history buff and had never heard of the 173rd and all it's prestigious past accomplishments.

Thank you again!!!

[HawkerHurricane]

150. Signalman 1st Class (Surface Warfare)

United States Navy

Served from 1984 to 2004.

Was shot at (and missed) in 1985 by a Iranian fighter with a weapon sold to them by the great patriot Oliver North.

In 1987, we suffered a damaged radar... and so USS Stark took our patrol location, and suffered 37 dead in our place.

I spent Desert Storm on shore duty, teaching teenage boys how to be Sailormen.

On September 11th, 2001, I was in transit between Hawaii and San Diego.

I spent Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan 1st phase) in a shipyard.

I spent Operation Iraqi Liberation in the Persian Gulf, making sure our carriers were safe from the non existant Iraqi air force and navy.

I was transfered to the fleet reserve (discharged) against my will because Bushco needed to save money in the navy so they could screw the National Guard harder.

[StaggerLee]

226. Hey Hawker

My ship (USS Worden CG-18) had set out for WestPac deployment just before the Stark got hit. We were rushed up to the Gulf to do the oil tanker escort thing that summer.

Cheers! :toast:

[RetroLounge]

152. Happy Veterans Days to all of you!

Thank you for your service.

RL

and the same to the following:

My Father, Served in US Army, Presidio, CA, 1955-1959 (approx.),

My Late Uncle Roy, US Army, Korean War Vet,

My Late Great-Uncle Artie, WWII Navy Vet, Intelligence,

My late Great-Uncle Alfred, WWII, US Marines, Survivor of Bataan Death March, POW, 42 months.

I salute them all.

[Crewleader]

155. Happy Veteran's Day Vets and Our Troops in Combat!

I salute you all and thank you for your service and sacrifice!

May God Bless Everyone of You! :hug:

[MacVet]

156. US Army Signal Corps

I served in the Army from 1966 to 1969, including a year in Vietnam from 12/66 to 12/67. While in Nam, it didn't take long before I realized our being there was a huge mistake. I wasn't supposed to see combat because I operated a microwave telecom link in the Central Highlands and Cam Ranh Bay. My first duty station in Buon Me Thuot had been mortared hours before I arrived.

During my year in Nam, I traveled the country from Danang to Saigon to Vung Tau. Flying over an area between Quy Nhon and Danang, the landscape looked like the surface of the moon, thanks to B-52 strikes.

I traveled around by hitchhiking at air bases. I actually went to the runway and stuck my thumb out. :)

I'll never forget one ride I got on a Huey. I asked if they were going to Nha Trang. Yep, hop in! I was sitting in the back seat between two door gunners. As we were flying over some trees, we suddenly dropped down below treetop level and flew between some trees on a hillside. Some guys in black PJs ran our from behind the trees. We circled around and formed up with two other Hueys, assumed combat formation, headed back to that hill and clobbered it with rockets. If I put my arms out, I could almost touch the rocket pods.

That hillside was reduced to white smoke and we flew on.

While in Buon Me Thuot, I rigged up my own pirate radio station while on night shift. The Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRN) came through my microwave van from Saigon. Mine was a Tropo site which means we were using over the horizon tropospheric scatter microwave with a 100 mile range. The signal was supposed to continue up to the north and east to the rest of Nam but it also went from my van to a local AM radio station. Well, I interrupted that signal because it was so awfully banal and boring. Think of "Good Morning Vietnam" without Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams). My solution was to patch in the Collins short wave set in place of AFRN. I tuned in Radio Moscow or Radio Hanoi because they were playing good rock music. Whenever they started talking, I unplugged the radio and plugged in my mic and started ranting about how pleased I was to be in Vietnam. My diatribe was often punctuated with F-T-A (Cheney the Army). ;) After a week of this, I was sort of asked to stop doing it, though the true identity of the phantom broadcaster was never really known.

BTW, I told Adrian Cronauer about this and he liked the story. :)

Back from Nam, I had another year of duty to go and served in the DC area. The antiwar movement was in its infancy and we all know what a tumultuous year 1968 was. I got out of the Army in 1969 and went to college on the GI Bill. I participated in all the great marches in DC from 1969 through 1971. In 1969, I also got a summer job at a land-based Naval facility as a technical writer. I wrote some manuals for a torpedo now on display at the Museum of American History in DC. Also that summer, I went to the original Woodstock for 3 days of peace and music. Yep, was even one of the skinny-dippers in White Lake. I grabbed a piece of Ivory soap floating by, washed up and played frisbee.

Welp, I majored in philosophy, became a pro photographer, a cyclotron operator, a renovation contractor, and have been a Mac consultant for over 17 years.

I've been on this planet for 57 years and have seen my country evolve from something great and wonderful to something I don't recognize anymore. It's sad to see what the neocons have made of it. The reason why Bush was reelected is simply because half of the voters were deluded into thinking Bush was best for the country. Unfortunately, they will come to know who wrong they were but not before the damage has been done.

[Bunny]

160. That is some great story - Wow!

Thanks for everything!

[No Passaran]

159. Another veteran here

21B
E5/SGT
I saw action in Iraq during OIF 1. My TF was the famous "Thunder Run" TF.

I love what the Army stands for and I'm proud of every soldier who served. I love this country and that's why I'm a soldier and a Democrat.

[CatWoman]

161. Hi, Neighbor

:hi:

US Army

SFC/E-7

[sojourner]

167. In honor of my dad -

An Air Force Staff Sgt. stationed at Castle AFB during the Korean War. He was proud of his service but mistrustful of the government.

(In fact, before he died of cancer in 2000 at the age of 70, he told me all about the misdealings of the Bush Boys and called their acts in providing aid and comfort to known terrorists "treason". I thought he was just on a rant........)

His stepdad served in Japan during WWII and witnessed the horrors of the Bataan Death March.

[up-in-arms]

162. U.S. Army Military Intellegence (an oxymoron?)

1968 - 1976

[Bunny]

177. Were you in Nam?

My boss was in military intelligence in Nam, quite possibly at about the same time as you. And yes, we tease him about the oxymoron, and he is the first to admit it! Thanks for your service and welcome to DU!

[up-in-arms]

260. Thank you.

Never went to Viet Nam, but I honor all those who did. I was assigned to Germany from 1968-1973, and stateside until 1976, when I opted out. Saw some terrorism in Germany, though. A radical group called the Badder-Meinhof Group blew up the building in which I served, killing four. I was not there at the time it happened, but showed up a few minutes later. Some bad stuff..

[Bunny]

280. I remember the Bader-Meinhoff gang from the 70's.

They were some scary people Was Carlos the Jackal involved with them?

[up-in-arms]

354. I don't know, Bunny..

.. if Carlos the Jackel was involved with them or not. It wouldn't surprise me though..

[veteran_for_peace]

163. USN Fleet Hospital 9

[V Lee]

164. THANK YOU to all!!!

I truly honor you veterans and sincerely appreciate all that you've done to serve America.

May you be blessed!

[jamesinca]

166. My dad, and I am an army brat

He did two tours in Vietnam as a medic with the 1st Cav. Retired after 20 years as a CWO-2 out of Ft. Ord CA. Last unit he served in was the 7th Div 6/31 INF. Served at Ft. Ord CA, Ft. Dix NJ, Ft. Sam Houston TX, Stuttgart Germany, Korea, and Vietnam 67-68 and 70-71. I did not really see my dad till I was three and I am not sure if everything came back from Vietnam emotionally. He finally got political this year at the age of 62 and put a "Vet for Kerry" sticker on his car.

[Iver Johnson]

168. USMC MGySgt, 27 years service

Basic at Parris Island, 3rd Battalion 1977
Beirut 1982-1984
Drill Instructor, Parris Island 1985-1987
Operation Just Cause-Panama 1989-1990
Operation Desert Storm 1991
Somalia 1992-1993
Kosovo 1995
Iraq 2003-2004

Semper Fi to all Marines on yesterday's 229th birthday and my very best personal regards to all Veterans on this day.

[Say_What]

169. Thank you DU Vets!! and WELCOME to new vet posters!!

Great to see so many new posters on Veterans Day!! Welcome and thank you for your honorable service to our country. :toast: :hi:

Congrats as well to the men in my family who served:

My grandfather--a Doughboy during WWI who served in Europe

My father served in the Navy during WWII

Two uncles in the Navy--one in WWII and the other enlisted in the late 1950s serving 20+ years and was on the USS Enterprise. I saw her sail under the Golden Gate in 1967--she filled up the entire bay.

Three uncles US Army during WWII--one served 20 years.

Brother and cousin in USN during Vietnam.

Another cousin USN on nuclear subs--went to school at Mare Island near Vallejo, CA in 1967 and then spent plenty of time submerged.

Cousin's son who is now in the USN also on a sub

A friend from childhood--she's still a Lt. in the USN reserves

My brother went in just after they stopped the draft and started the lottery. His number was so high they never would have called him, but he and my cousin got drunk one night and decided to enlist in the (where else?) Navy.

---

And to the NeoCons and FreepF*cks who went AWOL, excelled at getting deferments, or didn't serve, here's a hearty F*CK YOU to you.

[Tikki]

170. U S Army veteran...

Mr. Tikki

1968-1970
Fort Polk LA
supply clerk (kind of a Radar, thing)

Mrs. Tikki
his bride of one year joined him there.
Yes, married guys did get drafted.

[SheLiberal]

171. USAF

1983-1987 E-4. Husband retired 2 years ago with 20 years in the Air Force. Dad served in China during WWII Mom was in the Navy during the same time. Father-in-law retired after 24 years on active duty also in the Air Force.

Sherri

[darktime]

172. USAF 1982-1986 E4

Avionic Nav Tech 1st TAC Fighter Wing Langley Va. Saw no combat action, (that's why I joined the AF), but my F15's did in Libya (1st fighter wing to go to Turkey).

[JustineCredible]

173. USN

MA4 Newport RI 1988-1991

Can't say I have much pride of my service. I left feeling betrayed, lied to, lied about and generally ashamed of ever having been a part of an organization that is that dysfunctional.

