How do you ID other fellow Veteran RV'ers?

[Solo_RV_Guy]

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

In fact I don't want some hippee that cursed us when we came home wanting to shake hands to assuage their conscience. But that happens.

That they changed their minds and realize the error of their previous ways is a good thing. I don't think it's necessary for vets to acknowledge that, but it might be worth understanding that their admission of being wrong is a powerful thing. One cannot change the past but one can influence his/her future...

My personal take, as a draft-age male during Vietnam, was that the war was wrong for *our* country and we were in it for the wrong reasons, but I never understood why civilians took that out on the men and women who answered the call anyway.

"The men who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame" - John McCutcheon, "Christmas in the Trenches"

[Captn John]

I enlisted in 1966 planning on a career, combat disability cut that short. Now rated 100% due to injuries. Few are aware of my service and prefer the company of other vets, my wife says anti-social. Those that were there understand, those not there will never understand.

[TonyMac]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

A bayonet in the teeth is usually a good indicator.

...said the Marine. My dad was a Marine for 31 years, E1 to O5. He always wanted me to join the military, but I went in the Air Force instead. ;]

[Cooperhawk]

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

That they changed their minds and realize the error of their previous ways is a good thing.

I have yet to hear one of them say that they had seen the light. They just feel sorry for the ones who weren't as enlightened as they.

[Usmcja]

Originally Posted by TonyMac

He says he left the military at 19.5 because he disagreed with a certain policy regarding gays. His rank on departure was E-4.

I venture to say, if I believe anything he is claiming, that this veteran left the military involuntarily. It would be difficult to make it to 19.5 years of service as an E-4. I am fairly certain he was an E-4 more than once in his military career. Besides, who would voluntarily leave the military six months before retirement?

[oakcreekeric]

Originally Posted by Usmcja

It would be difficult to make it to 19.5 years of service as an E-4.

This does seem a bit of a stretch - My 20yr son made E-4 within 6 months. Mind you, he is in the NF and has already attained the rank of MMN3 -

Thank you all for your continued service to our country

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

As a veteran when I do see another especially one that identifies as another Vietnam Veteran. I always approach them thank them for their service and welcome a brother home. I’m surprised theses days of people that wear especially hats that identify as veterans. So I always ask first if they are a veteran. Some state no they have a family member serving which I also thank them for. But surprisingly some never served. Most Vietnam Veterans can relate to the treatment they received returning unlike today veterans. I know it wasn’t until the military action Desert Storm that people actually appreciated veterans service that I personally begin once again to identify as a veteran.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

[TonyMac]

Originally Posted by Usmcja

I venture to say, if I believe anything he is claiming, that this veteran left the military involuntarily. It would be difficult to make it to 19.5 years of service as an E-4. I am fairly certain he was an E-4 more than once in his military career. Besides, who would voluntarily leave the military six months before retirement?

I doubt he left voluntarily. I have served in the Active Duty and Guard, I know how this can work. I completely believe he was offered a re-enlistment that took him to 19.5, and if he kept his nose clean, they would re-enlist him past 20. He likely did not keep his nose clean.

[TonyMac]

Originally Posted by oakcreekeric

This does seem a bit of a stretch - My 20yr son made E-4 within 6 months. Mind you, he is in the NF and has already attained the rank of MMN3 -

Thank you all for your continued service to our country

One can attain an enlisted rank several times in a career, if one gets busted and re-attains the rank. He served is a state with a religious majority he was a member of. Perhaps that is why his Guard leadership kept him so long. I believe they gave him an ultimatum he failed to achieve, and he was not offered re-enlistment at the 19.5 point.

[Cat320]

Attached to my ladder on the rear of the MH, I have a VN Service Ribbon and a set of Army Master Aviator Wing license plates. My license plates for the motor home and toad are Purple Heart plates.

I have lots of horns blowing when people pass me.

[Brot2384]

I’m a Vietnam vet (70-71). I started wearing a VN vet cap only a couple of years ago. I don’t wear it often, usually around Veterarans Day and the 4th. I’ve had a number of people come up and thank me for my service. It wasn’t that way when I returned home from my tour of service. A nice change, I might say.

[Wizard]

Originally Posted by Brot2384

I’m a Vietnam vet (70-71). I started wearing a VN vet cap only a couple of years ago. I don’t wear it often, usually around Veterarans Day and the 4th. I’ve had a number of people come up and thank me for my service. It wasn’t that way when I returned home from my tour of service. A nice change, I might say.

Thanks for your service, I am a Vietnam Era Vet. I sometimes wear my US Navy cap and occasionally get a thank you in checkout lines.

[F4Gary]

Can't believe no one has mentioned our secret hand signal.

[WaltherDawg]

Look for the guys who step off with their left foot.