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How did you serve?


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I just wanted to say:

 

KUDOS to the Commander-In-Chief for visiting the troops on Thanksgiving. Those of us who have been there understand just what a great thing that was.

 

B)  :D  B)

No offense intended to you or any of our fellow military members, as I am one, but I didn't think it was great and I am in Baghdad right now. I don't give him much kudos as I think it was just a political statement because his reelection is coming up. Granted we got Saddam, Bush made a bad move based on faulty intelligence and jumped ship from the UN and went on his own. Where are the WMDs? All our brothers/sisters-in-arms dying for nothing. Iraq is in no way a threat to the US, maybe Iraq's neighbors, but not us. Don't get me wrong, I am proud to wear the uniform, and how I expressed my opinion is one of the reasons we wear the uniform, freedom of expression.

Well, I have to admit, I agree with you on one issue. The fact that you have the right to have the opinion you have is indeed definitive. I laud you're use of this right.

 

On the other hand, I truly do not know what you base the rest of your opinon on, so it would not be of any use to trade political beliefs or opinons about whether Saddam was actually a threat to the U. S. or not.

 

I do personally know, and have served with, individuals who are presently serving in the theater. They seem to have no problem with our being there, they believe we are doing a good thing, and that we are NOT dying for "no good reason". I have faith in these individuals as we have served side by side in the past and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I agree with them that no matter the reasons, valid or invalid, that got us into Iraq, it was a good thing to do and it will reflect well on us that we freed a people from an oppressive regime.

 

I applaud your service, I feel far too few of our youth feel service in the armed forces is an honorable profession in our day and time. I feel that in some way you have been let down in the past by someone important. I am able to see a noble reason for our Commander in Chief to make an unscheduled trip to visit troops in the field, despite the fact that his political opponents would try to make it something bad. I am able to see our Commander in Chief being of such a sensitivity that he knows troops far from home in a dangerous place would appreciate such a gesture from their President, the man who orders them into such places. I can see our Commander in Chief making hard decisions that others left to him rather than handling themselves, and then complaining about how he handles those decisions.

 

I applaud you for your service, and I applaud him for his. I celebrate both of you being Americans in a dangerous world. I pray for both of you and for your safety. I hope you find something worthwhile in what you are doing and it gives you peace.

 

Mac McKinney

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Bush made a bad move based on faulty intelligence and jumped ship from the UN and went on his own. Where are the WMDs? All our brothers/sisters-in-arms dying for nothing.

I support your right to say what you believe.

 

As far as the WMD, I guess Saddam used 'em all on the kurds!

 

People tend to forget about that.

 

The Iraqi generals thought they had them, Saddam thought he had them, we saw him use them on the kurds, saw him launch missles into Israel........???

People tend to forget about that too.

 

There is way to much monday morning quarterbacking on this...and yes.... in an election year.

Dems arent opposed to slanting history in a way that serves their purposes either.

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I'm hoping this thread doesn't turn into what I've seen in usenet groups -- political grandstanding, my view is the only correct view, and you're an idiot because you disagree with me.

 

It started out with a question, "(snipped a whole lot)...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. "

 

Let's just answer the question, and not get into politics here.

 

 

Just my $.02.

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Staff Sergeant

United States Marine Corps

7/27/1977 - 8/28/1992:

 

Infantry...

- B Co., 1stBn, 5thMar, 1stMarDiv, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA (including 2 rotations to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan including side trips to the Phillippines, South Korea, Hong Kong, Tinian, Guam,)

 

Data Processing

- ISMO, 1st FSSG, MCB Camp Pendlton, CA

- RASC, HQ, FMFPAC, Camp Smith, HI

- MCCDPA, MCLB Albany, GA

- RASC, MCB Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan

- RASC, MCB Camp LeJeune, NC

 

Semper Fi!

Edited by kiltedcacher
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Let's just answer the question

Yeah, and better be honest about it! <_<

 

Corporal Divine

Divine, I can always count on you for a laugh or a smile, thanks bro! LOL.

 

As for the other, yes, this is not the place for the politics of service, just list where, when, and how you served and let us appreciate it.

 

Thanks to all who have posted here, or will post here, and thank you for your service. Those who are currently serving make me feel better about having to retire from it, I know we are in good hands.

 

Mac McKinney aka Breaktrack

 

:D:D:blink::blink::blink:

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Just an update, my good friend and fellow soldier, Major Lee Flemming has safely returned from his tour of Iraq. He is back safe in Clarksville, Tennessee, stationed at Fort Campbell, with his wife and daughter. He is a fine American and one of our nations great soldiers.

 

It is good to have people like him out there taking care of business.

 

Welcome Home Lee!!!! Now get back to Geocaching...LOL.

 

Mac

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USMC. I was an AIrcraft Rescue Firefighter. Got out as a SGT. Spent time in:

 

Parris Island, SC

Camp Geiger, NC

NAS Millington TN

MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

ROK Marine base Yechon Korea

Pohang Korea

Samasan, Thailand (Pattaya Beach Rules!!!!)

MCAS/F Tustin, CA

MCAS El Toro, CA

29 Palms, CA (HELL!!!!)

 

Jason

 

Off topic: Why does it say warn under my AVATAR?

 

J

Edited by XTERRER
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USAF… Will retire in 2 more years with 24 years in.. moving back to Michigan.

 

As a Weapons Load Crew Chief (bomb/missile loader) or a Weapons system troubleshooter on the F-16

1. Desert Storm (Had a great time… Loaded over 100,000 lbs of bombs)

2. Operation Southern Watch (3-6 months each and every year from 1992 till 1999)

 

As part of a Combat Search and Rescue squadron.

 

1. Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan. (3 month trip) Part of Operation Anaconda. With another 3 month trip last March.

2. Operation Iragi Freedom. Just got back.

3. Should be back over there in 6 months.

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Attempted to serve in 1989, straight out of High School and eager to join. US Army (upset my parents, my dad was a Navy man). Put in 8months service, through basic, and jump school, until the Army found I had fractured two cervical vertebrea while playing High School football. That was it, all she wrote. First thing they pulled my Airborne status, as I wasn't medically fit for Airborne service. Next step was to cut me loose. Tried appealing with no luck. Still to this day I have No problems with the old injur, go figure...

 

Got out of the Army and went to school, became a Paramedic, and then a Deputy Sheriff. Got married and wife took a healthy promotion and has bounced us all over the country with her career.

 

Do I hold a person in higher regard if they have military service.......YES! When it comes time to vote and hear all the bickering back and forth, I due pay more attention to what a Vet has to say. He has done his part, served our country, and deserves to be heard, no matter what capacity he/she served.

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A bit different service to the nation...

 

caveat: Dad WW2 43-46 Europe, Korea, stateside; Uncle, USNA 41, KIA 42; father in law WW2 Pacific...Me -- Navy wouldn't let me fly so instead of signing...

 

I have served my country for 24 years. 1980-81 Urban School District; 1981-84 Rural Appalachian Extreme Poverty Qualified School District; 1984-2004 Rural/Suburban School District; 1987-2004 Outward Bound Sea Instructor (Youth Leadership Expeditions) including over a year cumulative sea time (check out what a pulling boat looks like); and countless hours in youth development programs and work, ecological rehabilitation, etc...

 

In that time, I have happily prepared kids for the military, Ivy League schools, Community Colleges and Universities, seen them build their own businesses and create wonderful families and productive lives for themselves; unhappily, I have disarmed kids with knives, and once with a firearm, seen some go on to prison, two murdered, and others fall prey to drugs.

 

Ten more years to retirement, and maybe after 34 years, I'll go another couple more, happily...and not for the pay, but to serve my country.

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A bit different service to the nation...

 

Ten more years to retirement, and maybe after 34 years, I'll go another couple more, happily...and not for the pay, but to serve my country.

That sounds good to me, looks like you've done your part for sure!!!

 

Thanks for posting it for all to share.

 

Mac

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Mr SuzyQ served 11 years in the United States Navy. (Machinist Mate) Locations are as follows:

 

NTC Great Lakes 1988-1989

USS Constellation CV-64 1989-1991

FTC Treasure Island 1991

USS Saratoga CV-60 1991-1994

NAVSTA Charleston 1994-1996

SIMA Mayport 1996-1997

USS John F Kennedy CV-67 1997-1999

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I understand flask's post but I think Flask and others need to undestand for many of us that our prior military experience become forever ingrained.

 

Those without military service don't understand "you can leave the military but the military never leaves you". This is not about politics, who is right or who is wrong. "Civilians" need to know that soldiers are the last people to have a say in how our military is engaged. Some of us volunteered, some had no choice but to serve, regardless of how we came to wear the uniform, it changed us forever. I can't go on a long cache hike and not think about how it often feels just like pounding the ground.