Sorry to all you proud vets. You all deserve to wear your pride honorably. My feelings are very private and hard to put into words.
I knew so many wonderful, honorable and deservedly proud sailors, but my experience was one I would not wish on a dog. Being female I found being a sailor a gratifying wonderful experience, until I dared to become pregnant after my marriage to another sailor. As a mother my priorities changed and I gave up everything for my child. The Navy was none too happy and from that moment on made my life hell.
My life was put in danger as well as the life of my son. My husband was powerless to help. I finally obtained a voluntary discharge due to parenthood, but lost all benefits of service in doing so.
I'm sorry I cannot share in any military pride of which I believe so deeply all veterans deserve.

[Bunny]

175. Boy, I'm sorry to hear of your experience.

That must have been tough. Thank you for your service, and welcome to DU. Thanks to your husband, too!

[lonewolf0507]

182. As a retired Navy Chief, I too have seen what the Navy can do

to Navy mothers. I wish I could have helped more, but you understand.

[Love Bug]

184. They make you lose your benefits for that?

I got a discharge due to pregnancy, too, but it was an honorable one with all of the related benefits (GI bill, GI loan, etc.).

[MacVet]

192. So sorry to hear that

Being in the Army was no fun for me, either, but nothing compared to what you went through.

[NC_Nate]

174. USMC

USMC
1999-2004 still in the IRR
Sgt.
spent 8 months in Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Iraq "Freedom"

[lonewolf0507]

178. U.S. Navy Retired March 2002

CTRC(SW/MTS/SR) E-7

Persian Gulf I

20 years.

Thanks for the honor.

[BAPhill]

181. US Army 84-94

I spent the Gulf War in Germany.

[XNASA]

183. US Navy

HC-1 Det 3

Honorably Discharged from Active Duty in June '77.

[WindRavenX]

185. thanks to all the veterans

Your service will not be forgotten :hug:

[leftbend]

186. U.S. Army

I was in for life, seemed like it anyway. 1968 to 1988. Two combat tours in Vietnam beginning in 68 and two tours in Korea , one in 2nd I.D., one tour in Germany and various assignments stateside. I have been everything from combat engineer to tanker to helicopter door gunner to finally ending my career as an instructor at Aberdeen, MD., retiring as a Sergeant First Class. I am now 100% disabled due to the effects of Agent Orange(another gift from the government that keeps on giving) and other problems related to my military service. A few good times,a lot of horrible times, given a choice I don't think I would do it again! I never really felt comfortable in the role of soldier but remained in for various personal reasons. As terrible as Vietnam was, I feel the current mess in Iraq is worse in the toll it will take on our country and what it doing to our armed forces. I salute all Veterans for their service no matter what capacity or time frame. Peace.

[Mr Bojangles]

188. Absolutley amazing

I knew we had a handful of vets running around here, I just didn't know how many.

I'm quite stunned by the number of replies.

Thank you for all you've done, you guys (and gals, and husbands, and wives) rock. :toast:

[Slit Skirt]

189. Army Specialist E-4 no combat...3 yrs of svc...

trained as weapons specialist....and then put me in an aircraft hanger to order repair parts...typical army...

however, i did meed a lot of vets who were coming back from Viet Nam......MY HATS OFF TO YOU AND ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SEEN BATTLE:thumbsup:

[jmowreader]

190. 98C, secondary 97G

12 years.

Postings:

Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Yongsan, Korea
Fort Hood, Texas
Berlin, Germany
Fort Drum, New York

[HowlnAround]

268. ditto the 98C

Devens, Carson, Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin, A-berg)

1975-1979

[HowlnAround]

271. ASA-Army Security Agency

or other wise know as Assholes (who) Sign Anything

[alfredo]

286. Any Kagnew vets?

O5H20

[Zorro]

371. Yes.

Navy puke, though.

[alfredo]

402. That's fine. What years?

did you ever serve on ships like the Valdez or the Liberty?

Remember RBT or Momma K? Don Golo, or Gurgussums?

http://homepage.mac.com/alfredo_tomato/PhotoAlbum1.html
You will see some Asmara and Eritrea photos mixed in, then at top you will see links for Kagnew photos.

[Zorro]

426. 75-76

I was there at the end times. ASA gone, Stonehouse shut down. 14 hour mids because the Ethis shot you on sight if you were wandering around the streets after dark. Tract B was manned by about a dozen military and about 20 Collins contractors. We were relegated to the north half of Kagnew, lived in the old VOQ, and spent our time on-base in what was the Officer's Club. Lost 2 to a land mine on the way to Tract F, and had 5 guys kidnapped by the EPLF while I was there.

I'm certain it was quite a different experience from those stationed there in the late 60s. Nevertheless, I had a pretty interesting tour; despite the troubles there, it was quite a rewarding experience to be in Asmara, which is quite a fascinating place. Wouldn't mind going back for a visit, now that the war is somewhat over.

Thanks for the URL. You probably already know about www.kagnewstation.com. Lots of good stories there.

[alfredo]

431. I was there from 66 to ETS in 69.

I was in Co A. Worked Tract C as a Ditty bopper. I drank a lot of booze, and ate a lot of zigni. When I left the drought and the insurgency was just beginning.

Sorry you didn't get to really get to know Asmara, and travel the roads freely. I used to ride my motorcycle and bicycle up and down the escarpment. We used to party in Massawa, swim at Gurgussoms, spend lazy days in Decamare, and quiet nights in Keren. I have been to Axum, Mekele, and Adua. Loved them all. I walked up Debra Bizan, drank their beer, and got to see how they lived.

In Axum I got to see the crown jewels, saw a carving of the likeness of the Queen of Sheba, and stood in the basement of the church reputed to hold the Arc of the Covenent.

All those beautiful places paled in comparison to the people. I miss them most of all.

I know of the website. I have a story on the site, and several pictures.

[jmowreader]

290. Let's strike up a chorus of the Ballad of the ASA!

(Sing it to the tune of the Ballad of the Green Berets)

Black is for the night we fear
Blue is for the water we don't go near
White is for the flag we fly
Yellow is the reason why.

Red is for the blood we shed
As you see, there is no red
'Titless WACs', that's what they say
About the men of the ASA.

Fighting soldiers jump and die
We're the ones who sit and cry
One hundred men will jump today
But not a one from the ASA.

Drunken soldiers, always high
Dropouts from old Sigma Chi
Men who bullshit all the way
We're the men of the ASA.

We're not trained to fight or kill
But we'll always drink our fill
Men who drink can seldom fight
And ASA drinks through the night.

Trained to go from bar to bar
That's the life that's best by far
"Another round," someone proclaims,
"In another hour we'll start our swings."

On a mid, a trick chief waits
For his men are coming in late
Men who drink among the best
'Another round', our last request.

Headphones humming in our ears
We've been cleared, so we're not queers
One hundred men will test today
But only one makes the ASA.

A teal blue scarf 'round my son's neck
Would make my son a nervous wreck
One hundred men re-upped today
But not a one for the ASA.

[HereSince1628]

294. My God it's been DECADES since I heard THAT!

hahahahahahahahahah!

It is ALL TRUE!

I would have NEVER gone to college if I had not spent so many nights with absolutely drunken comrades who held BA's or MA's in such militaristic fields as Theatre/Scenary Design! (though in service he repaired computers which at the time could actually accomodate someone of his girth INSIDE the cabinet.

SP5 Winkleman is more responsible for my PHD than my GI Bill education benefits, I hope he is somewhere, well tenured, teaching college kids how to act.

[jmowreader]

303. We used to sing the first verse and the chorus differently

White is for the flag we fly
Yellow is the reason why
Red is for the blood we shed
But as you see, there is no red

Silver steins upon our chests
We are men, the Agency's best
One hundred men re-up today
But not a one from the ASA

* * * * *

Five of us were drinking at the House of 100 Beers in Berlin and talking with some Air Force officers when one of the AF guys asked one of my guys what he did for a living. My guy said he was a military intelligence soldier. The zoomies said that couldn't be true, no MI guy would ever admit he was. Then the zoomies asked one of our MPs (my unit had its own MPs) what my guy did for a living. "Oh, him? (long sip of beer) He's a spy."

[HereSince1628]

310. Yeah, my personal gear included a cloak and a dagger.

I think you guys in Berling did some real spying.

Those of us slobs supporting the war in Vietnam were mostly interested in helping decide where the bombs dropped.

And I learned it is damned hard to do damage to a radio net when you are only guiding arc-light to a 100 ft long wire antennae.

I thank all the forces of the universe for not giving me a year long assignment to Shimya. I would have NEVER gotten over it. I'd probably be a REPUBLICAN if that had happened to me!!!!!!!!!

[cally]

360. Welcome to DU...

thanks for your service

[Pacifist Patriot]

191. Army brat who wants to thank her lurking dad for serving.

He left to serve his country as a lieutenant in Vietnam two weeks after my birth and didn't see me again until after my first birthday. I love you dad!

[ohtransplant]

193. USAF, 1978 - 1982, Staff Sargent (E-5)

No combat. The closest I got was when President Carter tried to rescue the hostages. I was in Greece at the time.

[lostinhere]

194. Current member

USAR/ARNG since 1986
Major
South of Texas
18+ years

[Nag Champa]

195. Wow. That was an amazing read.

Thank you, Veterans.

I could not do what you've done.
Thanks to people like you, I was never asked to.

My hat is off to all of you.

[PhuLoi]

196. Army, E5, III Corps Viet Nam, 69-71. As for my old man:

U.S.M.C., WWII, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima. R.I.P. Monk, you mean old bastard.

[TheDebbieDee]

197. US Army, Dec 1982 - Jul 1991.......

US Army Reserve, Jul 1991 - May 2002

Persian Gulf War Vet stationed with 86th Evac Hosp from Ft. Campbell, KY at KKMC. I witnessed 4 Scud attacks but other than that, I saw no combat, praise the Lord!

ETA - Medical Supply Specialist, 76J

[Chimpanzee]

198. USAF circa 1974-75 Bentwaters AFB, England

Kicked out for using too many drugs with extenuating circumstances in my favor that I'm still not allowed to talk about (honorable discharge!)

Munitions maintenance mechanic

Almost forgot - to all those that REALLY served, you have my profound respect and gratitude.

[sphinx77449]

428. Ahhhhh ... The Chimpster had "relations" with the ....

... AFOSI teaux ?!?!??

Same here .... Special CM outta March AFB.

VERY much an eye-opener for a young lad who had preconceived notions that all Americans had "rights".

The most valuable lesson I took from my four years was that the notion of "rights" is a farce. Glad I learned it early ... saved me from gettin a bunch of knots on my knoggin later.

Always better to know the rules of the game before you play.

Hey .... those were different times.

Peace brother !

[lefador]

200. Army Rangers....

First Gulf War... saw combat.

Went behind enemy lines before the invasion for recon and target designation duties... and other "neat" stuff I can not discuss. Was part of Iris Gold.

I got out of the Army because I was sick of the rampant fundamentalism among my fellow officers and the right wing hijacking of the American armed forces. I am sad to see my fears materialize...

I have seen heavy combat and risked my life a few times for this country, only to have my allegiance to America questioned by people who have not moved a single finger for her. Just because I dare being a liberal... and I have a functioning brain.

I am however very proud of the people I served with, only those who have seen war first hand are capable of comprehend its horrors. May god have mercy on our souls for what they have done in our name!

Rangers lead the way!

[Name removed]

204. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Chimpanzee]

205. A disrespectful Freeper, how shocking!

[lefador]

211. Gee... thanks I guess....

...is that how you right wingers thank Veterans?

"Support the troops" indeed.... by calling us pieces of shit and telling us to fuck off. We really really really appreciate that.

So when did you serve son?

[Bunny]

212. Why don't you tell us about your service?

We'd love to know, and even though you don't want our thanks, we'll thank you for it anyway!

[SF Bay Area Dem]

218. Prove your allegations Freeper Troll

Hmmmmm I have never cheered when any of our soldiers have died. Could you please prove your vicious allegations troll? If not STFU!

[Redleg]

439. I too disliked the knee-jerk conservatism of fellow officers.

It made me sick to my stomach and I was a Republican at the time.

[Slit Skirt]

201. this is for my dad

us navy wwII
ship was hit by kamikazee pilots
many died...he saved some of the metal from the plane and made a ring for my mom
may he rest in peace

[Slit Skirt]

203. thanks for the thread

...it has brought tears to my eyes...
..and pride in my heart

[Slit Skirt]

206. this should have been posted to main thread....

it looks like I am thanking myself!

[qnr]

208. heheheh you narcissist you

[Wink]

202. U.S.N. '84 thru '88

No combat, lots of carousing. Just like Chimpy. Except I didn't purposely avoid combat while working for Republican who wanted combat.

[DrDan]

207. Major, U.S. Air Force - 20 years

I was in flight school at the same time as junior.

The major difference was that I actually showed up for assignments as ordered and I completed the obligation I made to the U.S. Air Force.

[dkofos]

209. US Air Force 1972-1976

3 yrs 6 months service
E4
Took an early out as soon as I could.

[Submariner]

210. USN EM3 (SS) 1965-69

No combat...just played chicken-of-the-sea bump and scrape games screwing around in each others baffles.

[DoobieToo]

213. PA-NG 28th Division 109th Field Artillery

From 1972 through 1978.

Not sure I'm really a Vet anymore, the National Guard doesn't carry much respect now a days.

[vanamonde]

214. USNR, 1972-74, Franklin D Roosevelt CVA-42

[Trinity]

215. 32D/31N - US Army - 1986 to 1992 - Desert Storm - E5 (Sgt)

Trinity :hippie: :smoke: :freak:

[atreides1]

216. Thanks

US Army, Seregant/E-5/Operation Desert Storm/1978-1991

1978-1982 D Co 801st Maint Bn, 101st ABN, Ft. Campbell,KY
1982-1984 19th Signal Co., 11th Signal Bde, Ft. Huachuca, AZ
1984-1985 Supply Co. MFO/LSU, Sinai Egypt
1985-1987 A Co. 2nd FSB, 4th ID, Ft. Carson, CO
1987-1988 Supply Co. MFO/LSU, Sinai Egypt
1988-1991 HMS Co. 725th Maint Bn, 25th ID, Schofield Barracks, HI

While still assigned to the 25th ID, I volunteered for duty in Operation Desert Storm. I arrived in country on 02-18-91, I was
then assigned to the 426th S&T Bn, 101st Abn Div.

I returned to Hawaii and was discharged 11-18-91.

[HereSince1628]

217. Army, SPC-5, 31J20B3 (Data Prep Equip Repair)

Combat...I fought like hell with my barracks mates!

Actually, I was a noncombatant and served in a unit that did a lot of TDY's so I got to see NW Thailand, Northern Thailand (a fairly long stint at RRFS-7 south of Udorn Thani), Northeast Thailand, Gulf of Thailand I thought of it as southeast Thailand but it was not even in the panhandle, Phu Bai (dodged some terrible pot holes), Da Nang (dodged some rockets), Ben Cat (dodged some bad beer), Saigon (dodged lots of motor scooters and had a close call with a re-enlistment sergeant), Okinawa, Tokyo, the sunny paradise of Shimya Alaska (western Aleutians) where God intended there to be a beautiful girl behind every tree--but then forgot to provide trees or even sufficient sunshine to grow them, then good old Radio Research Field Station 1--Vint Hill Farm, Virginia. My favorite posting ever was to Ft. Myer, VA. it lasted less than a day...it was my last stop before returning to civilian life.

All in all, it was quicker than I thought it would be. I volunteered for 4 years to get a guarantee of a noncombatant MOS (hey I DID volunteer for the hazards of submarine duty, they just didn't know how good I would have been...it _was_ their loss). Because of mustering outs and base closings following the end of the Vietnam mess, I only served 2 years 9 months, 12 days, 10 hours and 7 minutes of my original enlistment. Sorry but the watch I was wearing the day I was discharged didn't have a second hand :) (yes, I am from a time before digital watches)

Seriously, military service is a sacrifice. For too many it took away much much more than a handful of years of their youths.

To those who I know and to those I don't and to the families of those who never returned I say I know only you can measure the loss and the price military service demanded.

Military service is not about flags, brass bands or about winning or losing skirmishes, battles or wars. Service is about a willingness to step forward and give when asked.

The least the nation can do is to remember to say, "Thank you!"

[namvet73]

219. SSGT (E-5) USAF August, 1969- August, 1973

1 Year at Keesler AFB Tech School, MS (Nav Systems)
2 Years at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI - Repair of KC-135s and B-52s (SAC Cold War Service)
A few Days in Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam (C-47s I was trained to fix were pulled out)
1 year in Udorn Thailand Repairing F-4s and RF-4Cs for Vietnam Combat

Thanks for thinking of us today!

[HereSince1628]

270. I wassouth of Udorn from Sept 72-Feb 73...when were you there?

I might have passed you on the street or thrown something on you during the water festival.

[namvet73]

295. We might have crossed paths....

I did not go to a water festival.

I was in 432 AMS Inertial Navigation repairs. I inhabited the big yellow tin barracks for the first few months before moving to a more private 2 man hooch at our squadron HQ. I don't know if it was a good move because I was close to the end of the runway with F-4 afterburners thundering half the night. Somehow, I actually managed to sleep through it. I often wonder if that is why I am slightly high pitch deaf in my left ear. It's probably just aging.

The tin barracks were actually not bad looking back. I discovered that mosquitoes did NOT like my meat. Some guys got eaten up, while I remained unbitten. Used mosquito net and sticky spray.

I should have bought more black star Sapphire jewelry! was cheap there.

One remarkable thing I have discovered over the years. The worst bosses I have ever had have been civilians. Almost never had a problem with the chiefs as long as I basically kept my shit straight.

Military life builds stronger bonds, team work and brotherhood rather than corporate competitiveness.

[HereSince1628]

298. I shot a lot of hoops on the east side of that runway.

RRFS-Ramasoon Station was such a little boring place we came up the road whenever we could...it was a nickle to ride a lao-lao truck to the airbase.

Many a roundball game was interrupted by the necessity to cover our ears as F4s roared into the sky.

I hear you on the jewelry thing, I bought a number of chess sets from Johnny's Gem's just outside the east gate. Which of these items do you still have from the PX...Yashika (or MamiyaSekor35mm SLR Camera or the Akai reel to reel tape recorder/or tape deck, or Seiko watch?

Often when I smell charcoal burning on sweaty summer nights I am taken back to Udorn. I can't explain that to anyone.

[namvet73]

329. Udorn Stuff...

My Akai reel-to-reel crapped out only a few years after I got out.
Still have Teakwood Elephant and Bull. My brother has a teakwood lion.
My mother has the black star sapphire ring with rubies around it.
I still have my Asahi Pentax F1.4 SLR camera and it still works great.
I bought a few of those funny musical instruments with bamboo pipes that you blow on, but they are gone. A few Thai Baht bills, airplane tickets and all military records. It's a mystery to me why 'W' can't seem to cough his up, I have all mine. I registered my DD 214 with the Bergen County, NJ clerk, just so I wasn't the only one with an "original."

I remember some of the smells. I remember the chilled water kept out on the flight line that was brown and tasted like formaldehyde, but when you are so thirsty you don't give a shit. It's cold.

When I first arrived in Nam, when I walked out of the plane it was like a wall of heat and it smelled like dead bodies. I was lucky. Tan Son Nhut got hit with rockets only a couple days after I was shipped out.

I remember I we could tell the pilots flew their last mission before going home when they flew straight up and then straight down just before coming out of a dive. That was their way of saying SHORT or GONE! I pity the guys in Iraq who can't rely on a day that they can get out. Talk about demoralizing, having your tour suddenly extended has got to be the absolute pits.

[5thGenDemocrat]

220. Army, PFC. No combat (not in THESE pants!). 1974-76

I was a 72E20 -- Communications Center Specialist, basically the military equivalent of a Western Union operator, stationed at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The MOS code no longer exists -- due to the advent of the internet and laptop computers.
I never got within six or eight thousand miles of any shooting, wore my Class A uniform most days and never suffered any injury more severe than a paper cut. I ate off real plates with real silverware daily, and got clean sheets once a week like clockwork.
About the only thing I carry with me from those days is a discomfort with letting my hair grow too long (I had hair down past my shoulders when I enlisted and now get uncomfortable if it touches my shirt collar).
I really have no interesting stories to share about my Army time. The toughest part of it was getting through basic training in Kentucky in January and February. Beyond that, I'll defer to the real veterans who suffered some sort of discomfort due to their service.
John
Meanwhile, a big "HOOAH" to the men and women of the United States Army Communications Command (now the 8th Signal Brigade). Wrists up and fingers on the home row keys!

[truebluecollar]

221. CANG 1986-91

That's California Army National Guard,11B (infantry) E-4. Never activated, never mobilized, it was the good old days, kind of like being a re-enactor. Like our illustrious CinC, I too went AWOL one drill. Had tickets to Game 3 and 4 World Series 1989, those games were postponed because of a little earthquake to a drill week-end.
Got Article 15ed.

[Elminster]

222. U.S. Navy 1990-1994

Radioman

Petty Officer 3rd Class/E-4

Served onboard U.S.S. Nassau (LHA-4) "Prima Ab Marina"

I am second generation Navy because my father served during
Viet-Nam onboard U.S.S. Valley Forge (LPH-8) as a Boatswain Mate.

I caught the tail end of Desert Storm. I am proud to have served
and would do it all over again if I had to.

[greyfox]

223. SSgt Greyfox here

USAF, 1959-1962. Was blessed not to see combat but had a few scary skirmishes over Taiwan way. Stationed overseas in Taiwan and Philippines. Statewise in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Wwent from nut counter (okay, inventory management) to newspaper editor and wing historian for 97th Bombardment Wing.

[MNEyeDoc]

224. SSBN 656 (Gold Crew) Sonar Technician first class

Now I have to scan the other entries and see if I find any shipmates.

Six years active, two years reserves

1983-1989

Very proud to have served.

[CarbonDate]

227. USAF, 2000 - present. Senior Airman

Presently deployed to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.

[vs the introvore]

228. army , pvt, 88 M HET operator, no combat just live fire exercises everyday

signed up the day before christmas 1999 because i knew it was the end. chapter 10-ed july, 2002 NEEDS OF THE ARMY, my ass. anyways, i salute the real soldiers who wish they could come home now. i was soldiering my ass off all 2002 just to stay in, but i guess i got lucky. probably the only person ever to have a happy meth ending. boy, am i happy.

[clemdem]

229. USN

I was on the USS Enterprise
IT2
1997-2001
Operation Desert Fox

[lazarus]

231. USAF 1984-1988

I'm a Cold War vet.

My great-grandfather, I find out, was a vet of WWI. Here's a pic of him in uniform:

[Demonaut]

233. USN 1981-1986, USS Constellation, Photographers Mate 3rd class

two westpacs, and many a visit to Olongapo City and the Barrio

[zydeco]

234. USCG E-5, 61-65

[IndianaGreen]

236. Present and accounted for!

[Sympleesmshn]

238. Son of a proud Artillery officer

My dad spent a tour in Vietnam and 10 years in two tours in Germany. He retired a Major in late 1991 after the Gulf War. He claims he was in a group of officers who pushed for us to topple Saddam during the first Gulf War.

I have also had every male in my dad's direct family tree serve in the military in every major war since the Civil War.

[dodger501]

239. Navy, 70-74

Lots of WestPac duty but no direct combat.
USS Thomaston LSD-28, amphibious fleet.
Was a LCVP cox first 2 years, then went to Signal bridge, ending up as SM2 (E-5).

I drove the resident Seal team to their missions.
Bad mofo's, those guys!

[abburdlen]

242. 98C Signal Intelligence Analyst

Army 1989-1992 E-4
319th MI BN
Spent 6 months in Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Storm.

[recovering democrat]

243. Thanks to all DU Veterans

For my husband (Vietnam vet) and all of you - Your courage and love of country are appreciated.


thanks from his wife and son (current US Army).

[antigone382]

244. A big thanks to all the veterans!

To The Army:


First to fight, For the right,
And to build the Nations might,
And the Army goes rolling along.
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle's won
And the Army goes rolling along.


Then it's Hi ! Hi ! Hey !
The Army on it's way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong,
(TWO! THREE!)
For Wher - e'er we go, you will always know,
That the Army goes rolling along.


:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

The Navy:

Stand, Navy, out to sea, Fight our battle cry;
We'll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll out the TNT, Anchors Aweigh. Sail on to victory
And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.
Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.

:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

The Air Force:

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

The Marines:

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
On the land as on the sea.
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.

:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

The National Guard:

And in the eyes of my enemies
Or the eye of a storm
I face the dangers as they come
In any shape or form
I am your sons, your friends, your fathers
And your daughters working hard
To be the best and keep us strong
Proud to be the Guard


Defending Freedom protecting dreams
This is the spirit of what it means to me
For my God and my home that I love
I GUARD AMERICA

:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

And last but certainly not least, The Coast Guard:

From North and South and East and West,
The Coast Guard's in the fight.
Destroying subs and landing troops,
The Axis feels our might.
For we're the first invaders,
On every fighting field.
Afloat, ashore, on men and Spars,
You'll find the Coast Guard shield.


We're always ready for the call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through howling gale and shot and shell,
To win our victory.
"Semper Paratus" is our guide,
Our pledge, our motto, too.
We're "Always Ready," do or die!
Aye! Coast Guard, we fight for you.

:toast: :yourock: :hi: :party: :bounce: :pals: :toast:

[Iver Johnson]

252. Verses two and three

Of The Marines Hymn:

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze,
From dawn to setting sun,
We have fought in every clime and place,
Where we could take a gun,
From the snow of far off northern lands, To a sunny tropic scene,
You will find us always on the job,
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps,
Which we are proud to serve,
We have fought for life in many a strife,
And never lost our nerve,
If the Army and the Navy,
Ever look on Heaven's scene,
They will find the streets are guarded by,
The United States Marines.

[alfredo]

245. Sp/5 USASA 4th US Field Station

Asmara Ethiopia (now Eritrea)

[HereSince1628]

264. Cheers from another ASA'er

[alfredo]

278. We're still kicking

[HereSince1628]

282. Semper vigilantes, was on my last brass.

The present is as important as anytime in my life for vigilance and analysis.

I still have a "lightening plucking chicken foot" shoulder patch.

[alfredo]

328. I do too.

It was a great group to be part of. Nobody fucked with us. They let us do our jobs.

[nytemare]

246. US Army Military Police 90-94

In the Military Police then there were about 25-30 males to one female, and I was a big mouthed female, so I only made it to PFC.

I was stationed out of Frankfurt, Germany and Ft Belvoir, VA.

I went to Iraq in 91, the northern part, where the Kurds are. I was in Zacchu, Mosul, Dohuk.

When I went in, I was totally naiive about life, thinking I would be able to go save the world. I think many of our troops think that now. It was a good state of mind to have while it lasted, but it was a downer having that carpet pulled out from under you.

I value my experience in the military. It tought me about the rewards of hard work, and accepting responsibility for your actions. Too bad GW didn't go active duty, accepting responsibility would have made him a better president. The only buck that has stopped with him has been one with George Washington on it.

[beam me up scottie]

247. USMC E-3 83-85

[blue neen]

248. This thread is making me cry.

Here's to my dad: US Army--Korean War Conflict. May he rest in peace.

Here's to my step-dad: USMC--Korean War Conflict. This kind man worked very hard on the Kerry campaign in Orlando, FL.

I hope they both know how proud this country is of them. :grouphug:

[TimeToGo]

249. Navy --

Five years active -- 6 months reserve.

E-6

No combat.

[Klaatu]

250. Army '85 - '89. Airborne!

Army from '85 - '89, MOS 31 C, E-5 (that's a Sergeant for you non-veterans :-)). Spent time stationed in Germany and Ft. Bragg, NC with Special Operations Command. No official combat but did a couple of rotations in Panama before we invaded that country to overthrow our own CIA operative.

[speedoo]

251. USNR 1964-68

LT.

Served as CIC Officer on a WW2 era destroyer. Saw a lot of this earth. Many great memories, some not so good. Had a couple of colleague junior officers transfer to Swift Boats and I often wonder if they got out OK.

My best memories were as OOD (officer of the deck):

1. conning my DD through a rendesvous of about 40 ships in the Mediterranean to a position alongside a tanker for refueling.

2. taking my ship into the Vienam War Zone during the midnight watch, acting as screen commander.

As a veteran, I think my hatred of shrub is that much greater. I hate chickenhawks. I hate cowards. shrub is both, and much worse.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

254. I'd like to add my grandfather to this list

he just died in 2002 at the age of 82. He served during WWII, flying B-24 bombers for the Army Air Corps (later the USAF) in bombing missions over North Africa.

He was nearly killed several times and lost his gunner (who was his best friend).

He retired from the Air Force in the early 70s with 30 years of service. He was a Colonel. He was an upstanding, good man who always voted Democrat. If he hadn't come back from the war, my mother would not be here, thus I wouldn't.

He was 20 years old when he signed up and didn't make weight the first time, so he went home and at a ton of bananas and went back and made weight.

I love and miss him....here's to you Papaw! I'll always be proud to be your granddaughter!

(His brother, my great-uncle, served in WWII at the same time, but in the Army. He spent most of his time in Europe. At one point they happened to be in the same tavern at the same time in England and saw each other and freaked out. My great-uncle had gotten word that my grandfather (his brother) had been gunned down, so you can imagine how amazing it was to see his little brother, injured but alive and well!)

[Demonaut]

357. beautiful story, very touching.. ...once we fought noble wars

now we have illegal conflicts....

[Turkw]

255. 6 years in army reserve, 7/9th field artillery

Missed Papa Bush's war by 6 weeks. We weren't great soldiers, but were damn good artillerymen, my unit held an army wide record for hip shooting- firing artillery from an unprepared location under short notice. Specialist was the highest rank I attained.

[Citizen Carl]

257. ....

MAJOR THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

[owenthewonderdog]

259. Poppies

It would be nice if the US had an overt way of remembering Veterans' Day (or Armistice Day to us Brits) such as the poppies that are worn in Britain and Canada. If I remember right the money raised by selling the poppies goes to veterans organisations.

I've never served but family members who have:

Great uncles who died at Arras and Gallipoli in WWI
Great uncle Bill, International Brigade, Spanish Civil War against Franco
Mum's dad, British Army, North Africa, invasion of Italy (Anzio), WWII
Great uncle Jim, Royal Marine Commandos, WWII, D-Day
Father-in-law, Viet Nam vet, army of the Republic of Korea

[qnr]

281. I think the American Legion sells poppies n/t

[Hand]

293. Yes...

The poppies blooming on every coat in Halifax around this time of year are a deeply moving expression of this country's esteem for all who served as well as reminder to us of some common bond. They're part of the healing and unifiying of a disparate nation.

In Canada, the money goes to the War Amputees society, whose motto is "Never Again".

:toast:

[CaptainCorc]

261. USAF 1970-1974

i joined after pulling a 36 in the very first lottery. I came out as an E-4.

I join in the salute to all who served.

[Stinky The Clown]

262. Iposted this in its own thread, but will post it here too, slightly edited

I'm a Navy Vet - regular and reserve - from 1967 to 1975. Vietnam era, but I fortunate not to have been to Nam. E-6 (Second Class Petty Officer) when I got out.

I get proud and weepy on Veteran's Day. Proud because I went when it seemed the right thing to do. Weepy because of all the shit the vets have had to take. Some even on this board seem to want to criticize today's active duty military - for voting for Bush and even for simply being in Iraq.

Treating vets shitty is nothing new. When they came back from Vietnam, they came home by commercial carrier in onesies and twosies. No welcome. No warmth. No thanks. (The notion that they were spit upon appears to have long ago been debunked). Then they were pushed aside by the VA. It took Max Cleland and Jimmy Carter (both vets) to fix that.

My Dad was a WWII vet. North Africa, Italy, France, then Germany at the end. He came home, and like all the rest of his generation of vet, married, got a job, had kids, and lived his life. But now, where he's buried, we can't even get permission for a plaque on his grave to signify his service. Catholic cemetery in CT. My mother, before she died, too, worked hard to get that changed. The Diocese of Bridgeport. The city. The state. Nada. Finger pointing. Call this one. Call that one. I'm sorry, ma'am, we can't help you here. Try there.

Bullshit.

Do you realize that Vietnam Vets got a memorial before the WWII vets did? Greatest Generation? Yeah, whatever. Now move along ...... no loitering.

And so I hold my head proud.

And I weep (quite literally, even as I am typing this).

The current AWOL fucker occupying MY government's house is just like the assholes my mother dealt with to her death. Disrespectful, ungrateful, uncaring, unconcerned.

God Bless you all, My Brothers and Sisters!

[qnr]

267. Welcome to DU

I understand your feelings. However, I've always just considered the fact that there are hundreds of millions of Americans of all ages. Each of them individuals. You are bound to run into people that criticize something you care for, no matter where you turn.

Thanks for all you've done, and continue to do.

[Devil Dog Dem]

266. U.S.M.C., 1985-1989

Ooh Rah!

[Bunny]

284. I was waiting for you to check in, Devil Dog Dem!

Thanks and Semper Fi! :toast:

[Jai4WKC08]

269. US Army '77-'97

Retired LTC. Cold warrior.

Got a hubby who's not a DUer, not internet-active at all, but hard-core liberal Democrat so he oughta count. Retired CW4, '68-'89, Chu Lai '70-71.

Also got a son in the Air Force, A1C. Active duty for training at Keesler AFB, right outside Biloxi MS. He's a good Democrat too. We raised him right. ;)

[jmcon007]

272. John Conley, Corporal, USMC, Viet Nam 1969, 2 Purple Hearts

Thank you DU. I never miss a day of Democratic Underground and appreciate the hard work I know is required to maintain a quality site as this.
GW and those around him have no clue whatsoever about war and its horrors. It's like a Nintendo game and they make up their own rules as they go along. I suppose to them oil is thicker than blood....
I pray for my country these next four years and that we have something resembling a democracy when GW is finally retired.
John Conley
Proud Democrat

[TahitiNut]

313. Thanks for covering my butt, John!

I was at Long Binh Post (USARV-HQ) from January through November '69.
Welcome home, bro'! :hi:

[jmcon007]

333. Thanks....

....and welcome home to you, too. I was based at An Hoa (about 25 miles sw of DaNang)from Jan 69 to December.
I appreciate the note.
John

[Skittles]

273. ME, ME, BUNNYJ!!!

I was in the Air Force in the late 70's when only 4% of the enlisted folk were women. YES INDEED!!!!

Sergeant Skittles!

[Bunny]

277. I was wondering if you were going to come in, Skittles!

Good to see you here. Thanks for your service, Sergeant! (My brother was AF, too! A lifer!)

[Lord_Ingues]

274. US Navy 1992-1994 Norfolk, Virginia

Served on the USS Milwaukee AOR-2 (Best in the fleet!) and USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 Mediterranean fleet. Good fun :)

[clydefrand]

276. Veteran (1953-1956)

Served in Army Security Agency from Sept. 1, 1954 thru end of Aug., 1956. Most of my time was in Oji, Japan.
Clyde.

[HereSince1628]

291. From a younger ASA'er to YOU, Cheers!

I was only a year old when your service began, but served in the ASA you helped build.

Cold-warriors are known to have warm hearts!

[twiller2000]

283. USMC 1997-2002

Electronic Countermeasures Tech, MALS-29, MCAS New River. No combat (just missed a couple boats to the sandbox). Honorably Discharged in November of 2002.

[Spinzonner]

285. USAF, Staff Sgt (E5), 1971-1975

No combat, 4 years at Langley AFB, Virginia.

[queenfortuna]

287. Female Army veteran

I was in the Army 1991-1994 and in the Army National Guard 1996-1998. Fortunately I was in Clinton's peacetime Army and didn't have to serve in a combat zone.

[prairierose]

288. I'd like to thank all of those who served and

mention my Dad who joined the Army at 17 & served with Military Govt in Italy at the end of WWII, then went on to work in the Military Police in the Pentagon after the war. His cousins served there & Korea & Vietnam.

Last year 4 of my cousins were in Iraq at the same time, 2 after having served a year in Afganistan. 2 active duty, 2 NG called up. Thank heavens they have all made it back in one piece. They all worry about being sent back.

:yourock:

[carnie_sf]

289. USAF Sgt F-4 egress systems

George Bush is a draft-dodging, deserting chickenhawk pussy

On edit: 1977-1982

[Branjor]

292. This is in tribute to my dad....

United States Navy, Petty Officer 1st class, served in the Pacific theatre, WW2 from 1942-1945 in combat zone.

Also, Korean War, 1950-1952, no combat, served in Pentagon.

ETA: He's 87 years old and voted for Kerry!

[Nickster]

296. 31U-Signal Systems Support Specialist/USAR 89-93/E-4

[RhodaGrits]

297. Thank you Veterans who have served this country

in whatever capacity in war and in peace. This is a country worth fighting for and we are grateful for your service.

In memory of my dad, a railroad engineer in the Korean conflict:

[DeaconBlues]

299. U.S. Army (1987-1990)

Served in peacetime (thank goodness) - barely missed Gulf I. Did serve near DMZ in South Korea in the Signal Corp. Highest rank - E-4.

[no name no slogan]

300. For my uncles

First of all for two who never came back from WWII:

Uncle Chester, 'the baby' of the family: you stayed back as long as you could to support our family, but when the time came you went unquestionably. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made, to rid the world of fascism.

To my Uncle Walt, a machinegunner who fell at the Battle of the Bulge: although I never met you, I feel as if I know you through the words of your widow-- my dearest Aunt Dorothy, who celebrates 92 years with us this Christmas. Although you were my age when the call came (35), you went to do your duty, with honor. Thank you.

And finally, for my Uncle Mike, who served with honor in a questionable war in Vietnam: although you looked fine when you came home, you were not. You carried the mental anguish of a dehumanizing war home with you, only finding solace in a six-pack. Last year, you finally got your rest. Thank you, Uncle Mike, for your gentleness, your humanity, and showing me the true cost of war. It is for you that I work so hard so that other poor young men don't have to go fight the wars of the rich old men.

Rest in peace.

[dw]

301. Captain, US Army, 1968-71, Quang Tri, Vietnam 1969-70

Was married with two kids, and had a critical skills deferment.

Volunteered to go to Vietnam because I hated the idea that it was a racial/racist war, and went there to save American and Vietnamese lives. I think I may have. And left with a bronze star.

[ebird15]

302. DU veterans

USAF Captain, active duty 7years, Grenada, Panama, Gulf I, ANG 3years
pilot.

[pcboss49]

304. 74th Army Band at Ft. Benjamin Harrison

from 1975-1978, short term but still a vet.

[IndianaGreen]

308. I know I heard you play!

Kudos!

[myomy]

305. Capt, flew mostly helicopters, Army 1961-63 and 64-66 which put me in

Vietnam which was extremely influential in my decision to end my military career.
ThereÕs nothing ÒromanticÓ about war.

[Skinner]

306. Thank you, DU Veterans!

Thank you so much for your service. This website exists because of the freedom that you have helped secure.

David Allen
"Skinner"
DU Admin

[Patiod]

309. Thank you, everyone. nt

[ResistTheCoup]

312. Two USAF Vets here

Plus my brother-in-law who is serving in Mosul right now. He was active duty Air Force for 4 years, then AF Reserves for 10, then Army Guard for 2 years. He was supposed to get out of the guard in January but got caught in the stop-loss and his ass landed in Iraq last March. Worried as hell about him.

Me, USAF - Vietnam Era Vet, Sgt. (E-4) 1972-1978. Dropsonde operator on WC-130's chasing typhoons out of Guam.

Spouse, USAF - Sgt. (E-4), 1980-1985. Served all five years in Germany.

[wildwww2]

314. USMC 74-78 Corporal was highest rank. No combat. I got lucky.

Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[HootieMcBoob]

315. US Army Reserves Spc 4

1991-1997 Taffic Management 88N No combat

[Brother Buzz]

316. Just a dumb draftee that added "no value, no advantage, really,..."

US Army Sergeant (AUS) 1972-74 1976 (IRR)

28 June 1972 - President Richard Nixon announced that no new draftees would be sent to Vietnam. Hmmm, I heard those words at the completion of AIT with orders in hand to ship out to South East Asia! Wow, talk about a high. My remainding time spent in the service proves Rumsfeld was right... draftees added "no value, no advantage, really, to the United States Armed Services over any sustained period of time."

Fuck you Rummy!

[CrownPrinceBandar]

317. Never served myself , but...............................

Granddad (I didn't know) - Tail Gunner, B-17, shot down over Europe.
Granddad (I knew and greatly miss) - Sgt, US Army, vet of WWII European Campaign.
Uncle - USN, USS Okinawa (LPH 3), Vietnam.
Uncle - USMC, Vietnam.

Thanks to all of you who have dutifully and bravely served our country for the freedoms we hold dear.

[Riverine Sailor]

318. Veterans

Served with the US Navy Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta, 1969-70 on Armored Troop Carrier ("Tango Boat") as a radioman and gunner. My rate was Seaman. We worked in many of the same areas as John Kerry's Swift Boats; he had already gone home by the time I was there. He deserved every medal he got. God, I hate this Air Guard deserter PUKE in the White House.

[UTUSN]

321. Reporting. Is There a Problem? Nobody Owes Me Nutin n/t

[sonias]

322. I salute all veterans including my 4 brothers and brother in law today

Four of my 5 brothers served in the armed services. Three during Vietnam and one during Gulf War 1. Three army and one marine. Only one of my brothers saw combat in Nam and he made it home safely. I thank God for that. My brother in law was 82nd Airborne. They all supported a fellow veteran and voted for John Kerry.

I thank them for their service and all others veterans today.
:toast:

Sonia

[Patriot Acts]

325. 31U

Signal Systems Support Specialist, U.S. Army.... Dessert Storm was over by the time I completed my training. I was ready to re-enlist after 9/11, started polishing my boots, digging uniforms out of their boxes.... until I started reading and paying attention to the politics of this war. When we decided to invade Iraq I lost all interest in re-enlisting. I know a majority of the people I served with are over there now... God Bless them!

I may be out of the Army but Im still fighting for my buddies that currently serve. We must be their voice.

[Dees]

323. Army 1964-66

Sgt. E-5, 1st Infantry Division, 16th Inf. 3rd Brigade, Lai Khe Vietnam, MOS 11B40, Draftee

[AlexHamilton]

324. Thanks

Many thanks go out to everyone who has served our country. Thank you is not enough, but it's all we can say.

Alex
Impeachment by the People

[sce56]

327. 52E, 52B, 63B 1974-1994

US Army retired. Served in Germany twice Texas Twice Ft. Hood & Ft. Bliss, Ft Belvoir Va twice Ft Ord Ca twice Ft Lost in the Woods Mo Yongsan Garrison Seoul, Korea once. My father served in the China Burma India theater in WWII and my Son is on his SECOND tour of duty in Iraq as I type this.
Best work done was in Disaster assistance following the Loma Prieta earthquake 1989 and Typhoon Omar Guam August then directly from one disaster to another, Hurricane Iniki on Kauai, Hawaii Sept of 1992 at that time my unit in the Corps of Engineers was involved in disaster assistance in three storm sites across across ten time zones from Florida to Guam! My Unit Prime Power BN. was awarded the Army Superior Unit award for those actions in support of FEMA.

[Dale G]

330. Vietnam Vet

Quartermaster 3rd Class
U.S.S. Richard B. Anderson DD-786
Two cruises to Vietnam
1965-67
U.S. Navy Reserve

I was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War
John Kerry asked me to to testify before George McGovern's Ad Hoc Senate Committee
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jksonc/docs/vietnam-sadhoc-19710423.html

[vetwife]

358. Thank you for speaking out against the war. My husband was there then and

he appreciated it !

[teewrex]

331. USN

Navy active duty 1978-1987, reserves 1987-1992
Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer
Was serving during the first Gulf War but saw no action.

[TroubleMan]

332. USMC 1992-2000....I really didn't do anything heroic so there's no need to

thank me.

[svpadgham]

335. Thanks

Sgt. Samuel Padgham, US Army. I served for 10 years since 1990(Prior service in case the math doesn't add up). I enlisted right out of high school, but luckily never saw any combat even though I was an M1 series tanker, all three versions. Sometimes the cards fall in your favor. I almost got nailed for this load of crap in Iraq because of that backdoor draft, but I only ended up serving 7 extra months past my ETS date. Yippee. I would have hated having to kill someone for the pathetic reasons we've been given by the * administration. Now I live moderately happily in TX worrying about all my buds that are currently stuck in that hole.

[qnr]

336. Hi svpadgham, Welcome to DU

:hi:

[onager]

337. USMC, S/SGT, Drill Instructor, 1971-77...

Well, how do you do, Private William McBride,
Do you mind if I sit down here by your graveside?
And rest for awhile in the warm summer sun,
I've been walking all day, and I'm nearly done.
And I see by your gravestone you were only 19
When you joined the glorious fallen in 1916,
Well, I hope you died quick and I hope you died clean
Or, Willie McBride, was it slow and obscene?

Did they beat the drum slowly, did they play the pipes lowly?
Did the rifles fire o'er you as they lowered you down?
Did the bugles sound "The Last Post" in chorus?
Did the pipes play "Flowers of the Forest?"

And did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
In some loyal heart is your memory enshrined?
And, though you died back in 1916,
To that loyal heart are you forever 19?
Or are you a stranger without even a name,
Forever enshrined behind some glass pane,
In an old photograph, torn and tattered and stained,
And fading to yellow in a brown leather frame?

The sun's shining down on these green fields of France;
The warm wind blows gently, and the red poppies dance.
The trenches have vanished long under the plow;
No gas and no barbed wire, no guns firing now.
But here in this graveyard that's still No Man's Land
The countless white crosses in mute witness stand
To man's blind indifference to his fellow man.
And a whole generation who were butchered and damned.

And I can't help but wonder, now Willie McBride,
Do all those who lie here know why they died?
Did you really believe them when they told you "The Cause?"
Did you really believe that this war would end wars?
Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame
The killing, the dying, it was all done in vain,
For Willie McBride, it all happened again,
And again, and again, and again, and again.

Green Fields Of France (Eric Bogle)

[Stargazer09]

338. USAF Reserves, currently serving

Hi everyone!

I have served our country honorably for the past seven years (as a Reservist--I was a military brat then a military wife before joining the Reserves). Unlike some people, I actually go to my drills, do my job, and follow orders.

I am planning on leaving the military when my commitment is up in 2006. Let the sheep who voted for four more years give up their lives for our country.

Take care and thank you for recognizing the veterans!

Roxi :grouphug:

[PrpgndBrdcstingSystm]

339. Navy 75-81; E-5; Electronics Tech; Nuclear Power plant operator

hated it. Young and foolish. The military should be cut drastically.

[Kurovski]

340. Thank you to all veterans for their service

and who continue to serve our country by being here at DU!

[LittleClarkie]

341. Here's my dad

MRC Calvin W. Woollums
Dec. 1 1928 - Feb. 5 2004
Years of Service 1947-1967


This is his raw recruit photo. As we went through photos for dad's memorial, we found two copies of this picture, one with a mustache, one without. At first we thought they were taken in two different years. Took us a moment to realize they were indeed the same photo, only dad had drawn a mustache on one of them to see how he'd look. Must have decided he looked pretty good, because as you can see, he went ahead and grew one for real.

[Mend]

342. Army Counter Intelligence Corps - Special Agent 1952-1955

[madminute]

343. De Oppresso Liber

Army.....81/93
Peace.

[ak]

344. USAF 1982-1987 ESC

202 E-4 buck Sgt
Goodfellow AFB 82-83
RAF Chicksands 83-85
Kelly AFB (Medina Annex) 85-86
One year extension of service to go to
Osan AB ROK 86-87 IYASNUAS
No combat other than down in the Vile, Songton


Grandfather WWI France wounded twice, in Hospital temp blinded
by mustard gas when the armistice signed

Father USA 1954-56 Italy, Austria

three generations who earned their DD-214, didn't have their daddy's
get them early outs

[Amich]

348. Air Force

1991-1997
Security/law enforcement

[appal_jack]

349. in honor of Ben Knepper & other great vets

On this veteran's day, I have a lot of thankful thoughts going out to a lot of vets, including both grandfathers, numerous uncles, and many others. But I want to share a bit of the story of one particularly honorable soul, both because he's still on this planet, and because he's not the type to do internet _anything_, but he'll be amused to hear that I've given him props on a site called Democratic Underground.

Ben Knepper's mom had a hard time supporting her family after his father died during the Depression. One of the things that helped them get by was his acceptance into a vocational school in the mountains of Pennsylvania where he learned his lifelong trade as a woodworker. I know of no other cabinet maker whose skills can rival his. After graduating from there, he was drafted into the tail-end of WW2, but most of the war stories I've heard from him were from when he was called back up for service in Korea. He served with an engineer's battalion (not sure of its name or even if "battalion" is the right word here) that built bridges & fortifications, plus cleared out enemy fortified caves and other missions. Last year, he went to a doctor to get a pain in his shoulder checked out, and they found some shrapnel that was working its way out from way back when, during those bridge-building missions. He was fond of saying, "Everybody thinks of the infantry being in the line of fire, but we engineers had to build the roads & bridges BEFORE the infantry could march onward." Well, the shrapnel they finally fished out of him last year was from a bullet ricocheting off a bulldozer blade during one of those building projects about 50 years ago.

Ben has continued his honorable & giving ways in the decades since. I've been lucky that he's been willing to lend his skills and effort on my attempts to restore an old farmhouse to habitability. I'm sure my floor joists wouldn't be nearly so level if it wasn't for him. Nor would my lights be on yet for that matter.

But perhaps best of all (and most amusing here in the small, conservative towns of the mountains of NC) is Ben's unapologetic & proud advocacy of democratic ideals. He is a believer in free spech, a healthy and enlivened environment, a progressive tax structure, strong unions, and vibrant local manufacturing. His critiques of B*sh include such gems as "fuckin' war criminal," and "empty-headed, draft-dodging child of privilege." Ben can single-handedly start a near riot around the wood stove in our local hardware stores (where all the patrons, republicans included, know of his considerable skills) by tossing out one of his rough-edged political insights on a cold morning. A Kerry/Edwards sign graced his lawn just down hill from the flag pole throughout the campaign. When one sign got torn down by some yahoo, he just put up another.

Veterans rock! Especially those, like Ben, who use their right to free speech after they defend it!!!

:thumbsup:
:hippie:
:kick:

-app_farmer

[The Professor]

350. vietnam 66-68

in choppers, flying combat missions, two tours for what? I
have deep regrets.

[Glenn H]

351. USN Fall of Saigon 73-76

Served offshore Viet Nam during the fall of Saigon. Nearly 4 years on the USS Mars and the USS Point Defiance. I'm glad I served. I salute the others here and everywhere who served.

Dad died in 91 and is in Arlington(Korea) Graddad died in 69 and served in WWII. Greatgreat Grandfathers (3) fought in the Civil War.

I pray my sons never have to fight.

[KBlagburn]

352. USAF 1989-1996, Norton AFB, CA & Tinker AFB, OK,

53rd MAS, 63rd MAW, Norton AFB, CA 1989-1993
963RD AWACS, Tinker AFB, OK 1993-1996

Senior Airman

[rib0411]

361. 1st LT USMC

1984-1989, Rifleman USMC Reserves
1989-1993, Logistics Officer USMC(got tired of walking)
Desert Storm Vet
1966-Present, Proud Liberal and Democrat

Happy Birthday Devil Dogs!

[GetaKungFuGrip]

363. US Army RA, NG, RC - 10 years total

Nuclear Biological Chemical specialist.

Volunteered for combat, the current one, but they never sent our unit. So I never served in combat.

Rank of Staff Sergeant

[GP6971]

364. Army Transporter

1973-1977 Military Traffic Management Commnand

[stavka]

365. SALUTE TO ALL VET'S

My grandfather, and his two brothers crossed the border to Canada from New York in 1915, to fight for the British Empire and Democracy. My grandfather was the only one who came back. I know where my great uncles are buried in Belgium thanks to the Imperial War Museum.

My father, faced between draft for Korea to the army or enlistment, chose enlisting in the new Airforce.

He was in radio school, he was told the top two students would be sent to Europe, the other 98 would be close airsupport controllers of some sort. He was told 47% of his class was either killed or seriously wounded, he got the #2 slot.

He went on to do amazing things based on fact, but the last thing he credits himself for is serving in the military.

I want to thank vets like my father, and grandfather this day - that was supposed to be the end of all wars - they let granddad down.

[JimmyJazz]

366. Thank you so much for your service

What an awesome thread! You all rock! :yourock:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

:loveya:

[MADem]

367. Highest rank held: AMERICAN CITIZEN

Even though I went from E-1 to senior officer in a long career, the rank I hold now is the rank I like best.

I met, worked and survived alongside a number of brave, good everyday people. Met a few jerks, too. But the good ones are the ones I remember.

And I do not study war, no more.

[SOteric]

373. If I were any more grateful...

I'd give you my car. :loveya:

[rexcat]

374. USAF...

E-4; 1971 to 1975; fought gonorrhea at the beach front (Patrick AFB, FL) as a lab tech but we lost that war too! I did get to see some great rocket launches (Apollo 17; the four Skylab launches - the lab and three manned launches; and Apollo-Soyuz). We were part of medical operations for manned launches.

[qnr]

375. I envy you the launches - I had to pick up pieces of Challenger :( n/t

[rexcat]

376. We were in Omaha when Challenger went down...

That was a tough time at KSC.

We still have friends in Brevard County. My wife grew up in Titusville and I lived in Cocoa Beach. During and after getting out of the service I worked at Cape Canaveral Hospital.

[darkstar]

377. Thank you for what you did then

And thank you for what yo do now.

Much respect to all y'all.

[pres2032]

Major thanks to all!!!!!!

You guys are FOREVER in my debt!!!!! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!!

I had an ancestor serve as a Lt. Colonel in the Revolutionary War, an ancestor who fought with a Pennsylvania regiment on Little Round Top in the Battle of Gettysburg, and my uncle did a tour of duty in Vietnam.

[seito]

378. CPT, US Army Medical Service Corps, 1992 - Prresent

I found this site around Nov 3. I am amazed at how many people are working to save America.

God Bless You

[RB Proud-Marylander]

392. Thanks for your Service CPT

God Bless you & Stay Safe!

[kranich]

380. OK thanks for asking

Branch: Army
Higest Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Combat: Desert Storm (Rumalia, Iraq)
Unit: 24th Mechanized Infantry
Years in: 4
Other: Not much to say. I had many good men working with me. I was glad to be part of something so important such as this.

[hapsman]

381. US Navy

U.S. Navy from '93 to '99, that Indian Summer of relative peace. Fire Controlman, Second Class (E-5). Would have gone if called, but fortunately did not see any combat. The G.I. Bill and the generosity of the Constitution State made it possible for me to go to college, and the experiences that I gained in the Navy still benefit me today.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

382. A big thank you to all our vets and those currently serving in our armed

forces. Also, a big welcome to those new to DU!

[RB Proud-Marylander]

383. Captain, USN Retired 26 years

Father served in Army
Mother served in Air Force
I joined Navy
& Married a Marine (Retired - after 26 years of service)

Proud to have served.
Proud to be a Democrat!

[scottcsmith]

385. U.S. Navy, 1986-1992, Desert Shield/Desert Storm vet

Navy journalist. Duty stations include Commander In Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs, Pearl Harbor; USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), during Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and USS Independence (CV-62) at the end of my tour of duty in the Navy.

[Jack Rabbit]

386. SGT Jack Rabbit, United States Army

1976-79. There was no combat during those years, but I was stationed between Seoul and the DMZ when, in 1977, one of our helicopters strayed the wrong side of the line and was shot down by the North Koreans. It made for a tense couple of days.

[Zoomie]

388. New Member

This is my first post on DU although I am a long time viewer/reader. I am an Air Force veteran that served in the Middle East during the Gulf War. Also served in Panama and the War on Terra

[qnr]

391. Welcome to DU Zoomie n/t

[no name no slogan]

416. Welcome!

One of my best friends served in Panama. US Army, infantry. He was a driver for his platoon's top sergeant. Was down there three months before the invasion. He was on the barricades when the coup attempt against Noriega failed. Very dangerous times, in a war most people have already forgotten about, sadly.

[jallgood]

389. USN

USN, ETN3, 3 yrs service 1970-1973 then 8 years as a submariner's wife.

Grandfather - WWI
Father - WWII and Korea
Brother - Vietnam

All Democrats and all liberals!!!

[qnr]

394. Hi jallgood, welcome to DU n/t

[phaseolus]

390. thanks to you all, from a son and grandson of vets

Dad was a navigator on a B-24 in the 5th AF based at Clark Field and in New Guinea; he retired from the Reserves as an O-4 and died Dec. 15 '02; I miss him...

His dad was drafted in WWI, was sworn in the morning of Nov. 11th and was sworn out a few hours later. My mom's dad was an infantryman in the 32nd Division & served in France in WWI.

Thanks to all who've served...

[finecraft]

393. USN 1960-1982 E-8 Retired

Gunfire Control Technician.........and wife! :hi:

[newyorican]

395. USN 79-85 PO2

YAHHHH! KEFLAVIK!!! 2 Years! YAHHH!!!

[Bozos for Bush]

396. John, from Southern Cal, MSgt, USAF

Electronic Warfare, 1976-1980, Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, MI
Teacher, 1980 - 1986, Keesler AFB, MS
Electronic Warfare, 1986-1989, Loggie, 1989-1992, Misawa AB, Japan

Took an early out in 1992 with benefits, because the Cold War was over and force structure was being cut (under Bush, I might add).

Saw the world through a filtered lens until I got out, and am ashamed to admit it, but I voted for Ford in 1976, Reagan in 1980 and 1984, and Bush in 1988. I believe there was a Shining City on a Hill, and I was duped by the 1000 Points of Light.

Then I got out, realized that only rich people could live in the Shining City on a Hill, realized the 1000 Points of Light were Bush's Pioneers and Rangers, and saw the world for what it really is.

Voted straight Democratic ticket ever since 1992.

Current occupation - Program Manager by day, Crusader by night.

[meatloaf]

397. U.S. Army, 1987-1991 active 91-93 reserves, Specialist E-4,

Served in Dahran Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield-Desert Storm. Thanks for your acknowledgement. Let's keep working to end this nightmare and bring them all home.

[rpannier]

398. IV Infantry Division

US Army
Corporal
IV Infantry Division
Ft. Carson, CO
Attached to Ft. Riley for Gulf War
4 years (1989-1993)

[July]

399. A toast to my late father.

U.S. Army Air Corps, 1942-1945, piloted a P-47 in the European theater.

[qnr]

441. To your father:

:thumbsup: :toast:

[marinemom2004]

400. My son is a Marine

My son is a LCpl in the US Marine Corps. He just came back from Iraq, which was his second deployment. We are proud of him and so thankful that he came back to the US before this nightmare in Fallujah began. He wanted Kerry to win and was very depressed election night. He said many of his fellow Marines were for Kerry,too. I am tired of hearing the pro-Bush people say they support the war. If they support the war so much, then they should be next in line to go serve on the front lines. It is always easy to let someone else put their life on the line. But as long as we fly our flag, we're patriotic right?

[GreenPartyVoter]

401. Welcome to du! Thank heavens you have your baby boy home

I know, I know. He's a big man now, but he's still your baby. *g*

*hugs*

------------------------------------------------------
Fight the fraud; fund the recount!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm

[liberal_patriot_md]

403. 97B Counterintelligence Agent -- hope I'm not too late

I'm new to DU, this is my first post

2000-Pres, SGT/E-5, US Army Reserve (though I've spent most of my time on active duty),
Got back from Iraq in January, and you know you've been there too long when you can tell "friendly" explosions from hostile.

I also recently Iraq Veterans Against the War, www.iavw.net, drop by and show your support. Our boys are mixed up in some real nastiness overseas and unfortunately it doesn't end there. It's time for us liberals to take the lead in support for the troops while still denouncing the war.

[liberal_patriot_md]

430. New to DU

I'm just checking to see if anyone is listening. I've posted a couple times and nobody seems to have acknowledged any. Not complaining too much, just looking for a welcome/greeting into the fold.

[5thGenDemocrat]

434. As someone whose father was CIC, 1949-53

Howdy and welcome to DU. That "md" doesn't indicate Fort Holabird (Baltimore), MD -- does it? (Actually, I'm certain Holabird is closed, but that's where dad trained for the CIC and where he and mom got married in 1951).
Hope you get to see this.
John
It's getting to be a pretty long thread, but some of us are still reading it. Again, welcome.

[liberal_patriot_md]

466. Glad to be here

Up at APG, MD they have pictures of Holabird, but you're right it's closed down. They had an MP school there too and some of the older soldiers in my unit went there, if I recall correctly. I grew up in MD and still live there, the unit I went to Iraq with is based at Ft. Meade.

[qnr]

440. Hiya liberal_patriot_md --- Welcome to DU

:hi:

As you can see, it's kind of busy, and there is no real way to sort the posts :)

[Name removed]

404. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[qnr]

405. You're entitled to your opinion - thanks for stopping in and

sharing.

