How did you serve?

1.2k · February 21, 2011

US Army

Active duty from November 1990 thru November 1994.

I spent the bulk of my enlistment at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I went thru basic there then went back to work in the Reception Station. I served my last year in the 304th Signal Battalion, Camp Colbern, South Korea.

I was a 75B, Personnel Administration Specialist.

Man, I loved Fort Knox, great place, very interesting in so many ways. I still go back to see the Patton Museum when I get a chance.

Mac

February 21, 2011

Both of us come from Military families, Kesara's dad being Navy, then Navy Civillian, and My dad being career Air Force. I myself served in the Air force as a Civil Engineer, specifically in the Emergency Management field. Remember the guy that hit you with tear gas to prove that your gas masks worked? I was that guy.

February 22, 2011

In 1958, when I was still a toddler, my mother made the wise decision to leave Indiana and move back to Canada (she was born in Canada) so that I would not have to grow up and be sent off to fight someone else's war in some third world country. I've served her wishes by staying in Canada (as a dual citizen) pursuing peaceful activities. In retrospect, my mother was very wise.

1k · February 22, 2011

what does this thraed have to do with goegaching?

I don't even know what "goecaching" is, but I recognize a sock puppet when I see one.

I've not served in the military myself, but come from a family of past and present Soldiers and I salute all veterans.

I am curious about caching in Iraq and Afghanistan. How prevalent is it? Are the muggles worse there? Are caches just on base or out in the field?

I was describing the hobby to my nephew (a combat engineer) while he was visiting. He looked at one of my camouflaged ammo cans and said, "If I saw that hidden along a road, I'd probably blow it up".

I'm not sure if he was joking or not.

Edited February 22, 2011 by John in Valley Forge

1.2k · February 22, 2011

i love military. respect them. think caching in iraq makes a valid thread here. but what does where you serve have to do with caching?

Off topic. If you can't stay on topic, please do not post to this thread, as stated by the moderators mutiple times throughout the life of this thread.

Definitely military.

Military or not, it is off-topic in the thread. Geocaching moderators have repeatedly stated this thread is grandfathered, it will remain so, so post if you've served, or just read and move on. Posting off topic posts serves no purpose here. Please move on.

1.2k · February 22, 2011

i come from rich military backgruond. this has nothing to do with whether or not military should be supported. it just doesn't belong in this board.

Doesn't matter, the decision has been made by the powers that be and people who keep bringing it up do nothing but muck up the thread. Read the thread if you choose, and welcome, but if you have nothing to contribute, please move on.

1.2k · February 22, 2011

i love military. respect them. think caching in iraq makes a valid thread here. but what does where you serve have to do with caching?

Off topic. If you can't stay on topic, please do not post to this thread, as stated by the moderators mutiple times throughout the life of this thread.

Definitely military.

Military or not, it is off-topic in the thread. Geocaching moderators have repeatedly stated this thread is grandfathered, it will remain so, so post if you've served, or just read and move on. Posting off topic posts serves no purpose here. Please move on.

but they dont allow us to make military caches. they say it is agenda. what is deiffernt with this thread?

The difference is, I'm arguing with a sock puppet. My mistake everyone, you'd think I'd know better after all these years.

This user name has now been reported as a sock puppet, hopefully, they'll deal with you soon enough.

My apologies to everyone else.

Mac

6.7k · February 22, 2011

Never mind.

Edited February 22, 2011 by GOF and Bacall

2.1k · February 22, 2011

Doesn't matter, the decision has been made by the powers that be and people who keep bringing it up do nothing but muck up the thread.

And replying to them only mucks it up further. Arguing with off-topic posts is, in itself, off-topic.

1.5k · February 22, 2011

i love military. respect them. think caching in iraq makes a valid thread here. but what does where you serve have to do with caching?

Off topic. If you can't stay on topic, please do not post to this thread, as stated by the moderators mutiple times throughout the life of this thread.

Definitely military.

Military or not, it is off-topic in the thread. Geocaching moderators have repeatedly stated this thread is grandfathered, it will remain so, so post if you've served, or just read and move on. Posting off topic posts serves no purpose here. Please move on.

but they dont allow us to make military caches. they say it is agenda. what is deiffernt with this thread?

The difference is, I'm arguing with a sock puppet. My mistake everyone, you'd think I'd know better after all these years.

This user name has now been reported as a sock puppet, hopefully, they'll deal with you soon enough.

My apologies to everyone else.

Mac

Well, Mac, since you seem to be the self appointed guardian of thie off topic thread, I just thought you should know that the following uncalled for offensive post has been reported as well.

personal attack text removed by moderator

BTW I serve by keeping our streets a bit safer, babysitting offenders behind bars.

Edited February 22, 2011 by Brad_W

7.2k · February 22, 2011

Drop the side argument. Out of the topic with ya'.

1.2k · February 28, 2011

Drop the side argument. Out of the topic with ya'.

Thanks.

Mac

February 28, 2011

OK, I appreciate that this thread is nearly eight years old and has grown to 26 pages. However, at this point almost all of the posts being added are off topic and argumentative. Maybe everyone who has anything to contribute that is on topic has already done so.

For persons who are considering posting here, please go back to post #1 to read the context for this topic before posting. If what you were thinking of posting does not fit the context stated in post #1, please don't post.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

2.8k · February 28, 2011

For a change of pace i'll add a relevant post here in hopes of getting this classic thread back on track.

I served 4 years in the US Navy as an Operation Specialist, from 1998 to 2002. Soon after boot camp and my A-school i was given a weeks worth of leave for Christmas then had to report to my ship by the 28th to leave on a 6 month deployment. My ship and one other left a couple months after the rest of the fleet went. We intended to meet up with them in the Gulf but by the time we got as far as Israel things in Kosovo heated up. So we spent most of the deployment off the coast of former Yugoslavia lobbing Tomahawk missiles every night.

My second 6 month deployment started in mid 2001. We where lucky enough to be attached to a NATO task force and conducting maneuvers and training opps in the Med. About half way through 9/11 hit. We where in port at Plymouth England i think. I recall sitting in the berthing watching TV and about to get read to go out on the town that afternoon. When i started to hear rumors of the World Trade center getting hit. First thought in my mind was "what movie are you people watching?". Upon reaching my work space i start getting all the facts as we are listening to them come across on BBC Radio. We then spent the second half of the deployment visiting very few ports and keeping watch over another of our ships that was there for PR and wasn't armed.

When i originally joined i figured i'd do at least 8 years of active duty. But i met my wife and suddenly the time away from home became a drag. Especially since i spent my 1 year anniversary stuck in Nice France on that last deployment.

My service taught me allot and made me a better man then i would have been otherwise. If it where not for my service i would have never met my wife. Looking back i can honestly say had i not joined both mine and my wife's lives would be much worst. I don't believe myself to be any better then those who did not serve. Its not for everyone and it turned out to be a sort term thing for me. But it helped me figure out allot of things about myself i'd been struggling with as a teen.

Sorry about the long post but hope it helps to get things back on track.

March 1, 2011

Earlier today I was reading a post by Jeremy and found out something I did not know. Jeremy is a veteran.

Now call me shallow if you wish but knowing someone served, in whatever capacity, in our nation's forces gives them a little more credibiity with me when it comes to what they say. It sort of says they've walked the walk, not just talked the talk.

Does service make you a smarter individual? Does it make you better than other Americans? Do you deserve to be pampered and praised? Nah, none of the above, but it does show a certain dedication and experience that "may" be lacking in others, and in my humble opinion, it is their loss, not mine.

So I was wondering how many others might have served and not bothered to mention it, maybe because you don't really think it's any big deal, or you weren't in for that long, etc., or it just never came up. I think it would be interesting, at least to me, to know who has served in the military, and where, and in which service. (and yes, before anyone gets smart alecky, the Coast Guard counts...sheesh) .

No politics, no "support the troops", no pro-war, or anti-war, just state your service and maybe when you served. My roots in Geocaching come from my service in the military, where I was first introduced to GPS technology. So it does tie into our little sport, at least for me.

My service was spread over the years 1975 to 2002. I served on active duty in the U. S. Navy for four years (Electronics Technician), two years in the Texas Air Force National Guard (Security Police), 13 years in the Texas Army National Guard (Armor Crewman and Armor Officer), and six years in the Army Reserve (Staff Officer). In there somewhere I managed to have a total of 23 months where I wasn't in for one reason or another. I retired from the Army Reserve last July mainly thanks to a detached retina in my left eye that makes me inelible to be deployed, so there you have it. My reserve unit was activated in January and is at Fort Hood as we speak.... and I'm missing it, sigh.

So, that's all that's needed, no chest thumping, no bragging, just state your service and when it was and allow those who care to, to just say thank you for your service.

I certainly thank you, that's for sure.

  

<A HREF="http://www.texasgeocaching.com" TARGET=_blank><IMG SRC="http://www.texasgeocaching.com/images/texasgeocaching_sm.gif"> </A>

"Trade up, trade even, or don't trade!!!" My philosophy of life.

An excellent discussion about military service!

I joined in '58 because my mother said I HAD to go to college, and because I knew I would be drafted in two years. Joining the USAF was the best option in my opinion.

It turned out to be the best decision of my life - I'll skip the long story here.

Even today I feel that everyone should serve, including all of our congressmen/presidents. It gives one a different perspective on the value of life, of living in the US, and more. Oh yes, and getting $78/month plus room/board is a great experience!

The most 'interesting' fact I have to report, that while I was a Captain in the USAF in New Mexico, I gave briefings on what the first GPS was to do. Being the lowest ranking member I was chosen to head up the development effort for the USAF in the middle of the California desert. Death valley, I think. Sounded good to me, a chance to get away from my wife for a while. However a comparable office in Ohio had the airplanes needed for the task and they were chosen. So my place in GPS history was lost. Oh well.

In summary, I proudly served from '58--'78, both in the enlisted ranks and as an officer. A B-47 mechanic in Ark, whoops, then some college, a tour at Cape Kennedy on the Titan IIIC missile, whoops, some more college, and three tours in NM working on research balloons, high-speed test track, F-102 drones, and more. Hoped for some foreign service, and only got 1 month in Panama flying balloons. (I couldn't ride in them, they were @ 100,000 ft).

The greatest job in the world. (If you don't mind a lot of hard work).

Bo - Capt. USAF retired

1.2k · March 26, 2011

Earlier today I was reading a post by Jeremy and found out something I did not know. Jeremy is a veteran.

Now call me shallow if you wish but knowing someone served, in whatever capacity, in our nation's forces gives them a little more credibiity with me when it comes to what they say. It sort of says they've walked the walk, not just talked the talk.

Does service make you a smarter individual? Does it make you better than other Americans? Do you deserve to be pampered and praised? Nah, none of the above, but it does show a certain dedication and experience that "may" be lacking in others, and in my humble opinion, it is their loss, not mine.

So I was wondering how many others might have served and not bothered to mention it, maybe because you don't really think it's any big deal, or you weren't in for that long, etc., or it just never came up. I think it would be interesting, at least to me, to know who has served in the military, and where, and in which service. (and yes, before anyone gets smart alecky, the Coast Guard counts...sheesh) .

No politics, no "support the troops", no pro-war, or anti-war, just state your service and maybe when you served. My roots in Geocaching come from my service in the military, where I was first introduced to GPS technology. So it does tie into our little sport, at least for me.

My service was spread over the years 1975 to 2002. I served on active duty in the U. S. Navy for four years (Electronics Technician), two years in the Texas Air Force National Guard (Security Police), 13 years in the Texas Army National Guard (Armor Crewman and Armor Officer), and six years in the Army Reserve (Staff Officer). In there somewhere I managed to have a total of 23 months where I wasn't in for one reason or another. I retired from the Army Reserve last July mainly thanks to a detached retina in my left eye that makes me inelible to be deployed, so there you have it. My reserve unit was activated in January and is at Fort Hood as we speak.... and I'm missing it, sigh.

So, that's all that's needed, no chest thumping, no bragging, just state your service and when it was and allow those who care to, to just say thank you for your service.

I certainly thank you, that's for sure.

  

<A HREF="http://www.texasgeocaching.com" TARGET=_blank><IMG SRC="http://www.texasgeocaching.com/images/texasgeocaching_sm.gif"> </A>

"Trade up, trade even, or don't trade!!!" My philosophy of life.

An excellent discussion about military service!

I joined in '58 because my mother said I HAD to go to college, and because I knew I would be drafted in two years. Joining the USAF was the best option in my opinion.

It turned out to be the best decision of my life - I'll skip the long story here.

Even today I feel that everyone should serve, including all of our congressmen/presidents. It gives one a different perspective on the value of life, of living in the US, and more. Oh yes, and getting $78/month plus room/board is a great experience!

The most 'interesting' fact I have to report, that while I was a Captain in the USAF in New Mexico, I gave briefings on what the first GPS was to do. Being the lowest ranking member I was chosen to head up the development effort for the USAF in the middle of the California desert. Death valley, I think. Sounded good to me, a chance to get away from my wife for a while. However a comparable office in Ohio had the airplanes needed for the task and they were chosen. So my place in GPS history was lost. Oh well.

In summary, I proudly served from '58--'78, both in the enlisted ranks and as an officer. A B-47 mechanic in Ark, whoops, then some college, a tour at Cape Kennedy on the Titan IIIC missile, whoops, some more college, and three tours in NM working on research balloons, high-speed test track, F-102 drones, and more. Hoped for some foreign service, and only got 1 month in Panama flying balloons. (I couldn't ride in them, they were @ 100,000 ft).

The greatest job in the world. (If you don't mind a lot of hard work).

Bo - Capt. USAF retired

Actually, a lot of the oldtimers in the "sport" of Geocaching got their first taste of using a GPS in the military. Of course, many of the ones I used back then were like briefcase sized, LOL.

My, how times have changed, lol.

Mac

1.9k · March 28, 2011

Thanks to all for your service to our country.

We have a combined total of 46 years in the United States Air Force - husband retired after 26 years in 1992, and I retired after 20 years in 2000. God bless the USA and all our young service people from all branches now serving.

1.2k · May 5, 2011

Wow, that's quite a combined number of years of service! Kudos to you both!

Mac

May 5, 2011

Seeing all the time some of you have put in makes me second guess whether I want to post or not.

I signed my name on the line for a 4 yr. enlistment in the Air Force. Whether or not I should have stayed in is something I think about to this day. But if I had, I wouldn't have my 10 yr. old son today...and for that, I'm thankful I didn't stay.

Stationed at Shaw AFB, SC. 20th Security Police Squadron. I served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the southern No Fly Zone of Iraq. My time in wasn't always the funnest of times, but a time I'll never forget that's for sure. The things I got to see, the experiences, the memories...those are things no one can ever take away from me.

I'm proud to have followed in the footsteps of my Dad (Army), both of his brothers (Army & Navy) and my Grandpa (Army, WWII Vet, fought in the Battle at Remagen Bridge). And nothing would make me more proud than if my son chose to carry on the tradition later in his life. Two things had a profound impact on my life: becoming a father and serving in the U.S. military. It's a brotherhood, a camaraderie that most people don't get the privilege of understanding. It's a feeling so deep, so strong that even the seemingly innocent act of looking at a simple wall with names on it (or some other type of memorial) can bring a grown man to tears. I know, it's happened to me.

Thank you to those who have fought, those who have died, those who are fighting, and those who will. It was an honor to serve beside you.

May 6, 2011

USMC 1978-1987 Stationed in California, North Carolina and Japan

SEMPER FI DEVIL DOGS

Edited May 6, 2011 by Mr.Zoo

May 6, 2011

A little over 15 years active duty Air Force. Currently stationed as Shaw AFB SC. I am a weapons armament technician ( i load bomb and maintain/repair the weapons system on the F-16 currently) I have been stationed in Germany, Korea, and Nevada. I have deployed to Saudi Arabia for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. I have been to Turkey shortly after 9-11 for Operation Northern Watch, which by the way was the reason I decided to reenlist and stay in...and I was in Iraq in 2008.. putting warheads on foreheads is what we say...or without weapons just another airline. Currently I work as a Group Deployment Manager for the last year and a half, and have deployed many people to Iraq and Afghanistan. 5 years to go and I am counting the days, too early? lol

to clarify above, I currently am at a F-16 base, but I could be assigned to any aircraft in the Air Force that has a weapon systems, from UAVs to B-52s.

And 9-11 was the reason I stayed in, not going to Turkey lol

Edited May 6, 2011 by TheLoneGrangers

May 6, 2011

Joined in 1982. Retired in 2003. Oh, Army, Treadhead.

May 6, 2011

Joined US Army in 1991.

Basic Training & AIT at Fort McClellan, Alabama (95B MP)

1st assignment: Garlstedt, Germany (560th MP Company, attached to the 42nd MP Brigade in Manheiem)

2nd assignment: Bremerhaven, Germany (same as Garlstedt for Company). Moved to Bremerhaven after Garlstedt closed.

3rd assignment: Fort Benning, Georgia (3rd battalion, 24th infantry division) field support for 24th I.D.

4th assignment: Home in 1995.

May 6, 2011

I served in the U.S. Navy Active Duty as a Hospital Corpsman and Basic Lab Technician from July 4, 1989 to July 4, 1993. I was there for the beginning of Operation Desert Storm and many of my friends served on hospital ships or in the field alongside the Marine Corps. I myself stayed behind at Naval Hospital Oakland, CA during most of that time.

My most proud moments included my 2 months working at a field hospital with the Haitain Refugee Operation in Guantanamo Bay. Now I realise that the military was probably not a good fit for me and that I should've looked into the Peace Corps, or something like that, as I was totally not prepared for any kind of battle. I admit when I joined the Navy, I was 18, TOTALLY naive about what I was getting myself into, and SHOCKED and terrified when Desert Storm started. I had joined with the desire to travel, have adventures and save some money for college. WAR was NOT even in the edges of my imagination. As I said, I was soooo naive. I simply did not think they would send me, as a woman, to a war zone. Now I see women serving in so many capacities and I am amazed.

What the Navy did give me was some of the most interesting and close friends I have ever had, experiences I would never get any other way, and a confidence that I continue to benefit from. I have gotten every job I have ever applied for. It gave me a tiny insight into what our soldiers are doing now. I cannot imagine that if I had known then what I know now about the world and wars, that I would've had the courage to join the military. This said, I do not regret my decision at all, I just realise that I was pushed and nudged in by my recruiters and not prepared at all. Luckily for me, it all turned out well, and has served me positively throughout life.

Today's service members join with full knowledge of what they are getting into because the wars have been going on for so long. They know they may end up in a war zone at some point, and many of them look forward to it. I am so proud of our men and women in the armed forces, they are so courageous to serve our country in this state of turmoil. I am constantly amazed at what they can do. And I also have such respect and admiration for their families that support them while they serve, often to great sacrifice of their own. (Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day). Thank you...

I have an 8 year old son who has talked for at least 3 years that he wants to join the military and he wants to fly fighter jets. I hope to help him learn all he can about the military and make the best decision for himself, if that is what he chooses to do. I could tear up just thinking about it.

Andrea P.

Edited May 6, 2011 by FloridaFour

May 6, 2011

My ten year old son wants to be a medic. My 8 year old daughter wants to be President. :unsure:

May 7, 2011

I served in the Army as a Military Policeman from August 78 till April 84. I was stationed at Rhein Main AFB as a 42nd MP Gp Customs Inspector. Good times. One year at Ft. Eustis Va. Almost two years at Patch Baracks in Stuttgart Germany. I've carried a badge and a pistol from 1978 till now. For some the military changes you alot. For others very little. For me the military made me grow up earlier than I had planned. All in all it was the best move I ever made (besides marrying my wife). My son is thinking about joining the service. I hope it will be in peacetime but even if it is during peacetime it can change overnight.

May 7, 2011

My 8 year old daughter wants to be President.

It could happen!

May 7, 2011

Breaktrack- thanks for this thread, very interesting now that I've read it. People who have served in various ways with the common interest of geocaching, and I don't think it's a coincidence. Geocachers do enjoy a certain "brotherhood", at least at the gatherings I've been to, that remind me a lot of the military. I have met several current and ex-military members at Geo-Events. I do feel they are both kind of like being in a club where not many people can really relate to you unless they have tried it. The love of techie and outdoorsy stuff is also a common tie.

I also found the Conscientious Objector, VA hospital worker and military aircraft engineers all great ways to serve. I worked in a VA hospital for a week (hated it, I was sooo depressed) and so anyone who can work with very sick vets, and do it with compassion really impresses me.

Anyway, I just had to comment quickly on this:

At one time, I enjoyed the administrative adventure of living in Massachusetts, working in Connecticut, carrying a Missouri drivers’ license, driving a vehicle with Florida tags and making payments on it to a bank in Texas.

This is funny to me, because I remember having moved so many times and being young and stupid, messing up my taxes and probably not filing state taxes correctly because I really didn't know WHICH STATE I was a resident of! I got out of the military and had applied to colleges in Michigan (where I graduated high school) and California and Texas, 2 states I served in... and NONE of them considered me a state resident. Obviously I messed something up somewhere....

Oops, sorry that was waaay too off-topic. LOL!

1.2k · May 17, 2011

Hahahahaha, hey, I understand more than you know, lol. As well as serving in the military myself, my dad was a lifer himself. I grew up in it and lived all over. So I understand about having various documents of our lives be from scattered sources, lol.

Mac

Breaktrack- thanks for this thread, very interesting now that I've read it. People who have served in various ways with the common interest of geocaching, and I don't think it's a coincidence. Geocachers do enjoy a certain "brotherhood", at least at the gatherings I've been to, that remind me a lot of the military. I have met several current and ex-military members at Geo-Events. I do feel they are both kind of like being in a club where not many people can really relate to you unless they have tried it. The love of techie and outdoorsy stuff is also a common tie.

I also found the Conscientious Objector, VA hospital worker and military aircraft engineers all great ways to serve. I worked in a VA hospital for a week (hated it, I was sooo depressed) and so anyone who can work with very sick vets, and do it with compassion really impresses me.

Anyway, I just had to comment quickly on this:

At one time, I enjoyed the administrative adventure of living in Massachusetts, working in Connecticut, carrying a Missouri drivers license, driving a vehicle with Florida tags and making payments on it to a bank in Texas.

This is funny to me, because I remember having moved so many times and being young and stupid, messing up my taxes and probably not filing state taxes correctly because I really didn't know WHICH STATE I was a resident of! I got out of the military and had applied to colleges in Michigan (where I graduated high school) and California and Texas, 2 states I served in... and NONE of them considered me a state resident. Obviously I messed something up somewhere....

Oops, sorry that was waaay too off-topic. LOL!

Edited May 17, 2011 by Breaktrack

May 17, 2011

Navy. 6-19-62/12-30-66 USS Columbus. Pacific, Sea of Japan, Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Atlantic, North Atlantic, Mediterranean.

May 18, 2011

Did 6 years in the Army as an intelligence analyst. I could tell you more, but then I'd have to kill ya! :laughing:

May 18, 2011

C 1/5 '69 '70 USMC

3.7k · May 18, 2011

I'm not wishing to criticise this thread or anyone who's contributed (that's all been covered already), but considering it's near the top of the "Geocaching Topics" list it might be better to make it quite clear that this is nothing to do with geocaching and that it's strictly limited to military people from one country only. Then non-military, or non-US military people can just avoid it.

The title is quite unclear, even if English is your first language, and reading the thread may alienate potential Groundspeak customers.

May 18, 2011

How would it alienate anyone? There are thread topics on this forum that concern me but they don't alienate me.

3.7k · May 18, 2011

How would it alienate anyone? There are thread topics on this forum that concern me but they don't alienate me.

Because you might go to the forum to seek words of advice, encouragement and enlightenment on geocaching topics. In one of the top threads in the general Geocaching Topics section you get the impression that geocaching is largely populated by American military types. The assumption that you're probably American if you're in this (supposedly general) part of the forum will tend to alienate a good chunk of the caching fraternity.

Or can it be made clear that you're welcome to join in this thread if you're part of the military in your country (be it Germany, Italy, China, Palestine or Libya, for example)?

I'm not asking for the thread to be removed; but amended, or moved to the section for the appropriate country.

1.2k · May 18, 2011

Sorry you feel that way. But let me clarify: it is certanly not limited to military people from one country, as has been made clear in many of the posts over the years. We welcome any military, from any country, and even those who served their fellow man in other ways, i.e. Peace Corp, etc.

Mac

I'm not wishing to criticise this thread or anyone who's contributed (that's all been covered already), but considering it's near the top of the "Geocaching Topics" list it might be better to make it quite clear that this is nothing to do with geocaching and that it's strictly limited to military people from one country only. Then non-military, or non-US military people can just avoid it.

The title is quite unclear, even if English is your first language, and reading the thread may alienate potential Groundspeak customers.

May 18, 2011

United States Marine Corps for 7 years. Got out as a Corporal (E4) was a Squad Leader in the Gulf War.

May 19, 2011

United States Marine Corps for 7 years. Got out as a Corporal (E4) was a Squad Leader in the Gulf War.

Where in the Gulf war? Did you go into Kuwiat?

1.2k · June 22, 2011

Added information for those who don't know: The reason a topic is near the top of the subject list is that it has been recently replied to. The position of the topic has nothing to do with the "importance" or popularity of the topic.

Thanks,

Mac

Sorry you feel that way. But let me clarify: it is certanly not limited to military people from one country, as has been made clear in many of the posts over the years. We welcome any military, from any country, and even those who served their fellow man in other ways, i.e. Peace Corp, etc.

Mac

I'm not wishing to criticise this thread or anyone who's contributed (that's all been covered already), but considering it's near the top of the "Geocaching Topics" list it might be better to make it quite clear that this is nothing to do with geocaching and that it's strictly limited to military people from one country only. Then non-military, or non-US military people can just avoid it.

The title is quite unclear, even if English is your first language, and reading the thread may alienate potential Groundspeak customers.

2.1k · June 22, 2011

Added information for those who don't know: The reason a topic is near the top of the subject list is that it has been recently replied to. The position of the topic has nothing to do with the "importance" or popularity of the topic.

Sometimes the only reason a topic is near the top of the list is because every time it drops to the second page, the thread starter bumps it.

June 22, 2011

Added information for those who don't know: The reason a topic is near the top of the subject list is that it has been recently replied to. The position of the topic has nothing to do with the "importance" or popularity of the topic.

Sometimes the only reason a topic is near the top of the list is because every time it drops to the second page, the thread starter bumps it.

Which is the really annoying part of this thread. If the OP would just let it live and breath on its own without bumping it needlessly, most people would not mind it existing even though it is not geocaching related.

June 22, 2011

It's a common background we share. No matter our differences, we share something outside of caching. It's also better then starting 100 different threads on the same subject.

19k · June 22, 2011

It's a common background we share. No matter our differences, we share something outside of caching. It's also better then starting 100 different threads on the same subject.

So, start a "What did you eat for dinner?" thread here in the Geocaching Topics forum, and see how long it sticks around. However, it has been decided by TPTB that this one particular common ground thread has been grandfathered. Apparently bumping by the OP has also been grandfathered.

Personally, I would like to see a new forum opened up for this type of thread. A forum open to everybody that can be ignored if you're not interested. Seems like a very simple and workable solution to me.

June 23, 2011

I served in the United States Air Force from 1/9/79 to 10/9/85. I served at:

Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas

Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Virginia

Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Arizona

I have a trackable in circulation called "SSGT Kevin Arrington's U.S. Air Force Geocoin" which I hope to see visiting Air Force installations all over the world. See it at: http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=837609

I have another United States Air Force geocoin in circulation called "Laughter-Silvered Wings" which I have tasked to visit aviation landmarks in several places throughout the world. Visit the coin's page for information about its name: http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=854293

19k · June 23, 2011

It's a common background we share. No matter our differences, we share something outside of caching. It's also better then starting 100 different threads on the same subject.

So, start a "What did you eat for dinner?" thread here in the Geocaching Topics forum, and see how long it sticks around. However, it has been decided by TPTB that this one particular common ground thread has been grandfathered. Apparently bumping by the OP has also been grandfathered.

Personally, I would like to see a new forum opened up for this type of thread. A forum open to everybody that can be ignored if you're not interested. Seems like a very simple and workable solution to me.

Feeback suggestion... vote here, please. This is NOT at all a vote against this thread. This is a suggestion to place this thread and others like it in a spot that gives it special recognition for those that are interested.

June 23, 2011

Started serving in the Canadian Forces in 2003 and served 2 tours in Afghanistan as a armoured crewman in 2007 and 2010, I did a lot of work with along side Americans and Brits. Signed up to go back but since were withdrawing from combat missions there is no need for armoured crewman. I put in a application to transfer to Air Force and am awaiting training.

4.1k · June 23, 2011

Feeback suggestion... vote here, please. This is NOT at all a vote against this thread. This is a suggestion to place this thread and others like it in a spot that gives it special recognition for those that are interested.

After seeing this feedback topic I decided to check this thread for the first time. I was glad it took a broad view of service. I served by working with the United Farmworkers to form a union, walking across two countries for peace and justice, working with an alternative treatment program of severely disturbed and autistic youth, and prisoner rights. Then after many years, I finally found a way to serve that pays a living wage. Now I am not sure that that has to do with caching, but some of that is in my caching profile, so maybe there is a connection somewhere.

June 28, 2011

Stealth Bobber here...aka...Ronda

502 Combat Aviation Battalion Fort Hood, Tx.

1983-1986 AH-1S Cobra Attack Helicopter Fire Control Instrument Repair

Loved it, wish I had stayed in but was married and ready to have children

Life has been very very good to me...lol

June 28, 2011

Both of us have been full time in the Aussie Army since the mid/late 80's. :laughing: Still going strong (haven't learned our lesson yet!). We've both been to a few places, some friendlier than others and certainly not the sort of places you'd be looking for geocaches unfortunately! :blink: We know plenty of serving and retired people who are into geocaching, having learned the black art of navigation and creeping around in the bush on the job!

July 1, 2011

Originally, I was in the Army Security Agency. They decided later on to call us Military Intelligence. (now there ... is an Oxymoron !

Traveled to many parts of the world. Saw some nice places ... saw some not so nice places.

Favorite Assignments:

National Security Agency

Field Station Augsburg

856th ASA

--------------

ASA/MI Veteran ... Geocaching for Uncle Sam ... we just didn't realize it at the time!

<IMG SRC="http://img.Groundspeak.com/cache/55883_200.gif">

Clever line.How true only if you weren't there you would never understand.

How did you serve?

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