 

I was active duty USAF from 1983-1990 and served in the CA ANG from 90 to 95. I find this thread interesting not because of politics. It is nice to see that the USAF veterans clearly dominate the ranks of cachers with military experience. I imagine Air Force cachers have proportionately more finds then Navy cachers. OKAY OKAY NO FLAMES THIS IS JUST MILITARY HUMOR. :lol:

 

BTW one of my last active duty (TDY) posts was Latitude: 76 32 14.06775 N. Longitude: 68 49 25.92708. Looks like no one has braved the cold to place a cache...

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I was in Uncle Sams Navy from '83-'93. EN1-(SW)

 

Served on the USS Sumter (LST-1181)

YTB's in Mayport Fla.(Cheng)

And as an inspection team member for diesel and boiler operated ships out of Norfolk.

 

It was some of the best times I have ever had.

 

I'm new to this board, so excuse me if what I say next is out of line, But I can generally just "Tell" by first impressions if a person I meet for the first time has served or not. Their demeanor is just,,,well,,,different.

 

A military, or "ex" military person tends to simply "carry" or "present" themselves differently than others.

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I was in Uncle Sams Navy from '83-'93. EN1-(SW)

 

Served on the USS Sumter (LST-1181)

YTB's in Mayport Fla.(Cheng)

And as an inspection team member for diesel and boiler operated ships out of Norfolk.

 

It was some of the best times I have ever had.

 

I'm new to this board, so excuse me if what I say next is out of line, But I can generally just "Tell" by first impressions if a person I meet for the first time has served or not. Their demeanor is just,,,well,,,different.

 

A military, or "ex" military person tends to simply "carry" or "present" themselves differently than others.

Have to agree with you. It comes with the territory.

 

With that said, small disclaimer..... results may vary, the military does NOT work for everyone....lol.

 

Mac

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Hey, I'm glad this post got bumped up because it's been a fascinating read! I have never served in the military, but like a few others here my service has been on the homefront. My husband has been active duty Army for just about 11 years, and he's my hero. Initially he was 11B (2/505th PIR, Ft. Bragg), and then reclassed to 14E (Patriot). We've been to Ft. Bliss TX, spent an astounding five years in Germany, and are now back at Bliss. He didn't see any time in Iraq or Kuwait, but did deploy last year. Just found out not too long ago that he got a combat patch for his deployment, although he doesn't really think he deserves it. His enlistment is up in December and we're hoping to head to Colorado Springs, AGR.

 

Paula :)

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The male part of this team served as a 1/Lt in the US Army from 1963 to 1965. More and more, as I grow older, I wish I had stayed in for 30. There is just one thing wrong with that thinking, however -- had I stayed in I wouldn't have met the female half of this team, and that would have been a serious bummer.

 

I think most people respect the military service of others. But there are times when they seemingly don't. Example. We have a neighbor who works for the federal government. I worked in commercial industry. She is not a veteran but got every Veteran's Day off. I was a veteran, and worked every Veteran's Day. We joked about it -- but inside there was a little voice saying "Something is out of whack here."

 

Just some thoughts...

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I'm 33 and have never served but will never pass up an opportunity to say "Thank You" to those who did.

 

Your selfless act speaks volumes about your character and allows us all to excercise the freedoms that this nation was built upon.

 

Respectfully,

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Does Aussie service count? We've fought alongside the USA in every conflict from WWI onwards, so I hope it does!

 

I'm Army, RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical & Mechaical Engineers) Early Seventies. Motor Mechanic specialising in the M113A Armoured Personnel Carrier (Cavalry Vehicle). No overseas service, Vietnam ended just after I signed up... I don't know whether I was sad or glad...

 

Cheers

 

Ron

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I was in the US Navy from 1960 to 1963. I left as an Electronics Technician Petty Officer second class. I was on a ship the whole time, first on the USS Cadmus a repair ship out of Norfolk, VA then on the USS Mauna Loa an amunition ship out of Bayonne, NJ. The Mauna Loa was part of a recommisioned fleet that was involved in the Cuban Missle Crisis. I never regret my military experience and feel it was a time that a young man of 18 grew up and matured. I also thank all our military personel that are now and in the past serving our country.