As a veteran, I have to remind you that whether or not you believe we want you to "die there" We aren't the ones that placed you in that particular position, are we?

[exJW]

406. "Nuanced"? It's called intelligence, caring, and Patriotism

Getcha some!

[meisje]

407. If you are in fact "there", then I doubt you are able to surf the web

[Divine Discontent]

413. happy vets day

thank you to my dad for his service in korean war on an escort ship, my brothers who served in the air force and army(d.s. vet) and my brother who just came back from Iraq as a surviving navy seabee!

thank you God for their protection.


war is awful, I don't believe it's ever the 'right choice', one will protect ones self during times of agression and I agree with that, but outside of world war I & II, all these other wars are pretty pathetic.

[liberal_patriot_md]

411. Shame on me?

I don't want you or anyone else to die over there. In fact, I don't want you to get wounded or maimed either. That way you never have to go to Walter Reed and be one of the soldiers hoping for a donated phone card so they can call their families. That way you won't have to wait for months for treatment in the VA health system that is underfunded and understaffed. I don't wish for you to walk around with the scars of war for the rest of your life.

Do yourself a favor and take a look at the much touted 87 billion dollars for the troops. See how much of that is for pay increases for military, how much is specifically slated for supplies, how much is for the body armor. Look at the original bill -- because you won't find any of that there. Then look at the amendments, the ones specifying money for body armor and armored humvees. Look at the authors of those amendments and then ask yourself who really supports the troops.

Take a look at the permanent bases being built in Iraq, at least a dozen, and ask yourself when are we as a country going to be out of there. What purpose do they serve? Talk to people who have been stop-lossed or who were called up out of the IRR. I'm sure they are thrilled to be there.

Whether you believe it or not, dissent is patriotic. This country was founded on dissent. Without it we have no freedoms and might as well live under a dictatorship. I woin't go on.

I hope you don't think ill of me, but if you do that's your privilege -- this is still a free country. Most of all come home safe, and make damn sure all your buddies do too.

[Redleg]

438. Rumsfeld, is that you?

Do you have the time to fuck around on the internet? Get back to work figuring out how to un-fuck the Iraq situation.

[MattBaggins]

408. 89-99... Dessert Storm... Army Cav Scout

highest rank was SSG/ROTC Cadet.

My grandfather Army - WWII
My father Army - Viet Nahm

Life long Democrats all three of us.

[Jackpine Radical]

409. Army infantry, E4, 1967-69.

1st Cav, vietnam July '67-July '68.

[davidwhite0570]

410. Data Processing Tech/Radioman Second Class

8 years US Navy 1988-1993, 1996-1999......

Best times off my life.....I miss the Sea, I live in NM now....desert : )

[qnr]

412. Hiya davidwhite0570 - Welcome to DU

I was an RM in the CG.

[Divine Discontent]

415. thank you david

for your service, and all the other vets.

desert.... sound like SE colorado where I just moved from, to Florida... I hate Florida, I miss CO.

God bless



***Right wing thugs are WRONG for America!***

[JSJ]

414. ten-hut! civilian on deck- badder than any three 'gomers' you got

[NavyDem]

417. US Navy

Jan. 22, 1990 - Present

Information Systems Technician First Class (Surface Warfare) (E-6)

Served in: Desert Storm (USS Ranger)
Southern Watch (USS Constellation)
Restore Hope (USS Ranger)
Enduring Freedom (USS Princeton - Tomohawk strikes)
Iraqi Freedom (USS Princeton)

I currently serve as an Instructor in San Diego, teaching Network Analysis.

Sincerely,
Thomas Kangas

[qnr]

418. Hi NavyDem, welcome to DU

:hi:

[Learning2Fly]

420. 1968-1971

A "Veteran for Kerry", my hubby served as an Army medic.

[vietnam_war_vet]

419. Almost didn't make it in time....

Just another long day in the salt mines, eh?

I almost didn't make time before bed to check this forum. Just under the wire, please allow me to express my hope that all the American Veterans on this forum and elsewhere received thanks today for their service.

My prayers will continue for those who are now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and any other potentially hostile overseas locations.

In addition to what I stated in my forum profile, I was an Air Force radio operator. I did two "Vietnam" tours, at least that's what my DD-214 states ;-) I never set foot in or ever even flew over Vietnam during my tours. I did leave my boot prints all over portions of Laos and northeastern Thailand. Shhh-hhhh, we were never in Laos ;-)

For my two tours, I received the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (RVCR), and the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

After my discharge, I used the G.I. Bill educational benefits to attain my Bachelor's (Journalism) and Master's in Education degrees.

During my only visit to The Wall in 1987, I tried to find two of my Task Force Alpha friends who died mere yards from me during one incoming attack. The three of us were caught out in the open when the klaxon alerted. We beat feet toward the nearest bunker that was about a 100 yards away. Ron and George were two tall, raw-boned K-9 Military Police (MPs) who volunteered some of their scarce off-duty hours to help with the radio phone patches at the MARS Station (I was the NCOIC of the station). I was smaller, lighter, and faster on my feet than they were. I was in the lead in our dash toward the bunker. The incoming hit just behind them - and the concussion knocked me down and stunned me for a few seconds. After clearing my head and determining that I was basically unharmed (just scrapes and bruises), I turned around to see Ron and George. It was immediately obvious that they never knew what had hit them. They literally looked like scattered chunks of some obscene human hamburger. There wasn't anything that could be done for them. I got up and finished my dash to the bunker. After the all-clear sounded, I went out to see some personnel already picking up and putting George and Ron's remains into body bags. I helped.

So, at The Wall in 1987, I looked and looked for their names. I even had park staff assist me, checking and re-checking the directory. Ron and George simply weren't on The Wall. It didn't make any sense. I was there. I saw their mangled bodies. I helped put pieces of them into body bags.

Years later, I finally learned why my TFA friends weren't on The Wall. Remember how the Department of Defense got "creative" documenting on my official discharge (DD-214) that I had served two tours in Vietnam (not Laos)? Per information within the Pentagon Papers and also within former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's 1995 tell-all book ("In Retrospect"), I learned how American KIAs (killed-in-action) who died outside of North or South Vietnam (i.e., in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand) were conveniently left out of the "official" American KIA statistics in order to suppress the American KIA total. That is why George and Ron and countless other American KIAs from that war aren't on The Wall - nor are they even considered Vietnam War KIAs. Truth in government, eh?

I have no doubt the same type of "creativity" is being employed by the current Bush administration as far as the real total of American KIAs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some things just never change.

I apologize for my jabberwockiness. Enough for now, time for bed. Work begins early in the morning. -- Michael

[qnr]

421. Hi vietnam_war_vet - Welcome to DU

There's no real "time limit" Michael, Veteran's Day was just a good day to start it. :)

[GOPFighter]

423. USAF '65-'69

Fire Control F-105s and F-4Ds
36th TFW

Bitburg AFB, Germany
Wheelus AFB, Libya

Gee, I take one day off from reading DU and look what I miss! Thanks Bunnyj for starting this thread. I'm so damn proud of my fellow Democrats and fellow Americans for their service to their country. Nothing pisses me off more than to have some right-winger holier-than-thou NON-VETERAN tell me I'm anti-America because I don't support GW and the war in Iraq.

[qnr]

461. thanks GOPFighter

:toast: Yeah. What can you do.... Even when you explain the situation to them, somehow, out of the vast multitudes of servicemembers that were serving their country, somehow, you were the only one serving yourself :shrug:

[MARALE]

425. Navy

I was an AX- Airdale. No Action, e4 when I got out. Never even was on a ship. Got out because of bad birth control at the time, my son is 16 now and I hope he won't be drafted because of this war monger president.

[hvn_nbr_2]

429. My first DU post

Army Spec5 1969-71 3rd Armored Division, 503rd Admin. Co.

They trained me as an infantryman, but when I got to Germany, they turned me into a personnel clerk (the change suited me fine!).

In 1972 I worked in New Hampshire for McGovern and then worked full-time in Joe Biden's first Senate campaign. I've always thought that those things were a greater service to my country than anything I did in the military.

[qnr]

432. hi hvn_nbr_2 - Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Redleg]

437. Welcome.

We are glad to have you among us.

[FM Arouet666]

433. USMC 84-88 Corporal

No combat or overseas duty, I was in when Reagan was president, figured I would end up in a War, but thankfully, that never happened. I once remarked that I was more conservative than Rush Limbaugh. God that hurts to say. Fortunately, life after the service brought me to UC Berkeley and eventually to NYC for med school. Somewhere along the line the conservative in me died, and a new open minded, educated, tolerant liberal appeared.

Anyway, I was not the model Marine, I fixed radios and couldn't shoot for beans. Semper Fi

[BlueCollar]

435. US Navy

Petty Officer Second Class

Patrol Squadron 40

1979-1983

No Combat

It was an honour serving you all...

[Redleg]

436. Army, Field Artillery, Captain, no combat (thank god), 1987-1992

I am now a fat and happy civilian, college professor, father, husband, and sometimes trout fisherman.

My father was a career Army Signal Corps NCO, a Vietnam veteran, and one of the finest soldiers I have known (for a REMF). My grandfather was a Navy SEABEE during WWII.

We are all Democrats (okay, my grandfather died in 1955- but he loved FDR).

[Redleg]

462. Did I forget to say I'm a notorious thread killer?

EOM

[qnr]

463. lol - thanks Redleg

:toast: actually, you didn't kill the thread, there has been lots of activity, but mostly catching up and acknowledging earlier posters (which, I noticed, that you have been doing too).

[yorgatron]

464. 1983-85 U.S.Army

MOS 63T (APC mechanic) E-1 to E-4 in 18 months,all the way back to E-1 in the last 6 months :evilgrin:

[qnr]

465. thanks yorgatron

:toast: oooooooooooo details! :evilgrin: just kidding

[malmapus]

467. Army, 91-95, E-4

Somalia 93, Haiti 94-95

[Insider]

468. us army, 1985-2000

SFC/E7, military intelligence

"ALWAYS OUT FRONT!"

[nookiemonster]

469. 87-92, USAF

MAY 87 to JAN 90 - 41151A, Missile Maintenance Technician, Minuteman II. Ellsworth AFB, SD.

JAN 90 to JUL 92 - 45752C, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Crew Chief), C-141B Starlifter. McChord AFB, WA.

Thank you to all the other vets in DU land and beyond.
:nuke: