Community Forums

monkey · 11-01-2013, 05:18 AM

Yahoo!

Darn shame Soldiers have to come home like this,,,, But DARN glad we have them.......

Gocoffeer · 11-01-2013, 06:51 AM

Monkey.... most us us chose to become a member of the armed services. We knew and trained for that day when our persons were placed in harms path. It would be a totally different world if those who dictate the violence were walking next to people like myself when I carried a weapon and walk thru the valley of death. I am thinking that the attitude towards violence and genocide might be different.

wnytaxman · 11-01-2013, 07:11 AM

Thankfully those that serve today are treated better than those of us who were draftees during 'Nam. I don't think I will ever understand the abuse that we took back then.

R2Home · 11-01-2013, 09:00 AM

I have been retired from the military for several years now. I, like many others, spent time in the 'sand box' and still have people come up to me and 'thank me' for doing my time. I enjoyed what I did, even though, that might sound weird, and would do it again in a heart beat!

monkey · 11-01-2013, 09:18 AM

Guess I should have pointed out there is a story behind the link that just says "yahoo"... But again,,, I THANK YOU ALL from my heart and soul for serving this country and it's people......

I know my "brothers" do too.... I'm lucky to still be in contact with two of them from military days.....
Darel

Ken-55 · 11-01-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

Thankfully those that serve today are treated better than those of us who were draftees during 'Nam. I don't think I will ever understand the abuse that we took back then.

That was such a disgraceful time in our county's history, I just missed the draft and hated the way our returning soldiers were treated. Looking back now, I'm sad that I didn't do anything about it.

Thank you for your service!

BBQ Judge · 11-01-2013, 09:25 AM

R2Home, I will agree with you. I spent 18 months in Nam; I wouldn't do it again but I enjoyed my time there. It set me up for the rest of my life.

For those who are shocked at our statement of enjoying our time there, I was 20 yrs. old. Maybe deep down I believed in trying to save the world but it was more probably I was flying helicopters and doing things with them that I could never have experienced in any stateside flight school or environment.

Training helped to prepare us for possible death as Gocoffeer noted, but most pilots I knew had the John Wayne Syndrome; it wasn't going to happen to me.

It took many years but now I occasionally wear a ball cap with Viet Nam Vet on it. When people thank me for my service, it sometimes catches me off guard. I can only stammer a thank you.

For any Viet Nam vets who read this, WELCOME HOME!

Cooperhawk · 11-01-2013, 09:47 AM

I don't wear the cap, (although I have one), but after some particularly acidic remarks from some draft dodgers that I worked with I went out and purchased a Viet Nam Veteran license plate for my vehicle. Kinda "In your face" kinda move.

My experience over there was quite interesting. I didn't want to go back, but what I saw was very educational. I am glad I saw some of it and very sad that I saw some of it.

"Though I walk through the valley of death I feared no evil for I was the meanest one in the valley."

1ciderdog · 11-01-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBQ Judge

It took many years but now I occasionally wear a ball cap with Viet Nam Vet on it. When people thank me for my service, it sometimes catches me off guard. I can only stammer a thank you.

For any Viet Nam vets who read this, WELCOME HOME!

My usual response is "It was an honor to serve our country" and for some reason that seems to catch the person off guard.

Cooperhawk · 11-01-2013, 09:54 AM

My usual response is "It's my country too."

Frankly I find it a bit embarrassing. Don't know why.

monkey · 11-01-2013, 10:19 AM

I know you NAM VETS were treated bad,,,, I have been asked if I was there the few times someone recognizes the 1ST CAV sticker on the back of my jeep or rv... Truth be it, I'm glad I wasn't,,, graduated high school and joined The US Army in 1976,,, but darn sure I would have gone... As close as we got I guess was loading on an aircraft in west Ft Hood in 79 for the iran hostage thing, but then got called back... But we were All ready to go... Again,,,, THANKYOU....

monkey · 11-01-2013, 10:31 AM

I would also like to add a Big Thankyou to all First Responders,, Police, Fire , EMS, etc... Thankyou for taking care of us.... I went by a very bad wreck last night ,,, just reminds me to be safe on the roads,,, yes I drive a truck...
Darel

tiredvet · 11-01-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

Thankfully those that serve today are treated better than those of us who were draftees during 'Nam. I don't think I will ever understand the abuse that we took back then.

Amen brother. I remember ditching my uniform after being discharged in an airport restroom stall in an attempt to try to avoid unpleasant eye contacts. 58,181 souls NOT LOST but forever remembered by family and comrades. Every Vet needs to hold their head high for there are so many that had not served that have no idea what those that have had to live thru and endure. I truly thank you all for your service.

99-Am.Star · 11-01-2013, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiredvet

Amen brother. I remember ditching my uniform after being discharged in an airport restroom stall in an attempt to try to avoid unpleasant eye contacts. 58,181 souls NOT LOST but forever remembered by family and comrades. Every Vet needs to hold their head high for there are so many that had not served that have no idea what those that have had to live thru and endure. I truly thank you all for your service.

Vietnam Vet that changed in the restroom. Never a day goes by that I don't think about it, but if I had been asked two weeks after I got home to go back, I would have. Welcome Home Brothers. You will find a lot of Nam Vets are in there welcoming the lost home. God Bless them all.