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My "service record", if you will, includes the following:

 

Air Force brat; Dad was in the Air Force for 20 years, and in the Marines for four years before that

 

Former Navy wife for 14 years

 

Happily married to a retired Air Force Master Sergeant

 

Father-in-law also retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant

 

Brother is a Warrant Officer in the Coast Guard, with prior service in the Air Force

 

Oldest son is in the Air Force; joined via DEP a few months before 9-11 and left for basic one month after

 

Youngest son leaves for Army boot camp in July

 

I'm still waiting for my honorary uniform. :lol:

 

Thanks to everyone (military and civil service) who have weighed the consequences of serving, yet served selflessly nonetheless.

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First off, THANK YOU to all people who have served in whatever capacity (and that includes the dependents). I am proud to be a USAF veteran, USAF 1998-2003. I loved it and would still be in the service if my husband and I could have been stationed together. We served almost an entire year at different bases, and that was too much. I'm dedicated to my country, but I'm more dedicated to my husband.

 

Served as an F-15 Avionics Systems Technician (backshop) at Seymour Johnson AFB (North Carolina), RAF Lakenheath (UK), and Mountain Home AFB (Idaho), and deployed once to Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia).

 

To all the veterans and active members of the armed forces, you have my respect, gratitude, and prayers!!

 

McWeb

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Example. We have a neighbor who works for the federal government. I worked in commercial industry. She is not a veteran but got every Veteran's Day off. I was a veteran, and worked every Veteran's Day. We joked about it -- but inside there was a little voice saying "Something is out of whack here."

 

Just some thoughts...

Isn't that the truth

 

U.S.N 1958 to 1962

USS Merrick AKA 97

USS Plumas County LST 1083

USS Coral Sea CVA 43

Discharged as EN3

Loved the gator navy, can't say much about carriers

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I did not serve in the armed forces, but I'm always happy to buy a meal for anyone in uniform at any time. I find that as I've put a few years under my belt that I have become profoundly greatful to those who have put themselves at risk for our country. I tip my hat to each of you.

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My nephew (age 33, father of 3) served in Iraq with the Marines. While there he kept a journal which was later picked up by the Wall Street Journal and published over a five-week period. It's an amazing read if you've got a few minutes.

 

Iraqi War Journal

 

While there he, and others in his company took lots of photos which show just how lousy living conditions can get (remember the early dust-storms?) Two of my favorites though are the first two on this linked page showing a before and after shot of Fox Company Marines holding their flag with their Company motto printed on one border, "Everybody has fun, nobody gets hurt" As a group they were fortunate to only have one man killed over there. They took part in some of the heaviest fighting with a couple of firefights lasting several hours.

 

Fox Company photos from Iraq

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USAF

Feb 83 to Feb 87 at Offutt AFB Nebraska after training at Sheppard in Texas. Offutt was SAC head quarters. There were 24 Generals on base. I worked about half my time in the HQ building including the underground command post then the base side. At Offutt there were so many Officers that the only ones that got any real respect were Full Bird Col's and above. I had a top secret clearance and I hope what I'm sharing is unclassified, if not you may get some visitors since now you to know. Looking back, it was a great assignment.

Now my Son is in the USAF stationed at Beal AFB but currently training in Nevada. He will be going to Kuait in Sept. then maybe Iraq. He is in the Security Forces. I cant tell you how proud I am of my Son.

 

I did not serve in the armed forces, but I'm always happy to buy a meal for anyone in uniform at any time

 

PS Were do I find you when I'm hungry?

Edited by Phone guy
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PS Were do I find you when I'm hungry?

Look me up in Sacramento, CA with your uniform on and I'm good for it any day of the week.

 

One of my good buddies was a Combat Crew Commander (missile puke) when he served in the USAF. At the time, he was the youngest one in the USAF. He had a Titan silo. They were the "red-headed step-children" when the Peacekeeper missiles came on line though.

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Wow, there have been quite a few great entries since I last took a look. It never ceases to amaze me how so many people quietly serve the country and never expect anyone to say thanks. I am also gratified by the number of people who say thanks anyway....

 

God bless you one and all, and God bless the United States of America.

 

Mac

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Was AF ROTC while in college. Came out and when into private sector. Wished I had stayed in but had other priorities at the time.

When 9/11 happened I decided to do something about it, quit my job and joined the Dept of Homeland Security. Now I inspect airports trying to do my part to insure it doesn't happen again.

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