Veteran's Day

[Yama Mama]

I was just thinking what can I say to thank all of you Veterans out there? I never served in the military. I actually wanted to enlist in the Navy when I got out of nursing school and be a Navy nurse, but my Father would not let me serve.

My Father was in the Army and Ron was in the Army too.

I want to just say I appreciate the sacrifices that you made to serve our country.

And I think we all need to take a moment from our busy lives to think of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving the USA.

To all the families that have lost a loved one in the wars in the past and in the present.

We have this day to think of them all and to pray for them all.

May God Bless the USA and all our Veterans. Thank you.

Yama Mama:325:

[oldandcrotchety]

You're welcome. Wasn't that big a sacrifice to me. I joined the Army in 1969 and served two enlistments. I wanted to have the experience and hopefully learn from it. In that I more than succeeded. The Army gave me back much more than I was able to give. It completely changed my life and to this day still affects the way I think and act. I wish more young people would serve. It truly will be a positive impact on most. I did have a friend killed in Viet Nam, but that was always a risk that every service member was well aware of. It kind of gripes me when I hear people talk now days about soldiers as if they are being sent off to slaughter with no clue about what it is all about. Believe me, they know. But being a soldier is like being a policeman or fireman. You know the risk going in and most are proud to be doing what they do. I wouldn't trade my 7 years in the Army for anything.

[Venturous Randy]

Thank you very much Yama mama. Being a veteran means so much more when we know it is appreciated.

Oldandcrotchety, I agree very much with your statement and that is why I got so irritated yesterday listening to the radio on the way home. I was listening to Shawn Hennidy(sp?) and he had a caller on talking about Universal health care. Her belief was since there is health care available for veterans, why can it not be for everyone? Shawn chimmed in and stated that was the best argument he had heard for that and he did say that it was ok for veterans to get health care because they did work for awhile for real low wages and such. He absolutely missed the point. Veterans have health care because many were put in harms way and many were severely injured and many suffered and died due to their service. Yes, I remember having to deal with a pay scale that was so low I was eligable for food stamps (did not get them), but the main thing was waiting daily on orders that would put me in Vietnam, Korea or some other place where the locals hated us. Yes, I did end up in Thailand, 30 miles from Laos and 45 miles from Cambodia and I had it real good compared to a lot of others. The point is, as old stated, we knew that any moment our lives could and did change and that change could ultimately cost us our lives, and remember, soldiers are people too.

RandyA

[Sling]

You're Welcome:thumbsup2:

[Twenty7Delta]

I'd like to extend my thanks in here too. I realize how much we owe to those that defend our countries.

[jvbailey3]

It was an HONOR and a Privilege to serve you and my country. I would do it again in a heartbeat. While never in a combat situation, I would still do it again because I believe in our system and our country. This past election is proof the system works. Whether you like or dislike the new commander-in-chief elect, he was elected and will be seated. It was great to see people get out to vote. Plus in four years, if people change their minds about him, we can get a new one. That to me is the greatest thing about our country and our system.

 

Again, Thank You!!

[KiteSquid]

I served in the US Navy for 20 Years and retired as a Chief Firecontrolman.

 

The US Navy opened a LOT of doors for me and I learned a LOT.

 

If it was not for what I learned during my service, I would probably be freeze-dried or dooing hard time, so it is I who should be thanking the Citizens of the US for the may opportunities they offered me.

 

THANK YOU!!!!!

[fardnarger]

Your Welcome and I salute all of the Veterans, and the people who support the Military and VETS

 

 

 

 

 

Keith Grantham

USAF Security Services 1974-1979

MS Air National Guard 1979-1985

[treeman]

My Big Brother went in 1951 Was on The BB -67 New Jersy 2nd Brother went in 1953 on Destroyer USS Black DD-666 Retired CTM 20 years. I went in 1955 & was on the USS Black DD-666 with My Brother 55/58 got out in 1959 Gunners Mate. Little Brother went in 196o/ 1964 TM 3 It was GR8

[FJR Rider]

Thank you...served 20 years (75-95) and retired from the Air Force.

 

Had someone on another site tell me recently though that all I did was draw paycheck. His definition of service was going into conflict; that us back office types were nothing more than glorified civilians. Hmmm, guess he's entitled to his opinion.

 

(That's not political is it?)

 

Curt

[TxVenture]

As Kitesquid said, thank you for letting me serve this country. I joined the Navy in '68 and served until '71 never in a combat situation. I just thank the Navy for helping me grow up because as a kid out of high school with a new wife, I had no clue what life was all about. They definately helped me and for that I thank you and this country.

 

Don H.

[Sweetnothing]

I agree with you Peggy!! I want to thank all that have served past and present for my freedom!

I believe it don't matter if you were in a war or not, you still deserve the respect for putting your life on the line for all of us, who are at home!

Thank You!!:bighug:

[tmodel]

A man walked up to me at work this morning and said the he knew I had served in the Army and he wanted to personally thank me for my service. That was a wonderful gesture.

 

I was fortunate not to have to serve my hitch in a combat zone. But my brother was in Vietnam and my dad and his 4 brothers served in WWII. One uncle is buried in Holland. My dad was decorated with 4 Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. He still does not talk much about it. He will not watch intense movies like Band of Brothers. He said it is just too realistic and it causes him to re-live the war in nightmares.

 

When I was young I awoke one morning to see my mom with a black eye and cheek. I asked her what happened. She said that my dad was having a nightmare about fighting hand to hand in the war again. She said she touch him to awaken him and he hit her so hard he knocked her completely out of bed. As dad awoke and realize what he had done he cried. Since that time when dad has nightmares, mom will slip out of bed and go stand by the door and call him till he wakes up. Smart woman!

 

If you ask dad why they decorated him he just says he doesn't know. He says that he and his men worked to accomplished the missions assigned to them and to tried and stay alive.

 

Greater than these things, dad has been a Christian... a soldier of the cross for my entire life. He has worked tirelessly spreading the gospel and building up new churches until his health failed about 10 years ago. Dad is 89 years old and dying of emphysema. He has been a staunch patriot - an American hero, a wonder father, a soldier of the cross and a friend of God.

 

Soon he will leave us. But his casket will not be covered with flowers. It will be covered with his flag. That is his request. He is truly my hero.

 

Tim Ford

[Vance]

Joined the Navy in 1969, member of the Submarine Service. We were a major part of America's nuclear deterrant during the cold war. We quietly and faithfully performed our duties without fanfare, or even notice. Hidden from view, away from family months at a time, we were there, ready in case the need arose. Thankfully, it didn't.

I'm glad to see we are welcoming our troops today and acknowledging their contributions to our freedom. They deserve it.

[cecdoo]

Thank You to all who Served, past and present. Craig

[frogmaster]

SALUTE to all my brothers and sisters that served, past, present and future missions.

 

US Army Active and Reserve Since 1982... and still going at age 46.

[bongobobny]

I think you did just fine thanking us, Yama Mama. We really don't expect the world to be handed to us on a silver platter, nor do we ask anything of anyone, other than what you have already done, which is to recognize us for what we are, just an ordinary person who chose to serve our great nation.

 

I served in the Army from 1967 to 1970 and was in Vietnam from July of 1967 to June of 1770 with the 101st Airborne Division. I also want to thank my fellow Veterans for serving their country with pride!

[yamahamer]

A big thanks to all of them. :clap2:

Remember if you don't stand behind them feel free to stand in front of them.

[ame=http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1331726]MySpaceTV Videos: BEST I AM by NATHAN[/ame]

[1rooster]

It was an honor for me to serve my country.23 years 10 months 17 days 11 hours 59 minutes and dang PROUD of everyone of them.I salute all my fellow veterans,past,present and future.

[FutureVentures]

As a former (never ex) Marine, I REALLY appreciate, more than words can say, a simple thank you for my service. Though I don't expect it, I cherish it.

 

On that note, thank you to all of my brothers (and sisters) that served.

 

I look at my annual SSN earnings statement and laugh, when I see what I earned in 1984-1991 as an enlisted Marine. Yet, those were some of the best years of my life, I got more than I gave: lifelong friends, love of country, esprit de corps, sense of purpose, willingness to sacrifice and the pride of accomplishment.

 

Cheers to all!

 

 

Is it spring yet?

[Rottdoglover]

Because of Veterans I pay property taxes (because I have a home), I pay income taxes (because I have a job), I have to buy gasoline (because I have transportation), I pay school tax (so children can get an education), AND I have to pay license and insurance so I can ride the kind of motorcycle I choose when ever I want. So, I guess when you think of all the stuff you HAVE to do, be MOST THANKFUL. It is because of our Veterans. A simple THANK YOU just doesn't seem like enough.

:clap2:

 

THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU

[cliffno350]

Thank You all for the opertunity to serve, and Thank You my fellow vets for my freedom.

[Oldseadog]

As a serving member of the Canadian military, I take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of all personnel from both countries. I think of my uncles, and grandparents who served and scarified so much in both wars and all armed conflicts, so that we can enjoy our way life. I myself originally signed up in ’77 then after a few years outside military service reenlisted. It is a lifestyle that suits me and I’m going to miss it when I have to retire. I am proud of the 20+ years I’ve put in and I’m staying until they kick me out.

:canada:

[autopilot]

tmodel....you tell your dad "God bless you, Sir" from me, please!

 

 

I put 6yrs in the Air Force ('67-'73). I think about my "brothers in arms" often, these days. Due to my careerfield and assignment, I was barred from going anywhere. (I taught Instrument flight procedures to South Vietnamese undergraduate student pilots)

Just my dumb luck! But I have to say, for a long, long time...years, I felt guilty because of it. Not going to south east asia. Yeah, I know..I don't understand it either!

 

But, even now, I have yet to visit the wall, nor can I watch the missing man formation without tears. When the wingman hauls back on the stick and goes into that steep climb, it's as though a serviceman's very soul is being escorted, straight to heaven, to be greeted by God Himself.

 

SO, thank you, my brothers and sisters in arms for your service, your sacrifices; I am forever humbled and in your debt. I can only hope that my efforts, in a small way, actually helped end the war for our side, sooner rather than later!

[Snarley Bill]

can't believe all the people that thanked me for my service, on veterans day. never had that happen before. even though i did'nt do anything heroic. it sure felt good. i want to thank all the people who suffered and died so i can have the freedom i have. they are truly my hero's, and have or surley will find their place in heaven. love all you veterans. snarley bill :clap2: